Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was confronted by a supporter on Jan 3, demanding an explanation for not aggressively pursuing former President Donald Trump.
Go Directly After Trump
During a town hall event in Waukee, Iowa, Christopher Garcia asked DeSantis why he hadn’t “gone directly” after the former president.
Desantis Too Leninet on Trump
“You’re going pretty soft on him,” Garcia stated, reflecting his view that a more direct approach was necessary.
DeSantis’s Response
In response, DeSantis argued that he has consistently highlighted the differences between himself and Trump throughout his ultimately unsuccessful presidential campaign.
Trump’s Actions Contributed to His Defeat
The exchange grew more intense when Garcia suggested that Trump’s own actions during his presidency contributed to his defeat.
If Trump Kept His Mouth Shut, He Would Have Won
Garcia noted, “If Trump had kept his mouth shut for the four years that he was president, he would have won in a landslide. Is that true?”
“His own Worst Enemy”
DeSantis acknowledged this point, agreeing that Trump has been “his own worst enemy.”
Supporter Dissatisfied with Response
Garcia, however, expressed dissatisfaction with DeSantis’ response and criticized his campaign strategy, stating, ‘I’m disappointed that he doesn’t have a good campaign.”
Comparing DeSantis, Haley and Trump
He added, “He’s dropping in the polls by Nikki Haley. And he’s twice a candidate that she is, you know, he’s proven. He showed himself what he can do in Florida. So why is he letting Trump go the way he is? I wouldn’t do it.”
Effectiveness of DeSantis Strategy
Following the heated dialogue, DeSantis was asked about the effectiveness of his strategy and his need for a clearer distinction from Trump.
Need for a Direct Debate to trade Visions
The Florida governor emphasized the need for a direct debate with Trump to “trade visions for the country.”
DeSantis Emphasizes Delivery on Promises
He said, “There are clear contrasts, and I think the biggest contrast is, simply, I deliver. I promise and then I deliver. That’s what we’ve done. Anything I’m saying, I’m going to have a plan to get done.”
Trump’s Absence from Republican Primary Debates
Donald Trump, the clear front-runner in the Republican presidential nomination race, has avoided all Republican primary debates.
52% of Republicans Favor Trump
According to a December Pew Research Poll, 52% of Republican voters have named Trump as their first choice for the nomination, followed by DeSantis with 14%, Haley with 11%, Vivek Ramaswamy with 3%, and Chris Christie with 1% of support.
Increasing Rivalry
In late 2023 and early 2024, DeSantis intensified his remarks about Trump, suggesting that Trump’s presence might motivate Democratic voters in the upcoming 2024 election.
DeSantis’ Critique of Trump’s Leadership
In October, DeSantis blamed the former president for his loss in the 2020 election. He argued that Trump lacked the necessary vigor to lead the nation again.
People Voted Against Trump
The governor stated that people were “voting against Trump,” contradicting Trump’s false assertion that the 2020 election was stolen.
“Stop Being a Keyboard Warrior”
In an early December interview with Fox News, DeSantis challenged Trump to a one-on-one debate, saying, “Stop being a keyboard warrior and let’s step up and debate one-on-one. He’s had a lot to say about me over the last year. Say it to my face. I’m game.”
DeSantis’ Campaign Challenges
Despite DeSantis’ high-profile entrance into the presidential race, his campaign struggled to gain substantial support. On Jan 21, he officially dropped out of the race.
DeSantis Lag in Iowa Polls
DeSantis extensively campaigned in Iowa. He visited all 99 counties in preparation for the Iowa caucuses and secured the endorsement of the state’s governor, but still lost to Trump by almost 30 points.
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