Some People Skipped Nikki Haley's Speech and Criticized Her Teeth Instead

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley's Republican response to President Obama's State of the Union address included a few main points: hugs, not hate; Democrats are doing it wrong; and Republicans will usher in a new era in American history if elected to its highest office. 

Unfortunately, most people seemed too distracted by Haley's teeth to hear her words.

Haley joins a long line of Republicans who have delivered the SOTU rebuttal and received swift ridicule. Of course, Marco Rubio had the infamous water bottle moment. But Haley and then-Rep. Michele Bachmann, who gave a rebuttal in 2011, were criticized for their appearance. Haley dealt with jokes about her too-close-together teeth, while Bachmann's eyes were the subject of internet scrutiny after she delivered the Tea Party's response to the State of the Union. 

Female politicians are often the subject of negative attacks based on their appearance. Presidential candidate Carly Fiorina's looks have been topic of conversation, including a seven-minute appearance on The View in which the hosts talked about her face. Hillary Clinton has faced just as much criticism over her wardrobe, hair and makeup as she has over Benghazi. 

The real irony, it seems, is that people want women to show their teeth and smile — just ask Nicki Minaj or Serena Williams — but once they do, they are still not free from criticism.

Watch Haley's Republican rebuttal below and stay focused on her words — not her incisors.