MIAMI, FL — Last night's Republican presidential debate was brought to a grinding halt as former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley was stumped by a moderator asking her to list any countries in the world she doesn't want to invade.
"I don't understand the question," a bewildered Haley said in response. "You're asking me about countries to not invade? Why would there be any countries I wouldn't want to invade? Is this a trick question?"
The moderator, NBC's Lester Holt, repeated the question. "What I asked was, ‘You have gained a reputation for being a war hawk and making strong statements about confronting Iran militarily. To provide clarity, which countries throughout the world do you not want to invade?'"
Haley stared blankly, seemingly confused by the notion that anyone would be reluctant to invade any country. "I'm…I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the concept," she answered. "Maybe you could list some countries for me, and I'll let you know if I would invade them or not?"
"Very well," Holt said. "Russia?"
"I would totally invade them," Haley said.
"Romania?" Holt asked.
"Hmmm," Haley thought, "Yes, invade."
"Liechtenstein?" Holt asked.
"Nice try, Lester," Haley said. "You made that one up."
"Ms. Haley, could you please provide us with the name of one nation you would not be in favor of invading?"
At publishing time, candidates had chosen to resume the debate after waiting 15 minutes for Haley to respond, as she continued to sit in silence in an attempt to comprehend the question.