In a recent interview with RealClearPolitics, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made a statement about former President Donald Trump, claiming that he is “fine with weaponization” of the government against people he doesn’t like.[0] This comment came during a discussion about the differences between DeSantis and Trump, with a voter questioning why DeSantis hasn’t directly criticized the former president. DeSantis defended his approach, stating that he has articulated the differences between himself and Trump on the campaign trail, but he doesn’t believe in personally smearing opponents. He also noted that Trump has been his own worst enemy at times.
The exchange between DeSantis and the voter took place at a campaign event in Iowa, where the voter expressed concern over DeSantis’s falling poll numbers compared to Trump’s rising popularity. The voter questioned why DeSantis hadn’t gone after Trump directly and suggested that it may be necessary for him to do so in order to improve his standing in the polls. DeSantis responded by saying that he has presented his differences with Trump multiple times on the campaign trail and that the media wants Republican candidates to smear Trump personally, but that is not his style.
The interaction between DeSantis and the voter was caught on video by Washington Post reporter Hannah Knowles and posted on social media. The video quickly gained attention and sparked a discussion about the dynamics between DeSantis and Trump within the Republican Party.
Meanwhile, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie made headlines when he expressed his willingness to consider voting for a third-party candidate if the 2024 presidential election comes down to a rematch between President Joe Biden and Trump. Speaking on ABC’s The View, Christie stated that he is “anxious to see” who a third choice might be in that scenario. This comment reflects the ongoing debate within the Republican Party about the future of the party and potential alternatives to Trump.
In another development, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem expressed her opinion that it would be a “mistake” for Trump to choose former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley as his running mate if he decides to run for president again. Noem’s name has been mentioned as a potential vice presidential pick for Trump, but she believes that Haley would not be the best choice. This adds to the speculation surrounding potential running mates for Trump and the ongoing discussions about the future direction of the Republican Party.
Overall, these recent statements and interactions highlight the complex dynamics within the Republican Party and the ongoing debate about the role of Trump in the party’s future. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, these discussions and disagreements are likely to continue, shaping the political landscape and influencing the choices made by voters and candidates alike.
0. “DeSantis: Trump ‘fine with weaponization if it’s against people he doesn’t like’” The Hill, 27 Dec. 2023, https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4379368-desantis-trump-fine-with-weaponization-against-people-he-doesnt-like
