Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently called on former President Donald Trump to participate in the first Republican primary debate next month, asserting that “nobody is entitled” to the presidential nomination. Despite vowing to attend the debate regardless of Trump’s presence, DeSantis pressed the former president to step up and join the event scheduled for August 23 in Milwaukee.
During an interview on ‘The Howie Carr Show,’ DeSantis emphasized the importance of debates and public events in the nomination process. He expressed his belief that candidates should earn their nominations through active participation and engaging with voters. Referring to Trump’s previous promises of draining “the swamp” and constructing a border wall, along with his talk of establishing “freedom cities” and allowing parents to choose their children’s principals, DeSantis continued to criticize the former president’s record.
DeSantis stated, “Every candidate needs to be put to the test and I think he needs to step up and do it.” These comments reflect the Florida governor’s determination to challenge Trump’s candidacy and prove himself as a worthy contender.
In response to DeSantis’ call for Trump’s participation, the former president’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, dismissed the governor’s remarks and urged him to focus on his own campaign. Cheung stated, “It seems DeSantis is throwing a temper tantrum because he is losing so badly.”
Recent national polls, as reported by FiveThirtyEight, show DeSantis trailing behind Trump by over 28% on average. This suggests that the Florida governor has a lot of ground to cover to gain popularity and support among voters.
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During the interview, Carr, the show host, inquired if DeSantis would consider being Trump’s running mate in the future. DeSantis firmly declined the offer, explaining that his decision was not based on any personal animosity but rather his belief that he is the only candidate capable of winning both the primary and general elections. Emphasizing his executive abilities, DeSantis asserted that he is focused on leading and shaping policy, rather than serving as vice president.
DeSantis stated, “I’m running because I think I’m the only guy who can win the primary and the general and then deliver on all these things for two terms, and that’s why I’m running.” He further clarified, “I’m not running for any other reason than that, but at the end of the day, I’m an executive, I will call the shots, and I just wouldn’t be good in that role is all I’m saying. We’re running to win, and that’s what we’re going to focus on.”
DeSantis’ remarks have generated significant attention and speculation about the dynamics between him and Trump within the Republican Party. Many are closely watching how DeSantis navigates his campaign, particularly given the influence and popularity Trump still holds within the GOP.
As the race for the Republican presidential nomination unfolds, the involvement of high-profile figures like DeSantis and Trump continues to shape the political landscape. With the primary debate just weeks away, all eyes will be on whether or not the former president will answer DeSantis’ challenge and participate in the event. This development is crucial not only for the individual candidates but also for the party as a whole, as it seeks to establish its direction and leadership heading into the next election cycle.
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