Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took the stage at last night's debate with a lively and creative tone. Despite the crowded field, DeSantis commended the moderation and found the questions to be substantive and relevant to voters' concerns. He expressed his disappointment that former President Trump was not present, as it would have allowed for a more dynamic exchange.
DeSantis did not shy away from holding Trump accountable for his unfulfilled promises. He cited Trump's failure to build a border wall, drain the swamp, hold Hillary Clinton accountable, and reduce the national debt. DeSantis emphasized that leadership is not just about showmanship, but about delivering results.
The governor also addressed Trump's handling of the Black Lives Matter protests that took place during his presidency. DeSantis highlighted his own response as governor of Florida, where he called out the National Guard and deployed state law enforcement to prevent cities from succumbing to violence and destruction. He criticized Trump for his lack of action and failure to invoke the Insurrection Act, which could have allowed for stricter control over the protests.
When asked about Trump's character, DeSantis focused on Trump's social media behavior since the 2020 election. He noted that if Trump becomes the nominee, his online conduct may come under more scrutiny and potentially turn off voters.
DeSantis's frankness was evident when discussing former rival Chris Christie, who dropped out of the race before the debate. DeSantis called Christie following his withdrawal to offer support, as he felt Christie was receiving unfair treatment. He also mentioned his ongoing banter with Nikki Haley, questioning her refusal to give a definitive answer on whether she would accept a VP nomination from Trump.
Regarding his campaign strategy, DeSantis enjoys being underestimated and considers himself an underdog. He believes that his organization, strong presence in all 99 Iowa counties, and growing support from undecided voters will ultimately pay off.
DeSantis dismissed criticism from Haley, who accused him of mismanaging his campaign and wasting money on private jets. He attributed these claims to external groups beyond his control and highlighted the irrelevance of process-related discussions compared to the substance of his policy proposals.
As for his performance in Iowa, DeSantis declined to specify what he considers a strong showing, preferring to be underestimated. He believes that conservatives who are not fully on board with Haley will naturally gravitate
