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Elections

DeSantis Drops Out of 2024 Presidential Race

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Days before the New Hampshire Republican primary, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially suspended his 2024 presidential campaign. Once touted as a formidable contender, DeSantis faced a disappointing performance in polls, leading to his decision to step back from the race.

DeSantis, who had been polling in the single digits in New Hampshire, openly acknowledged on Sunday that he could not see a clear path to victory. This abrupt exit now leaves Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina, as the final challenger standing against former President Donald Trump, setting the stage for a head-to-head battle in the upcoming primary.

The Florida governor’s decision followed a significant setback in the Iowa caucuses, where he suffered a daunting 30-percentage-point defeat to Trump. Faced with the reality of diminishing chances, DeSantis emphasized the importance of supporting the Republican nominee and promptly endorsed Donald Trump, citing the former president’s popularity among Republican voters.

“I signed a pledge to support the Republican nominee, and I will honor that pledge,” stated DeSantis in a video message posted after reports surfaced about his impending withdrawal. He argued that Trump is superior to the current incumbent, Joe Biden, and underscored the need to avoid reverting to the “old Republican guard of yesteryear.”

DeSantis also addressed the prevailing sentiment among Republican primary voters, saying, “It’s clear to me that a majority of Republican primary voters want to give Donald Trump another chance.” He highlighted the challenges faced by Trump during his presidency, suggesting that voters witnessed relentless resistance and legal maneuvers from Democrats.

While DeSantis had once been seen as a serious threat to Trump’s dominance in the Republican Party, his campaign faced various challenges from the start. A technically marred livestream event on Twitter marked the beginning of a turbulent campaign that failed to resonate with Republican voters. Despite the backing of a well-funded super PAC, Never Back Down, and early leads in polls, DeSantis faltered with setbacks over the summer and autumn.

Dan Eberhart, a top DeSantis donor, acknowledged the impact of Trump’s influence on the campaign, stating, “Ron DeSantis ran into a bump, and the bump was named Trump.” Eberhart suggested that DeSantis, recognizing the realistic challenges of beating Trump, made a strategic decision with an eye toward the 2028 election.

The turbulent last days of DeSantis’s campaign mirrored its chaotic beginning, as he kicked off with a widely mocked and technically marred livestream event on Twitter. Over the weekend, DeSantis’s schedule was in constant flux, as he flew between New Hampshire and South Carolina with little notice, postponing events and finally canceling his appearances on the Sunday morning political shows.

In his endorsement of Trump, DeSantis’s remarks were as quick as they were perfunctory. He offered no detailed rationale for supporting Trump, other than the former president’s strong position in the polls and the fact that he wasn’t Nikki Haley. DeSantis couldn’t resist taking one last shot at Trump, recycling criticism of the former president’s handling of the pandemic.

Nikki Haley, now the sole challenger to Trump, asserted her candidacy as the only one capable of defeating President Joe Biden. With DeSantis out of the race, the focus now shifts to the upcoming New Hampshire primary, where Republican voters will decide between Haley and Trump as the party’s nominee for the November general election.

In a conciliatory gesture, Trump, speaking at a rally in Rochester, New Hampshire, referred to DeSantis as a “really terrific person.” As the remaining candidates gear up for the next phase of the Republican primary, the dynamics of the race have shifted, leaving voters to decide between the former president and a formidable challenger in Nikki Haley.

Despite DeSantis’s exit being somewhat anticipated after his resounding loss in Iowa, it marks the end of an extraordinary decline for a governor who was once considered a legitimate threat to Trump’s supremacy in the Republican Party. DeSantis, convincingly re-elected to a second term as Florida governor just 14 months ago, was initially the clear alternative to Trump in the Republican White House race.

Multiple polls showed DeSantis leading Trump early last year before officially entering the race. However, he stumbled out of the gate with a glitch-riddled social media campaign announcement. The governor was backed by the big-spending super PAC Never Back Down. Nevertheless, a series of campaign setbacks over the summer and autumn, coupled with constant attacks and negative ads from Trump and his allies, eroded DeSantis’s support in the polls.

Dan Eberhart, a top DeSantis donor, bundler, and surrogate, told Fox News Digital that “Ron DeSantis ran into a bump and the bump was named Trump.” Eberhart emphasized that the campaign had enough money to reach Super Tuesday, and the decision to withdraw was more about data, polling, and DeSantis being realistic about whether or not Trump was beatable.

Moreover, Eberhart noted, “More importantly, I think this was about 2028, and DeSantis doesn’t want [a] 5 to 8% showing in New Hampshire on his record. Let’s face it, he’s the Republican voters’ de facto second choice, and he’s Trump voters’ second choice, and so he’s decided to get out and govern Florida.”

At a campaign stop in Seabrook, New Hampshire, Nikki Haley spoke about DeSantis’s decision, acknowledging his contribution to the race. “He ran a great race, he’s been a good governor, and we wish him well,” she told a room packed with supporters and media. “Having said that, it’s now one fella and one lady left.”

While DeSantis’s departure from the race is a significant development, the political landscape continues to evolve as Trump, Haley, and other potential candidates vie for the Republican nomination. As the New Hampshire primary approaches, all eyes are on the clash between the former president and his last remaining challenger, Nikki Haley, as they seek to secure the party’s nomination for the November general election.

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DeSantis & Haley Launch Attacks on Trump in Iowa Town Halls

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Republican contenders Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley have taken an aggressive stance against former President Trump, unveiling direct attacks during back-to-back town halls hosted by CNN in Iowa. With the primary season entering its eleventh hour, the GOP rivals sought to differentiate themselves from Trump and position as the preferred alternative.

While Trump maintains a significant lead in national polls, Iowa has become a crucial battleground where both DeSantis and Haley are struggling to gain traction. According to polling averages from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ, Trump holds a substantial lead of more than 30 points in Iowa, making it a challenging terrain for his rivals.

The town halls showcased a departure from the candidates’ previous strategies, as they focused less on each other and more on why they believe they are superior choices for the GOP nomination than Trump. Republican strategist Ron Bonjean highlighted the challenge both candidates face in garnering attention from Republican primary voters, emphasizing that Trump’s dominance in the state makes it a tough battleground.

During his town hall, DeSantis took aim at Trump’s policy positions, particularly criticizing him for failing to fulfill his promise to end birthright citizenship. He also accused Trump of “flip-flopping” on abortion, citing the former president’s comments that the six-week abortion ban DeSantis signed in Florida was a “terrible mistake.”

Haley, on the other hand, emphasized the need for stability, stating that while Trump may have been the “right president at the right time,” chaos follows him. She argued that the country cannot afford four more years of disarray and upheaval.

Both candidates refrained from directly addressing Trump’s legal challenges but acknowledged that the looming charges could harm his chances in a general election. The timing of their intensified attacks just over a week before the first votes raised questions among Republican strategists about the effectiveness of this strategy.

DeSantis, who has heavily invested resources in Iowa, is polling at almost 20 percent in the state, narrowly leading Haley for second place. However, his single-digit standings in New Hampshire indicate a challenging road ahead. Strategists criticize the candidates for waiting too long to confront the front-runner, with some suggesting that the attacks might be too little, too late.

Republican strategist Brian Seitchik expressed skepticism about the strategy, stating that trying to be “Trump-lite” or “Trump without the baggage” is a losing approach. With Trump maintaining a firm grip on the party, merely consolidating the non-Trump vote may not be sufficient to secure the nomination.

As Trump’s lead in Iowa continues to solidify, the pressure intensifies for DeSantis and Haley to make a significant impact. Observers are closely watching Haley’s performance in New Hampshire, speculating that if she secures second place in Iowa and wins New Hampshire, a legitimate race for the GOP nomination may ensue.

Despite years of speculation about Trump’s potential downfall, his sustained popularity within the party has defied expectations, making the strategy of avoiding direct confrontation impractical for those aiming to secure the nomination. The final outcome of this intense Republican primary battle remains uncertain as the contenders make their final appeals to voters in the crucial state of Iowa.

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DeSantis in Iowa: Challenges and Controversies

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DeSantis Reveals Trump’s Shocking Plan if Defeated

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has predicted that former President Donald Trump will claim election fraud if he faces defeat in any of the upcoming Republican primary elections. DeSantis, a contender for the Republican presidential nomination, anticipates that Trump would seek to “delegitimize” any results not in his favor, echoing similar tactics used against Ted Cruz in 2016.

As the Iowa caucuses loom, marking the first major Republican contest on January 15, DeSantis addressed concerns about Trump’s potential response to unfavorable outcomes. “If Trump loses, he will say it’s stolen no matter what, absolutely,” warned DeSantis, emphasizing the former president’s inclination to dispute election results. He drew a parallel to Trump’s past behavior, noting that Trump contested outcomes, “even when ‘The Apprentice’ didn’t get an Emmy.”

The backdrop of Trump’s persistent claims of victory in the 2020 election and the belief among a significant portion of GOP voters that President Biden’s election was illegitimate adds complexity to the political landscape. A recent survey by The Associated Press found that nearly 60 percent of Republican voters share this viewpoint.

DeSantis, who has been positioning himself as a strong contender in the 2024 campaign, has faced accusations from the Trump campaign, alleging attempts to “rig” the Iowa caucuses. These claims stem from comments made by DeSantis’s wife, Casey DeSantis, encouraging out-of-state supporters to participate, which was later clarified as a call for volunteers.

The dynamics of the Republican primary race highlight Trump’s current lead over DeSantis and other rivals in national polling. According to a RealClearPolitics poll average, Trump commands 60.3% support, while DeSantis trails at 12.6%. The upcoming Iowa caucuses on January 15, 2024, are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the candidates’ campaigns.

While DeSantis faces an uphill battle against Trump’s significant lead, a strong win for Trump in Iowa could solidify his position, potentially hindering DeSantis’s presidential ambitions. On the other hand, a victory for DeSantis in Iowa could inject much-needed momentum into his campaign, which has struggled to surpass Trump’s commanding presence in the polls. As the primary season kicks off, the political landscape remains dynamic, with all eyes on the unfolding drama within the Republican ranks.

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DeSantis Super PAC in Crisis

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Jeff Roe, the top strategist behind Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign, has resigned from the super PAC “Never Back Down.” This marks the latest and most significant departure from the group, which has been embroiled in turmoil in recent weeks.

The Never Back Down super PAC has witnessed a series of shake-ups since the day before Thanksgiving, including the resignation of one chief executive and one board chairman, the firing of a second chief executive, and two other top officials. The latest exit by Roe comes after intense infighting and finger-pointing within the group, coinciding with a slip in the polls for Governor DeSantis.

DeSantis entered the Republican presidential race with a formidable war chest and a $269 million plan aimed at changing traditional campaign funding dynamics. The campaign’s first manager, Generra Peck, crafted the strategy and assembled the leadership for the massive super PAC, Never Back Down. The campaign and the super PAC engaged in lawyer-supervised meetings to fine-tune their mission, setting the stage for an unprecedented paid door-knocking effort in early states.

Despite campaign finance rules preventing private coordination of most spending between the two entities, they aimed to function as an integrated whole. Governed by a board that included DeSantis confidants, the super PAC was seeded with $82.5 million raised for the governor’s gubernatorial reelection, representing a groundbreaking move in relinquishing campaign operations to an entity the candidate could not legally control.

With just weeks remaining before the Iowa caucuses, this experimental collaboration now lies in ruins. The super PAC, responsible for funding the majority of DeSantis’ advertising, field programs, and a significant portion of his travel and events, finds itself sidelined amid internal conflicts.

Jeff Roe, a key architect of Never Back Down’s strategy, announced his resignation, deepening the group’s tumult. Roe cited his inability to stay affiliated with the super PAC after it sent statements to The Washington Post implying that officials connected to Roe’s firm were fired over “mismanagement and conduct issues.” In his resignation statement, Roe asserted that these claims were untrue and served as an unwanted distraction at a critical time for Governor DeSantis.

“I am resigning my position effective immediately,” Roe declared. “Governor DeSantis has been an exceptional governor, and I hope he will be the 47th President of the United States. I wish the Governor, First Lady, and their entire team the best through the rest of the campaign.”

As DeSantis navigates this internal upheaval, the future of Never Back Down and its impact on the presidential campaign remains uncertain, adding another layer of intrigue to the already dynamic political landscape.

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Pro-DeSantis Super PAC Faces Turmoil with CEO Firings and Leadership Changes

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In a recent shake-up within the political landscape surrounding Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a pro-DeSantis super PAC has undergone significant turmoil, resulting in the firing of its CEO and other top officials. The developments come just days after the resignation of the previous chief executive, marking the second CEO departure in less than two weeks.

The super PAC, known as Never Back Down, has played a crucial role in overseeing much of Ron DeSantis’s presidential operation. The latest wave of dismissals includes CEO Kristin Davison, who took over the position on November 22 following the resignation of Chris Jankowski. Jankowski cited an untenable situation and a divergence in strategic goals as reasons for his departure.

Adding to the leadership vacuum, Erin Perrine, a spokesperson for Never Back Down, and Matthew Palmisano, another high-ranking official, were also terminated. This sudden overhaul has prompted the appointment of Scott Wagner as the third CEO in the span of just two weeks. Wagner, a former member of the PAC’s board, will assume the dual role of CEO and chairman.

Former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt, who served as the group’s chair, also stepped down recently, explaining that after “nearly 26 straight months of being in a full-scale campaign,” he needed to redirect his focus to his family and law practice.

The turbulence within Never Back Down comes amidst growing tensions and public disputes among Governor DeSantis’s allies. Reports suggest that the late-in-the-race establishment of a new super PAC, named Fight Right, raised eyebrows and was perceived as an effort to redirect advertising funds. DeSantis and some of his advisers have openly criticized Never Back Down, particularly its advertising strategy, leading to internal conflicts.

There have been concerns among DeSantis allies that the negative ads associated with Never Back Down may be damaging to the Republican governor’s image. However, the campaign has recently embraced Fight Right, with DeSantis actively courting donors for the new entity during his recent visit to Palm Beach, Florida.

Simultaneously, Governor DeSantis concluded his tour of all 99 counties in Iowa over the weekend, signaling a significant focus on the state in the lead-up to the Iowa caucuses, which are less than two months away. The campaign appears to be allocating substantial resources and attention to Iowa, underlining the critical role the state plays in DeSantis’s political strategy.

As the dust settles from these recent changes, the fate of Never Back Down and its evolving relationship with the DeSantis campaign remain uncertain, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the dynamics of the Florida governor’s presidential aspirations.