Nikki Haley: Biden's Withdrawal Not Surprising, Kamala Harris Will Be the De Facto Nominee

Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has expressed her views on President Biden's decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. She predicted Harris would become the Democratic nominee and criticized the Democrats for putting forward what she considered a "weak" candidate.

Nikki Haley, who vied for the GOP nomination in 2024 before backing Donald Trump, commented on President Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race during an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper. Haley had previously called for Biden to undergo a mental competency test and predicted he wouldn't complete a hypothetical second term.

"I wasn't surprised [by Biden's withdrawal], and I didn't take happiness in it," Haley remarked. "I think through the whole campaign, I fought for mental competency tests. I wasn't trying to be disrespectful or mean. I did it because I think it's not just Joe Biden."

Nikki Haley: Biden's Withdrawal Not Surprising, Kamala Harris Will Be the De Facto Nominee

Haley elaborated, "There's an issue in D.C. where people go into office and refuse to let go. Their staffers and family support them, but this is a problem for the American people. Therefore, I never imagined he'd make it to the election. I always maintained that a vote for Joe Biden was a vote for Kamala Harris, and I think that's what's happening now."

During her presidential campaign, Haley repeatedly expressed concerns about Biden's mental decline.

Nikki Haley: Biden's Withdrawal Not Surprising, Kamala Harris Will Be the De Facto Nominee

"Let's be clear: a vote for President Biden is actually a vote for President Harris," Haley told "Fox & Friends" in 2023. "We are running against Kamala Harris. Don't misunderstand. The New York Times and every liberal are aware of this. They recognize that if Joe Biden wins this election, Kamala Harris will eventually become President of the United States."

Despite criticizing the Democrats, Haley suggested they could benefit from fielding a younger candidate than Biden.

Nikki Haley: Biden's Withdrawal Not Surprising, Kamala Harris Will Be the De Facto Nominee

"The Democrats are astute to put forward a younger candidate," Haley said. "I believe that is what America has been seeking, but I think what you are witnessing is them selecting the most vulnerable candidate they could find."

Biden officially withdrew from the presidential race on Sunday and issued a statement indicating his support for Harris as the Democratic candidate. Harris has swiftly garnered support and has solidified her position as the de facto nominee.