Gegg Ron DeSantis (R-FL) drew a sharp contrast between himself and former President Donald Trump to avoid fights with other Republicans, stressing that President Joe Biden is his real enemy.
“Look, I have the responsibility to govern a state and I have to focus on delivering results. I also have to protect people against Biden’s policies, and so when I fight, I fight with Biden,” DeSantis told the Washington Examiner in an exclusive interview.
DESANTIS IS IN QUESTION ABOUT 2024 WITH HALEY ENTERING THE RACE
In recent months, DeSantis has shown a propensity to avoid back-and-forths with prominent Republicans, unlike Trump.
Heading into the midterm elections, Trump appeared to be itching to start targeting DeSantis, widely seen as his likely primary challenger to become the GOP standard-bearer in 2024. Before the night of election, Trump hurled an insult at a rally: “Ron De-sanctimonious,” beta-testing his line of attack.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden listen to Governor Ron DeSantis speak as they arrive to tour an area affected by Hurricane Ian on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
Evan Vucci/AP
DeSantis quickly shrugged it off, a pattern he would follow in the months that followed amid Trump’s sporadic diatribes against him. When asked about Trump’s insults, DeSantis tends to dodge a jab at Trump, who is a notorious rhetorical brawler, by turning to his record as governor.
“I want other Republicans to do well. I don’t want any Republican to do poorly, so I’m not in a situation where taking a jab at other Republicans is something that I think is beneficial,” DeSantis added.
His remarks echo those of former President Ronald Reagan, whose so-called “11th commandment” he pleaded with his GOP colleagues not to “speak ill of another Republican.” It also sets the stage for a potential political showdown with Biden, who is weighing a re-election bid.
Amid talk of his presidential aspirations, DeSantis has avoided and even scoffed at questions about his intentions for 2024, though he is reportedly considering a possible run for the summer campaign
DeSantis, meanwhile, has been laser-focused on political victories in the Sunshine State, including a recent push to increase the migrant flight program, initiatives to remove “woke” influences in academia and to purge ” environmental, social”. , and corporate governance” of state and local mutual funds, among others.
“I think get it over with, keep your eye on the ball and keep delivering and fighting the Biden administration,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis is in second place behind Trump in a hypothetical 2024 race, according to the latest set of RealClearPolitics polls.
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