- Haley mixed up Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark's name on Saturday in Iowa
- Instead, she accidentally referred to CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins
- The gaffe comes after Haley drew criticism for her comments about the Civil War
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley falsified the name of a local college basketball star in Iowa on Saturday, another embarrassing campaign faux pas.
While speaking at the Iowa Athletic Club in Coralville, Haley accidentally referred to Iowa Hawkeyes superstar Caitlin Clark as “Kaitlan Collins,” the up-and-coming CNN anchor's name.
“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 members of the crowd.
The actual Kaitlan Collins responded to the mix-up with good humor on X, where she wrote, “I can assure you her free throw rate is much better than mine.”
This comes after Haley faced backlash in New Hampshire this week when she failed to mention slavery when asked by a voter what she thought caused the American Civil War.
While speaking at the Iowa Athletic Club in Coralville, Haley accidentally referred to Iowa Hawkeyes superstar Caitlin Clark as “Kaitlan Collins,” the up-and-coming CNN anchor's name
Caitlin Clark is the Iowa Hawkeyes superstar, while Kaitlan Collins (right) is the CNN anchor
Haley, the former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor, reversed her comments about the Civil War hours later in a radio interview, saying, “Of course the Civil War was about slavery,” which she called “a stain on America.” '
The campaign of Ron DeSantis, another Republican candidate, pounced on Haley's Iowa mix-up, posting on Moderator.”'
Still, the glitch didn't stop Haley from attending the Hawkeyes' home women's basketball game against Minnesota on Saturday, where Clark had 35 points and 10 assists.
Haley walked into Carver-Hawkeye Arena with 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's Gamecocks, the current No. 1 women's basketball team.
“We’re used to women’s basketball in South Carolina,” Haley said. “We are excited and happy to be here. 'Go, Lady Hawkeyes.'
Still, the mistake didn't stop Haley from attending the Hawkeyes' home women's basketball 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 field against guard Amaya Battle #3 of the Minnesota Gophers during the second half on Saturday
Last March, Clark scored 41 points in the NCAA Tournament semifinals, ending defending champion South Carolina's perfect season at Iowa.
At 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 rose to fame and fortune with her unique game, has around 20,000 more followers on Instagram than Haley, a former UN ambassador.
Haley hopes to build on the momentum heading into the Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses and battle DeSantis for a possible second-place finish.
Former President Donald Trump remains comfortably ahead in the polls, frustrating some Iowa voters who want a more competitive race.