The 2024 election is expected to see a fierce battle for the GOP nomination with former friends former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis facing off against each other and several other candidates.
With both candidates officially in the race, the insults back and forth have escalated.
What Happened: Trump declared his intention to run for president in the 2024 election in late 2022. DeSantis officially joined the campaign last week in what is expected to be an intense head-to-head matchup for the GOP nomination.
Trump lashed out at DeSantis several times prior to his official announcement. DeSantis responded to some of the attacks from Trump and began several attacks of his own.
“I think a lot of what he’s doing is showing everybody that he understands that I’ve got a good chance to beat him,” DeSantis said during an appearance on “Good Morning NH.”
The comment came in response to a question of why Trump is “really fixated on attacking” the Florida governor, as reported by the New York Post.
“Because he doesn’t criticize anybody else now, it’s only me. They wouldn’t do that if they didn’t think that I had a chance, because I think they realize I am offering folks a record of achievement that’s second to none. They know I’m more likely to win the election.”
DeSantis may have gotten a dig in that will upset Trump by accusing him of being more concerned about certain political ideals.
“I think, honestly, some of his attacks against me — he’s moving to the left.”
DeSantis said Trump is so worried about attacking the Florida governor that he is losing support from his conservative base.
The Florida governor said Trump is now “opposing an immigration amnesty that he supported when he was president for illegal amnesty.”
DeSantis said he opposes this measure and does not support amnesty.
“He also attacked me for voting against one of the bloated omnibus spending bills that he supported as president. And I agree — I don’t think you should do those bloated bills. We’re $31 trillion in debt — and he added almost $8 trillion in debt in just four years as president.”
Trump stepped up his attacks on DeSantis last week as his official announcement and Twitter Spaces with Elon Musk were met with technical difficulties. The former president labeled the campaign launch of his rival as a “catastrophe.”
Related Link: DeSantis Declares Presidential Bid With Musk On Twitter Spaces: Social Media Becomes Pivotal In 2024 Election
Why It’s Important: Trump attacking rivals in politics is nothing new and his battle with DeSantis could see more insults and nicknames coming from both rivals.
Trump has used nicknames like “Ron DeSanctimonious” to criticize the Florida governor.
Polls have shown Trump gaining over his GOP rival, with a Morning Consult poll showing a 43-point lead for the former president.
Betting odds also show Trump in the lead over DeSantis for the GOP nomination.
DeSantis used a new angle for his campaign during his recent appearance on “Good Morning NH.”
“I think the country is on the wrong track, and so who is going to be the leader to be able to win the election…and then get in and implement the type of policies that are gonna get the country back on track?” DeSantis asked.
The Florida governor said there are so many issues that he might be the right person as he can serve back-to-back presidential terms, something Trump would be unable to do as he previously was in office for four years.
“I don’t think you can handle all of these issues that we’re going to need to do … without two terms. I think you need to be able to serve two terms. I think that’s very important.”
Read Next: MAGA ETF Founder Is Backing DeSantis Over Trump
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