Staff Reports
Republican leaders and Trump allies are not happy with Governor Ron DeSantis after his debate prep notes were leaked online. House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik criticized DeSantis for his “absolute malpractice” and emphasized the importance of not leaking strategy in a crucial election cycle. Stefanik confidently stated that President Trump would “steamroll the entire field” and that the focus should be on defeating Joe Biden to save America.
With the highly anticipated debate approaching, it is still unclear whether Trump will participate. Sources have suggested that he may host a counterprogram during the debate or possibly join at the last minute. Regardless of Trump’s presence, it is expected that he will be the main focus of the debate, as he continues to dominate the polls despite facing multiple criminal indictments. Some candidates plan to use these charges against Trump, while others aim to stay in his good graces by remaining silent.
DeSantis, on the other hand, has a different approach. In leaked memos, it is revealed that he plans to defend Trump in his expected absence. DeSantis advises against attacking Trump, suggesting that it would be more effective to target rising candidate Vivek Ramaswamy instead. DeSantis is advised to take a “sledgehammer” to Ramaswamy’s credibility, using terms like “Fake Vivek” or “Vivek the Fake.”
Ramaswamy, however, remains confident in his own debate preparation and dismisses DeSantis’s strategy as “boring, establishment attacks.” He refers to DeSantis as “Robot Ron,” implying that he is not authentic.
So far, five candidates have qualified for the debate and signed the Republican National Committee candidate pledge: DeSantis, Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, Doug Burgum, and Sen. Tim Scott. Three others, including Trump, Christie, and Pence, have also qualified but have not yet signed the pledge. Pence and Christie have indicated that they will sign it, while Trump has refused.
