Ron DeSantis lauded as he praises Chris Sununu's campaign skills but says it won't help Nikki Haley

DES MOINES, IOWA: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had an impressive showing on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, in the town hall at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa, moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper.

In the final five weeks before the key Iowa caucus, Ron DeSantis is facing a bifurcated GOP presidential primary campaign.

Former president Donald Trump, the Republican frontrunner, is still far ahead of Florida Governor in polls, however, DeSantis is also fighting former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, who is gaining popularity among conservatives who are searching for an alternative.

DeSantis focused on closing his polling gap in Iowa with Trump and criticized the former President for inflation issues under Biden.

He also noted his Republican rival's actions during the Covid pandemic, which was one of the eight topics he attacked Trump on. The attacks also included Trump not fulfilling his promise to complete the wall at the US-Mexico border, not participating in GOP debates, criticizing Florida's abortion ban, and not replacing Obamacare with a Republican alternative.

Ron DeSantis goes after Nikki Haley in his hourlong Town Hall discussion

The current dominance of Donald Trump has overshadowed the 2024 GOP primary contest, however, there is a mini-primary brewing between DeSantis and Haley, both of whom have recently intensified their attacks against each other.

Haley, a former South Carolina governor, has accused DeSantis and Trump of dishonesty with the American people regarding necessary changes to Social Security and other entitlement programs.

According to a report by USA Today, DeSantis, in response, accused Haley of desiring to increase the retirement age despite a decrease in US life expectancy compared to pre-pandemic levels.

When asked about Haley receiving the sought-after endorsement of New Hampshire's popular Republican Governor Chris Sununu, DeSantis responded with even harsher words.

He reminded the Iowa audience that Haley had also received support from Democratic donors before referring to her as an "establishment candidate".

DeSantis said, “Well, unlike some people running, if someone doesn't endorse me, I'm not going to go trash them. Chris is a good guy. He's done a good job. And I'm going to continue to say he's good. He's a really good campaigner. I mean, excellent campaigner. So in that sense, I think it's a benefit for her.”

He further noted the individuals supporting her, stating that they do not wish to see conservative change in the country.

“But here's the problem. Even a campaigner as good as Chris is not going to be able to paper over Nikki being an establishment candidate,” he said.

“I mean, she's getting funded by liberal Democrats from California, like the founder of LinkedIn, people on Wall Street, like the head of JP Morgan. She's getting all these folks that are going to her. Guess what, guys? Those folks do not want to see conservative change in this country.” the Florida Governor added.

DeSantis further explained his position on Haley by demonstrating some of the fallacies underlying her potential policy changes.

He stated, “So why are they gravitating to her? And I think her positions on things like saying her first day in office, she's going to demand that everyone produce their name on social media. She said I want your name.”

“What? You're going to dox the whole country? Conservatives have been singled out for expressing opinions on social media. People have been canceled. They've lost jobs over this. Why would she want to put our own people under there?” DeSantis asked.

 “So I think there's so many problems with her policy positions. She's really reflective of the old failed Republican establishment of yesteryear. We do not need to go back to that,” he added.

Internet praises Ron DeSantis for CNN Town Hall interview

People on X showed support for Ron DeSantis despite his approval ratings and favourability polls depicting otherwise.

One X user said, “Phenomenal answer. Grounded, diplomatic. This town hall has been his best public performance thus far Very smooth, in control, intelligent and precise answers with flawless delivery."

Another user wrote, "I believe more and more people in this country want less dissension and more dialogue. DeSantis handled it beautifully. He's a breath of fresh air."

Another user stated, "Really happy to see this. This type of response was common fare not long ago and needs to be so again. DeSantis is the guy who can not only bring us back to this baseline of sanity but propel us all forward to a better future. #DeSantis2024."

One user tweeted, "A complete and total class act."

Another X user noted, "Unlike Trump, he doesn't go out of his way burn bridges with anybody unless they do something really egregious."

One user tweeted, "Trump would be name calling, belittling, whining, attacking and crying! Trump is Petulant Man..Ron is a Man's Man with Honor and Class! No comparison in any shape or form! Ron is also a winner...Trump is a loser!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.