Posted on 03/22/2023 8:02:46 AM PDT by SoConPubbie
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has finally broken his silence on his much anticipated potential 2024 presidential run, giving an interview from the governor's mansion in which he said that he has what it takes to be president and "I can beat Biden."
DeSantis sat down with Piers Morgan in a wide-ranging interview, saying "stay tuned" when asked about the potential 2024 bid for the GOP nomination. Former President Donald Trump is currently the front-runner for that spot, as he endeavors to earn his second term.
"It was clear that the governor has had enough of Trump’s constant baiting and felt ready to take him on in what could end up being a ferocious battle for the White House," Morgan said, writing about the interview for the New York Post.
"DeSantis slammed Trump over his character failings," Morgan continued, "chaotic leadership style, and for his handling of the COVID pandemic — especially in keeping controversial health chief Dr. Anthony Fauci in his post helping to run the White House Coronavirus Taskforce."
Morgan asked DeSantis how the two most popular Republicans in the country are different, and DeSantis said "Well I think there’s a few things. The approach to COVID was different. I would have fired somebody like Fauci. I think he got way too big for his britches, and I think he did a lot of damage."
DeSantis shut down Florida early on in the pandemic before opening up and giving the state the label "the free state of Florida."
"I also think just in terms of my approach to leadership," DeSantis said, slamming the former president and the man to whom he owes much of his political start, "I get personnel in the Government who have the agenda of the people and share our agenda. You bring your own agenda in you’re gone. We’re just not gonna have that. So, the way we run the Government I think is no daily drama, focus on the big picture and put points on the board and I think that’s something that’s very important."
Morgan asked about the mudslinging that has already started as rumors of a DeSantis run swirl. "I don’t know how to spell the sanctimonious one. I don’t really know what it means, but I kinda like it, it’s long, it's got a lot of vowels. We’ll go with that, that’s fine. I mean you can call me whatever you want, just as long as you also call me a winner because that’s what we’ve been able to do in Florida, is put a lot of points on the board and really take this State to the next level," he said.
Trump endorsed DeSantis when he first ran for governor, helping him beat out Andrew Gillum. "Ron DeSantis is a brilliant young leader. Yale and then Harvard who would make a great Governor of Florida. He loves our country. He’s a true fighter," Trump had said at the time.
"Things have changed a little bit, I guess. It is what it is," DeSantis said.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
“I can beat Biden.” I can handle things! I’m smart! Not like everybody says... like dumb... I’m smart and I want respect!
DeSantis slammed Trump over his character failings," Morgan continued, "chaotic leadership style, and for his handling of the COVID pandemic — especially in keeping controversial health chief Dr. Anthony Fauci in his post helping to run the White House Coronavirus Taskforce."
Notice he did not criticize Trump's successes; and, he did not call Trump any schoolyard names.
BTW, those of us who've read RDS' book were pleased but not surprised at the praise and defense he gave for the former POTUS. Class, that.
The nomination is owed to no candidate (or likely candidate). So far, I like DeSantis.
That said, I'll vote for and vigorously support whomever wins the GOP nom.
MAGA staying home elects Democrats. I guess that is what they want and they will have to live with the results.
What's the difference?
That statement has the singular virtue of being true. It highlights one of the more repulsive features of American "celebrity culture". It was spoken by a man who was in the thick of it and knew what he was talking about.
Neither he nor Billy Bush deserved to be pilloried for it, but of course one must never speak an unspeakable truth.
Bothers.
It reminded me of Eddie Murphy’s comment about when you get famous in Hollywood, women will throw their Ps at you like they were Frisbees.
DeSantis John Kasich is definitely more conservative than trump by a mile.
DeSantis Ted Cruz is definitely more conservative than trump by a mile.
DeSantis Jeb Bush is definitely more conservative than trump by a mile.
DeSantis Marco Rubio is definitely more conservative than trump by a mile.
DeSantis Chris Christie is definitely more conservative than trump by a mile.
DeSantis Lindsey Graham is definitely more conservative than trump by a mile.
DeSantis Mitt Romney is definitely more conservative than trump by a mile.
DeSantis John McCain is definitely more conservative than trump by a mile.
DeSantis George W. Bush is definitely more conservative than trump by a mile.
My heavens ... the list just goes on and on and on. The difference is that Trump is the only one who was uniformly despised by @ssholes from all across the political spectrum.
I have no problem. You, OTOH ...
"Problem" is your middle name.
Have a nice day!
I'll vote for Trump or DeSantis in November 2024; whichever is on the ballot.
What you seem to be forgetting here is that Trump built his support among many, many voters who are actually registered Democrats. Do you think any establishment GOP candidate can do this in 2024?
Nicely, and succinctly stated, my good FRiend.
It's always a pleasure to read posts of someone who thinks completely and ahead.
Those old labels are obsolete. Conservative used to mean “protectionist”. Then it meant “free trade”. And that’s just one example. Trump broke the old paradigms. He’s not “conservative,” but Trump-ian. DeSantis should have stayed in his lane. He could have run and won in 2028 with Trump’s endorsement. His political capitol consisted of running Florida the way a state should be run. Now he’s lost credibility, because he was only doing that as a stepping stone for his ego trip.
Eddie Murphy ... Another man who was in the thick of it and knew what he was talking about.
He isn't smart enough to know you don't say things like "I am not a crook."
Yup, that’s what the Rino never Trumpers did — and they are the ones now backing DeSantis.
It happens when you don’t let your emotions control your thought process.. thanks for the compliment
Jesus! When are people going to accept the fact that national Dems & Republicans are one & the same. SMFH
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