Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) explained his reasoning for why he believes he’s the single candidate “that can beat” former President Donald Trump in 2024.
DeSantis was in New Hampshire on Friday, with its caucus less than 40 days away, to rally support for his campaign. During his comments, he addressed his two top competitors: Trump and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.
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“I’m the only one that can beat Trump. Let’s just be clear on that. Haley cannot get enough support from core Republicans and conservatives,” DeSantis said. “You have to be able to appeal to conservatives and core Republicans, and I’m the only one that can do that.”
According to the governor, he is the next choice of Trump supporters. The two were close before DeSantis launched his presidential campaign. Both endorsed the other in their respective races up until that point. However, he would affirm his stance not to accept a vice presidential nomination from anyone.
“I will not accept that because that’s not why I’m running,” DeSantis said. “You know I’d rather be governor than vice president. No question. I can do more for my state in this country, without question.”
DeSantis went on to suggest that Haley, on the other hand, might accept a vice presidential nomination from Trump because she has dodged questions on the topic. He pointed to their opposition campaign strategies as evidence.
“There’s a reason why they spend money against me,” DeSantis said. “Haley and Trump spend money against me. He has not spent any money against her, and she has not spent any money against him.”
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Trump made an appearance at the University of South Carolina football game against Clemson last month in what appeared to be a slight to Haley, who, according to polling, is in a solid second place in the early primary states of New Hampshire and South Carolina.
Recently, DeSantis increased his own efforts against Haley, announcing a new microsite off of his campaign website designed to be “shining a light on the real Nikki Haley” at about the same time. DeSantis holds the second-place slot in Iowa, which will hold the first caucus on Jan. 15, a week before New Hampshire’s.
