DeSantis Campaign Consultant Prior to Debate: You have to 'Show Up' to Earn the Nomination

While on-site for the second Republican Primary Debate at the Reagan Library, staff writer for The Floridian Chris Nelson interviewed Governor Ron DeSantis’ campaign consultant David Polyanski before Wednesday’s event.

Nelson questioned Polyanski about the DeSantis campaign’s recent efforts to call out former President Donald Trump’s (R) alleged shortcomings during his time in office.

“[DeSantis has hit] former President Trump on his failures: Failure to finish the wall, which was one of his signature things, failure to reign in Fauci, his out-of-control spending. Is that more of what we’re going to see tonight?” asked Nelson.

Polyanski responded, “Well, I think tonight is an opportunity given the former President’s actual absence on the stage, meaning he has the opportunity to be here and defend his record on those fronts and perhaps it’s a strategic decision not to be – putting yourself in that position to have to debate those past issues and in some cases, you might’ve been a failure.”

He would go on to mention, “So, tonight, it’s actually an opportunity in clean air to drive our message. And we’ve got the only candidate in the race who’s got the vision, but more importantly, the proven record to back it up, that can go to the voters all across the country, but it’s specifically Ohio and New Hampshire tonight, look them in the eye and tell them his vision for the country unimpeded and without interruptions that usually come with a former president on stage or nearby.”

Nelson then expressed the idea that Americans are “being robbed” of a Trump vs. DeSantis debate. Polyanski then replied with the notion that candidates have to “earn” the nomination. He even alluded to DeSantis scheduling a debate with California Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA).

“At least he’s agreed to show up and debate and talk about their different visions. It’s disappointing that the former president doesn’t see it that way. But as Governor DeSantis said and will repeatedly say you have to earn the nomination. And to do that you have to show up on stage, you have to show up in Iowa [and] New Hampshire [and] meet people one on one and the former president’s absence in both of those fronts has really given us a few coconuts so we’re thrilled for it,” stated Polyanski.

Gov. DeSantis will face the other Republican hopefuls on Wednesday at 9 p.m.