Former South Carolina governor and Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley faced criticism after failing to mention slavery as the cause of the Civil War during a town hall event in Berlin, New Hampshire. When asked about the cause of the Civil War, Haley stumbled through an answer about government overreach and "the freedoms of what people could and couldn't do," without mentioning slavery. The questioner, identified as Patrick, expressed his disappointment with Haley's response. The incident drew immediate criticism, with President Biden tweeting, "It was about slavery." Haley attempted to clarify her stance on Thursday, acknowledging that the Civil War was indeed about slavery but insinuating that the question had come from a political detractor rather than a Republican voter. She accused President Biden and Democrats of "sending plants" to her town-hall events, suggesting they wanted to run against Trump. The gaffe may have impacted her appeal to moderates and independents, who view her as a potential agent of compromise. Haley's record as governor includes removing the Confederate battle flag from the South Carolina Capitol grounds and advocating for a middle ground on abortion. However, her refusal to address slavery or race in America has been criticized as a betrayal of her own story. The incident occurred as Haley's momentum in New Hampshire grows, with recent polls showing her gaining on former President Donald Trump. She has been endorsed by Republican New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu. Haley often highlights the removal of the Confederate flag in South Carolina as an example of bringing the country together and emphasizes the importance of tone in leadership.