Nikki Haley confuses Iowa Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark with CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins – after her Civil War gaffe drew backlash in New Hampshire
- Haley mixed up Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark's name on Saturday in Iowa
- Instead, she accidentally referred to CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins
- The blunder comes after Haley was criticized for her comments about the Civil War
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley muddled the name of a local college basketball star in Iowa on Saturday in another embarrassing campaign blunder.
During a speech at the Iowa Athletic Club in Coralville, Haley accidentally referred to Iowa Hawkeyes superstar Caitlin Clark as “Kaitlan Collins,” the name of CNN's rising star.
“We're excited to see the Lady Hawkeyes team. What a great coach they have. Kaitlan Collins is phenomenal,” Haley said, drawing confused looks from several audience members.
The actual Kaitlan Collins responded in good spirits to X, where she wrote, “I can assure you that her free throw percentage is much better than mine.”
It comes after Haley faced backlash in New Hampshire this week, where she did not mention slavery when a voter asked her what she thought caused the Civil War.
During a speech at the Iowa Athletic Club in Coralville, Haley accidentally referred to Iowa Hawkeyes superstar Caitlin Clark as “Kaitlan Collins,” the name of CNN's rising star.
Caitlin Clark is the Iowa Hawkeyes' superstar, while Kaitlan Collins (right) is CNN's anchor
Haley, a former United Nations ambassador and governor of South Carolina, walked back her Civil War comments hours later during a radio interview in which she said, “Of course the Civil War was about slavery,” something she called “a blemish on called America. '
The campaign of Ron DeSantis, another GOP hopeful, pounced on Haley's confusion in Iowa, posting on X: “After making a fool of herself in New Hampshire, Nikki Haley just landed in Iowa and confused an Iowa basketball star with CNN anchor. '
Still, the blunder didn't stop Haley from attending Saturday's Hawkeyes women's basketball game against Minnesota, where Clark scored 35 points and 10 assists.
Haley walked into Carver-Hawkeye Arena next to her son Nalin, wearing an Iowa button on her jacket, the Associated Press reported.
The former South Carolina governor called Iowa coach Lisa Bluder a “rock star” and referenced her home state Gamecocks, the current No. 1 women's basketball team.
“We're used to women's basketball in South Carolina,” Haley said. “We're excited, so happy to be here. Go Lady Hawkeyes.”
Still, the blunder didn't stop Haley from attending the Hawkeyes women's basketball home game against Minnesota on Saturday
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley attends a Lady Hawkeyes game
Guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes drives down the court against guard Amaya Battle #3 of the Minnesota Gophers in the second half on Saturday
Last March in an NCAA tournament semifinal, Clark scored 41 points as Iowa capped defending champion South Carolina's perfect season.
During Saturday's game, Haley chatted with former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and David Bluder, the coach's husband.
Even as some fans approached Haley as she took her seat, all eyes were on Clark, the reigning Associated Press National Player of the Year.
Clark, who has made fame and fortune from her once-in-a-generation game, has about 20,000 more followers on Instagram than Haley, a former U.N. ambassador.
Haley hopes to build on the momentum as the Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses approach and battle DeSantis for what could be a second-place finish.
Former President Donald Trump continues to maintain a commanding lead in the polls, frustrating some Iowa voters who want a more competitive race.