Republican gubernatorial candidate Governor Ron DeSantis took a constructive approach by pointing out the unfulfilled promises made by former President Donald Trump during his 2016 campaign. DeSantis emphasized that he preferred to focus on policy differences rather than engaging in personal attacks.
During an appearance on “Media Buzz” on Fox News Channel, DeSantis candidly discussed Trump’s unkept commitments, stating, “For instance, he pledged to drain the swamp, but instead, it only worsened. The swamp was not drained. He also promised that Mexico would pay for the border wall, yet only approximately 50 miles of wall were constructed, leaving vast sections unfinished. Additionally, he claimed he would eliminate the national debt, but during his term, the debt increased by nearly $8 trillion.”
DeSantis also expressed his concerns about Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, “Furthermore, in 2020, he relied heavily on Dr. Fauci, resulting in lockdowns, excessive borrowing, and printing money, which set us on a detrimental path. I have been straightforward about these concerns.”
DeSantis’ remarks came in response to recent criticism from fellow Republican candidate Chris Christie, who accused other candidates of being too cozy with Trump and positioned himself as the only candidate willing to challenge the former president.
In contrast, DeSantis asserted, “I refrain from resorting to insults, and that holds true. Engaging in an insult game turns off voters, which is not something I want to partake in. I have no interest in personally attacking Donald Trump or any other candidate. We must rise above that and focus on addressing the critical issues at hand.”
In reaction to DeSantis’ comments, the Trump campaign dismissed him as a “loser” and questioned his ability to manage campaign finances, raising doubts about his competence to govern the country effectively.
As the election season unfolds, candidates such as DeSantis are seeking to distinguish themselves based on policy differences and their ability to address pressing issues, rather than resorting to personal confrontations.