Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, with the Iowa caucuses just around the corner, expressed concerns on Sunday about the potential negativity of the 2024 presidential race. He emphasized that if the election centers around former President Donald Trump and his legal issues, it could turn into a “really nasty election,” potentially disadvantaging the Republican Party.
Speaking on “Face the Nation,” DeSantis stressed the importance of focusing on policy issues and selecting a candidate capable of achieving a decisive victory. As he prepares for the crucial Iowa caucuses on January 15, where he has invested significant time and resources, the governor’s performance among voters is yet to be determined, despite receiving the endorsement of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds.
Since announcing his presidential bid in May 2023, DeSantis has faced challenges in closing the gap with Trump, despite a strong fundraising start and a successful reelection in Florida in 2022. The recent rise of former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley has also put DeSantis’ expected second-place standing into question.
Downplaying the pressure of the Iowa caucuses, DeSantis mentioned his strategy to compete in multiple states and criticized Trump for avoiding GOP primary debates, expressing a desire to engage in direct debate with Trump and other candidates like Haley.
DeSantis also brought attention to the Biden administration’s handling of the southern border, voicing frustrations he’s heard from people in early primary states about the federal government’s treatment of illegal immigrants. This issue has gained prominence recently, with congressional Republicans calling for stronger border security measures.
A CBSNews/YouGov poll released Sunday indicates growing concern among Americans about the border situation, with many viewing it as very serious or even a crisis. The poll also reveals increasing disapproval of the practice by border states, including those led by DeSantis and other GOP governors, of sending migrants to northern cities, a tactic that has seen declining support even among Republicans.
