Gov. Haley defends small businesses from President Obama's remarks

By Ramsey Cox - 08/28/12 10:11 PM ET

Gov. Nikki Haley (R-S.C.) said President Obama was wrong when he said small business owners “didn’t build that.”

“My parents started a business out of the living room of our home and, 30-plus years later, it was a multimillion dollar company,” Haley said Tuesday night in Tampa. Fla. “But there wasn't a single day that was easy and there wasn't a single day my Mom and Dad didn't put everything they had into making that business a success.

“So, President Obama, with all due respect, don't tell me that my parents didn't build their business.”

Throughout the evening Republicans used Obama's remark against him. In July, Obama told an audience, "If you've got a business, you didn't build that. Somebody else made that happen."

Republicans have devoted all of Tuesday to a theme — "We Built It" — that is meant to challenge Obama's assertion.

“Sadly, the hardest part of my job continues to be this federal government, this administration, this president,” Haley said. “As I said, my parents loved that when they came to America, if you worked hard, the only things that could stop you were the limits you placed on yourself. Unfortunately, these past few years, you can work hard, try to be as successful as possible, follow the rules, and President Barack Obama will do everything he can to stand in your way.”