Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is bracing himself for attacks at the GOP’s first debate in the 2024 presidential race, according to a campaign memo obtained by CNN. The memo, sent by DeSantis’ new campaign manager James Uthmeier, states that the Republican primary is a “two-man race” between DeSantis and former President Donald Trump, who is not expected to participate in the debate. The campaign is prepared to face false and desperate charges from other candidates and the media, the memo adds.
The memo, which was first reported by Axios, follows an apparent attempt by a super PAC supporting DeSantis to float debate strategies to the campaign. The super PAC, called Never Back Down, advised DeSantis to “hammer” entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and defend Trump if attacked by former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. It also included tips on how many times to attack President Joe Biden and the media.
However, DeSantis has distanced himself from the super PAC’s talking points, stating that he hasn’t read the debate strategy and that it won’t influence his actions. He emphasized that he will speak the truth and focus on his vision to beat Biden, reverse American decline, and revive the American Dream.
DeSantis acknowledged that he expects to be the target of attacks during the debate, but he sees it as a sign of strength. He believes that viewers at home will see him as a fighter who served the country and stood up against the left as governor of Florida.
As the debate approaches, Republican candidates are studying each other’s records and preparing to draw contrasts in hopes of finding a breakout moment. Some candidates who have struggled to gain attention are practicing lines of attack against their better-positioned contenders.
It remains to be seen how DeSantis will fare in the debate and whether he can solidify his position as a frontrunner in the Republican primary.
How has the involvement of a super PAC influenced Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ debate strategy for the 2024 presidential race?
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is gearing up for the GOP’s first debate in the 2024 presidential race, as outlined in a campaign memo obtained by CNN. The memo, sent by DeSantis’ campaign manager James Uthmeier, asserts that the Republican primary is primarily a competition between DeSantis and former President Donald Trump, who is not expected to participate in the debate. It also notes that the campaign is prepared to face false accusations from other candidates and the media.
Axios first reported on the memo, which follows an apparent effort by a super PAC supporting DeSantis to provide debate strategies to the campaign. This super PAC, called Never Back Down, suggested that DeSantis should aggressively target entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and defend Trump if attacked by former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Additionally, the memo contained advice on how frequently DeSantis should criticize President Joe Biden and the media.
However, DeSantis has distanced himself from the talking points put forward by the super PAC. He stated that he has not read the debate strategy and that it will not influence his actions. DeSantis emphasized that his approach will involve speaking the truth and focusing on his vision to defeat Biden, reverse America’s decline, and rejuvenate the American Dream.
Acknowledging that he anticipates being the subject of attacks during the debate, DeSantis views this as a display of strength. He believes that viewers at home will perceive him as a fighter who has served the country and stood up against the left as Florida’s governor.
In the lead-up to the debate, Republican candidates are studying each other’s records and preparing to highlight their differences in hopes of making a standout impression. Some candidates who have struggled to gain attention are practicing lines of attack against their more prominent rivals.
The debate will ultimately determine DeSantis’ performance and whether he can solidify his frontrunner status in the Republican primary.
