Internet mocks Ron DeSantis for calling Nikki Haley a 'mealy-mouthed politician' during Iowa debate

DES MOINES, IOWA: Republican presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis, in his final debate before the Iowa caucuses, verbally attacked rival Nikki Haley, calling her a "mealy-mouthed politician."

In a one-on-one CNN debate on Wednesday, January 10 at Drake University in Des Moines, the Florida and former South Carolina governors tried to position themselves as the best alternative for the GOP frontrunner, Donald Trump.

DeSantis listed his accomplishments as the Florida Governor when asked why voters should vote for him instead of Haley. He said, "Nikki Haley is running. We don't need another mealy-mouthed politician who just tells you what she thinks you want to hear just to try to get your vote, then to get in office and to do her donors' bidding."

The White House hopeful also accused his rival of "running to pursue her donors' issues."

With less than a week left for the Iowa caucuses, DeSantis and Haley are in a neck-to-neck competition for a second position, with Trump continuing to lead the opinion polls with a sizeable dominance.

Ron DeSantis on why people should not vote for Nikki Haley

Filled with verbal attacks, DeSantis dug up Haley's past remarks to prove why she was not the alternative for Trump.

"She was in another state and she said the people of Iowa's votes need to be corrected. This is somebody that wrote in her book that Hillary Clinton inspired her to first run for office. I remember Hillary denigrating people on the Republican side as deplorables," the Florida Governor said.

He added that the nation does not need a candidate who would "look down on middle America."

The debate took place hours after Chris Christie dropped out of the presidential race, and though Trump was invited, he declined to appear and held a town hall with Fox News simultaneously.

Internet ridicules Ron DeSantis

Netizens mocked the White House hopeful for verbally attacking his rival candidate.

Social media reactions suggested DeSantis is not any different and shared the same accusations.

One user wrote, "Bruh. Who you calling mealy-mouthed? Pot and kettle much?"

Another stated, "DeSantis is desperate. Just heard on Newsmax DeSantis called Haley a mealy mouthed politician. Ouch!"

"HELLO News alert Ronnie, you TOO are a mealy-mouthed politician," read a third response.

A user added, "Ron is a nervous wreck." 

Another mocked him with a meme that said, "SURE IF YOU SAY SO."

"Why is he still in the race? Serious question," read one reaction.

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.