As the Republican Party’s 2024 presidential nomination battle heats up, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis firmly dismissed any prospect of pairing with former President Donald Trump as his Vice President. On the contrary, DeSantis pointed to Trump’s inability to lead the nation.
During a Sunday interview with Fox News, DeSantis was candid, stating his intentions to vie for the presidency and declining any offers to be a running mate.
Earlier in the week, former President Trump made disparaging remarks about his fellow Republicans, suggesting a lack of potential candidates to be his Vice President. Referring to the GOP contenders, Trump quipped, “They’re all job candidates… Does anybody see any VP in the group? I don’t think so.”
DeSantis Challenges Trump
DeSantis didn’t mince words in a Friday interview where he labelled Trump incapable of addressing the nation’s pressing issues. He cautioned that the GOP would be headed for a loss if they rallied behind Trump for the 2024 elections.
He highlighted the importance of holding those accountable for the COVID-19 measures and criticized Trump’s approach, stating, “Donald Trump is not going to do that… He won’t clean house at the CDC, NIH, or FDA. I will do that. I will get the job done.”
The Florida Governor also expressed his confidence in besting Trump for the party nomination, emphasizing the many challenges the US currently faces
While DeSantis acknowledged the need for government accountability, especially in light of the COVID-19 restrictions, he also took a moment to target President Joe Biden’s handling of the situation. In a pointed critique of Trump’s perceived reluctance to engage in debates, DeSantis remarked, “You got to go earn votes, so I’m showing up.”
Despite facing multiple indictments, Trump continues to enjoy a considerable lead in the GOP’s 2024 presidential nomination race, though DeSantis remains a formidable contender.