Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the Justice Department’s “politization” in its pursuit of prosecuting former President Donald Trump. However, DeSantis made it clear that he would not come to Trump’s defense if he decides to skip the first GOP primary debate.
In an interview with Newsmax’s “Eric Bolling The Balance” on Wednesday, DeSantis expressed his belief that Trump should participate in the debate, emphasizing the importance of having a constructive discussion about the future of the country. DeSantis himself plans to attend and participate in the debate.
DeSantis also conveyed his disapproval of Trump’s stance that he doesn’t need to debate due to his lead in the polls, labeling it as an “entitled” position.
“Nobody is entitled to be nominated; you got to earn it,” DeSantis told host Eric Bolling. “And I think he should show up and make his case and answer questions like the rest of us.”
DeSantis added “I hope there’s not charges brought” against Trump in regard to Jan. 6, as Trump teased in saying he received a target letter from special counsel Jack Smith.
“I think when you try to shove conduct into some of these more opaque statutes — and you’re running with that given the politicization of the [Attorney General Merrick] Garland Justice Department — you’re going to have a lot of people look at that and wince,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis repeated his remarks to Bolling in another TV appearance Thursday morning, saying if Trump is not going to debate, DeSantis is ready to take center stage as de facto top target.
“Oh, I think we’ll do well either way,” DeSantis said. “I mean, I think he owes it to people to participate.
“Nobody is entitled to be nominated. You’ve got to earn it. You got to earn everything in this world. So I think you show up. I think you participate. I think you make your case, and I think you answer questions.
“So we’re going to be doing that, regardless of who else shows up. Yeah, I think he ought to participate.”
Desantis is a monster trying to sickly sink his paws into the forerunner.
Donald is a president. His time his way.
Groan that Desantis gets any vote at all.
Why should he debate? The mods will focus on him, belittle him, ask him gotcha questions. We know him already, he was a great president . DeSantis wants massive viewership to see him and he knows that without Trump the ratings will be low.