A Tale Of Donald Trump & Nikki Haley's Friendship

The sixth GOP debate, held in South Carolina, has been quite the barn burner. Candidates have taken to attacking each other as well as Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton and the current administration. The state's governor, who delivered the Republican response to Obama's last State of the Union, was also in attendance for the GOP debate. Her remarks served as inspiration for a question on the more divisive rhetoric of candidates, specifically the Donald. Are Donald Trump and Nikki Haley friends? The real estate mogul seems to think so.

Haley had previously been critical of Trump's politics in when broached about the subject in September, questioning his thoughts on immigration as well as his political approach. She similarly hit on those points on Tuesday night. During Haley's SOTU response, she somewhat evoked Trump in questioning his angry approach to politics. Haley said:

We live in a time of threats like few others in recent memory. During anxious times, it can be tempting to follow the siren call of the angriest voices. We must resist that temptation. No one who is willing to work hard, abide by our laws, and love our traditions should ever feel unwelcome in this country.

The statement was brought up once more during the GOP debate. Moderator Neil Cavuto asked Trump about the South Carolina governor's response. Cameras then showed Haley sitting among the crowded venue as Trump gave his surprisingly friendly answer.

Surprisingly, Trump owned up to the fact that he is often seen as a gruff candidate and was unperturbed by the prominent Republican's response. He then stated on the debate stage that both he and Haley were on good terms. Trump said:

First of all, Nikki, this afternoon, said I am friend of her. Wherever you're sitting, Nikki, we're great friends. We're friends. It's good. I’m very angry because our country is being run horribly, and I would gladly accept the mantle of anger. Our vets are being treated horribly. Illegal immigration is beyond belief, our country is being run by incompetent people, and yes, I am angry... I didn’t find it [Haley's statements] offensive. I'm angry because our country is a mess.

Haley has previously stated that the two were friends following her SOTU response. Speaking with reporters, she stressed that, though the two have their differences, they're nonetheless friends. "Just because you disagree with somebody doesn't mean you're not a friend," Haley said. The Donald's answer during the debate as well as Haley's behavior clearly indicates that relations are fine between the two.