UNITED STATES: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faces challenges in his bid to unseat Trump as the party’s nominee in the first Republican debate of the 2024 presidential campaign. Trump’s lack of interest in targeting him makes his situation even more challenging.
Trump plans to miss the Milwaukee debate on August 23, potentially causing attacks on DeSantis, a potential candidate to surpass him. Republican strategists expect Trump to be treated “gently” and focus on DeSantis, who is scheduled to take the stage’s centre position.
The strategist predicts that the first-placed Republican candidate will face more criticism due to DeSantis’s controversial campaign expenditures and national stage suitability.
Trump still holds 47% of the Republican vote nationwide in a UK media poll. Hotel entrepreneur Robert Bigelow, the most significant contributor to DeSantis’ campaign, will not provide more cash unless he draws in wealthy donors and takes a more moderate stance.
The Florida Governor needs to be ready for an “onslaught” of assaults, according to former senator and Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum.
Haley, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, U.S. Senator Tim Scott, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy appear to be in line to advance to the debate alongside Trump and DeSantis.
Former Vice President Mike Pence struggles to raise the required 40,000 donations. Trump’s absence may create a dilemma for lesser-known competitors, who must decide whether to attack Trump or focus on the performers.
Republican candidates, except Christie and Pence, mostly support Trump due to his handling of legal issues, including a four-count federal indictment for rigging the 2020 election. DeSantis, however, has called Trump’s proceedings “politicized” and suggested pardoning him.
In interview with the US media, the Florida Governor also stated that Trump “of course” lost the 2020 race to Biden.
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