With the conclusion of the second Republican primary debate, the candidates were embroiled in a tense political bout sans President Donald Trump (R). All eyes were on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) as he looked to bounce back from staggering poll numbers. As President Trump significantly rises is the polls, Governor DeSantis reminded voters that “polls don’t elect presidents.”
Political pundits argue that the 2024 election could be a repeat of the 2020 election. Trump remains the Republican frontrunner by a longshot, and President Joe Biden (D) is poised to surpass any chatter than Robert F. Kennedy, Jr (D) could take the nomination from him. However, pundits warn that the upcoming election is drastically different than the last one.
While Trump is facing mounting legal challenges, Biden is facing mounting criticism within his own party from members who question his physical and mental capabilities. Thus, Democrats are positing that there should be a different candidate for Democrats to vote for.
On the debate stage this week, presidential hopefuls were asked who should be voted “off the island” in a final bid to appeal to voters. Deeming it disrespectful, DeSantis told moderator Dana Perino that the candidates should “talk about the future of the country” instead. The only one to vote someone “off the island” was New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R), who voted to removing Trump.
Trump was not on the debate stage, and he continues to gain momentum towards the Republican nomination, but DeSantis is not worried. Disregarding the polls, DeSantis commented that “polls don’t elect presidents. Voters elect presidents.”
He Invoked President Ronald Reagan (R), affirming that “this is our time for choosing” and “we need somebody that’s gonna be able to serve two terms.”
The comment could be a political swipe at both Trump and Biden who’ve been the subject of scrutiny regarding their ability to serve two terms.
For DeSantis, the 2024 election is an opportunity for Republicans to expand their influence on the political map, and even though he trails Trump, he believes that he is the right person to usher in those wins.
