In an appearance on News' Sunday morning, former Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley criticized remarks made by Ohio Senator JD Vance, referring to them as 'not helpful' and indicative of 'style' rather than 'substance.' Haley, who has endorsed former President Trump, responded to questions from host Margaret Brennan about Vance's recent comments that seemed offensive to women. Brennan highlighted Vance's remark about the head of the most powerful teachers' union not having children and asked Haley if such statements could alienate female voters.

Haley acknowledged that such comments are distractive and emphasized prioritizing policy over style. She defended focusing on policies like tax cuts, housing affordability, immigration, and national security, while advising Republicans to avoid personality-driven statements. Haley's call for a policy-centered discussion reflects a broader concern among Republicans about voter perceptions.

Vance has been under scrutiny due to past comments that have resurfaced since he became Trump's running mate. In a 2021 interview, Vance criticized childless women in power, calling them 'a bunch of childless cat ladies.' Vance later described the comment as sarcastic and claimed it was misinterpreted by Democrats, expressing regret that people took it the wrong way.

The controversy surrounding Vance's comments comes amid a significant gender gap in voter support. A recent Siena College poll showed Democratic nominee Harris leading among women in key states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, while Trump was ahead among male voters. Experts predict a larger-than-normal gender gap in the 2024 election, driven by younger voters.

Haley also criticized Harris for her lack of media interviews, emphasizing that Republicans should focus on policy rather than complain about her media availability. Haley reiterated her belief that Harris, not Biden, has been the real opponent all along due to Biden's perceived incapacity to handle a presidential campaign. She called for a strategic shift within the Republican Party to prioritize substantial policy discussions and avoid distractions.