DeSantis Aims to Challenge Trump in First Debate
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is eager to participate in the upcoming 2024 GOP debate, even though former President Donald Trump has expressed doubts about his own participation. Trump believes that his challengers should duke it out amongst themselves, leaving DeSantis as the primary target on the debate stage. However, DeSantis’s campaign is confident that he is ready for the challenge. Trump recently reiterated his decision to stay out of the first debate, citing the network as “hostile” and the moderator as anti-Trump. DeSantis’s campaign communications director stated that regardless of whether or not Trump is afraid to debate, DeSantis is looking forward to discussing his plans to beat Joe Biden and revive America’s future. Polling of likely GOP primary voters in early primary states such as Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada show that a majority believe Trump should debate the other challengers, as skipping the debate makes him look weak. However, Trump does not see a benefit to participating in the debate, considering his significant lead in the polls. DeSantis is actively campaigning and has made appearances on Newsmax calling for Trump’s participation in the debate. He believes that one must earn the nomination and everything in this world.
