Staff Reports
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) wowed the crowd and proved his exceptional debate skills during the third 2024 Republican debate in Miami. Despite facing tough competition from the likes of former President Donald Trump and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, DeSantis remained a formidable force, showcasing his unwavering commitment to conservative principles.
DeSantis has been working tirelessly to win over Republican voters, but with Trump’s immense popularity, the road ahead is no walk in the park. Some skeptics, like University of Michigan debate coach Aaron Kall, question whether DeSantis can gain enough traction to outshine Trump, especially with the upcoming Iowa caucuses.
However, for University of Iowa politics professor Timothy Hagel, it’s not just about the debates. It’s about proving his ability to lead and achieve tangible results. It’s no secret that many voters are still firmly in Trump’s corner, but DeSantis and Haley are hoping to consolidate the non-Trump voter base to mount a strong challenge.
DeSantis’s communications director, Andrew Romeo, exuded confidence in the governor’s campaign, noting that public polling doesn’t always reflect the true sentiment of voters. He emphasized that following the money trail reveals a different story, especially with Trump’s significant investment in attacking DeSantis. According to Romeo, DeSantis is gaining momentum every day and is poised for victory.
Despite Haley’s attempts to discredit DeSantis, Romeo brushed off any concerns, firmly asserting that the primary is essentially a two-person race between Trump and DeSantis. DeSantis himself remained focused on articulating his vision for the country during the debate and, despite facing claims of stagnation, his unwavering commitment to conservative values has resonated with voters.
MIAMI — Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has eased the immediate pressure on his campaign with a solid performance during the third 2024 Republican debate in Miami.
But with former President Donald Trump dominating the primary and competition from former U.N.https://t.co/voI9Tn8JgB
— Conservative News Daily (@ConservNewsDly) November 10, 2023
In a memo released by the DeSantis campaign, they boldly claimed that the governor is the only candidate capable of appealing to both the Trump and non-Trump factions of the party. The memo stressed that if DeSantis were to exit the race, his supporters would largely rally behind Trump, solidifying DeSantis’s crucial role in keeping the primary alive.
But the Haley campaign wasn’t holding back, criticizing DeSantis for reportedly squandering an exorbitant $100 million since announcing his candidacy. They questioned DeSantis’s viability beyond Iowa, citing his weak numbers in New Hampshire and South Carolina, undermining the significance of a strong showing in the Iowa caucuses.
Despite the challenges, DeSantis remains undeterred, continuing to push forward with unwavering determination. With Trump maintaining a strong lead in Iowa, the road ahead for DeSantis may be rough, but his supporters are hopeful that his resolute conservative stance and bold vision for the country will propel him to victory.
