In a bold stance, Ron DeSantis didn’t shy away from criticizing Donald Trump’s insults towards him, deeming them ‘insincere’ and ‘immature.’ Speaking at WMUR’s ‘Conversation with the Candidate’ event on Friday, DeSantis expressed his disappointment with the former president’s behavior, especially considering the high office he once held.
DeSantis made it clear that attacking opponents based on superficial attributes, such as looks, goes against his principles as a parent. He shared that he and his wife teach their young children the value of treating others with respect and empathy, emphasizing the golden rule of treating others as you would want to be treated.
In a warning to his fellow Republicans, DeSantis emphasized that indulging in ‘juvenile’ insults could prove detrimental to their political success. He acknowledged that while there are millions of voters dissatisfied with President Biden’s policies and the country’s direction, they won’t rally behind candidates who engage in disrespectful behavior.
Though DeSantis supported Trump in the 2016 election, he called out the former president for failing to fulfill promises made during his previous campaign, such as eliminating the national debt, having Mexico pay for the border wall, and draining the ‘swamp’ in Washington, D.C.
Interestingly, DeSantis revealed that he finds amusement in some of the insults directed at him, like ‘Ron DeSanctimonious.’ While he might not know the exact meaning, he appreciates the creativity and playfulness in such insults.
Despite Trump maintaining a significant lead over DeSantis in recent polls, the Florida governor remains undeterred. The New York Times/Siena Poll released Monday shows Trump with a commanding 37 percent lead over DeSantis, leaving other Republican candidates trailing far behind.
Should the primary election occur today, Trump would secure 54 percent of the Republican vote, while DeSantis would receive only 17 percent. Interestingly, 22 percent of voters believe that the ex-president is a criminal, highlighting the varied opinions within the party.
Despite the daunting numbers, DeSantis remains steadfast in his convictions and principles. He seeks to maintain a positive and respectful campaign, hoping that voters will recognize the value of integrity and decorum in political leadership. In a competitive and crowded field, DeSantis’s unique approach strives to distinguish him as a candidate worthy of trust and support.