David Axelrod foresees Ron DeSantis as the most vulnerable in the upcoming debate.

David Axelrod: Gov. Ron DeSantis⁣ in “Jeopardy” Ahead of Republican Primary Debate

Renowned political strategist David Axelrod has shared his expectations ​for⁢ the highly anticipated first Republican primary ⁢debate, set to take place on Wednesday. According to Axelrod,‌ one candidate in⁤ particular is⁤ in “jeopardy” and stands to lose the⁤ most.

Axelrod, who previously advised former President Barack Obama, ‌appeared on CNN’s State of the Union Sunday‍ to voice his concerns about Gov. Ron ‌DeSantis (R-FL). The⁢ debate, hosted by Fox News, will be held ⁢in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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“I‌ think DeSantis is the ⁣guy who is in most jeopardy ​here. He started off ⁢– ‌his whole candidacy was premised on, he was the alternative to Trump,” ‌Axelrod ‍expressed. “He’s⁣ been doing nothing but sinking since ⁤he became a candidate. And now he’s in jeopardy of⁢ losing that‌ distinction as being Trump’s principal challenger.”

Axelrod further emphasized that DeSantis’s ⁣current position creates an “opportunity for⁢ everybody else on the stage.”

Currently, DeSantis is the front-runner behind former President Donald Trump,⁤ who recently⁣ confirmed that he ‍will not be participating in the debate. Trump has consistently refused to sign a pledge ‌to support the eventual‌ nominee.

Scott Jennings, a former adviser⁤ to President George W. Bush and Sen. ‌Mitch McConnell ‌(R-KY), echoed similar sentiments ⁤the⁣ day before, stating that “everybody⁤ on that stage wants to replace Ron ⁢DeSantis as the⁢ front-runner ⁣of the‌ non-Trump candidate.” Axelrod had previously predicted⁢ that all the other candidates will “hammer” on the Florida ‍governor.

“I have said from‌ the beginning that Trump would be nuts to show up. He’s ​got a gargantuan lead,” Axelrod ‍remarked. “DeSantis said the other day that his followers — he implied that Trump’s followers were like listless vessels.”

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Aside from DeSantis and ⁤Trump, the remaining candidates include former New Jersey Gov. Chris⁤ Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, former‍ South Carolina ​Gov. Nikki ⁣Haley, former‌ Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, ⁣former Texas Rep. Will Hurd, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Gov.⁤ Doug Burgum (R-ND), Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, political commentator Larry Elder, businessman Perry Johnson, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. DeSantis, Ramaswamy, Burgum, Haley, and Scott have qualified for ⁤the ​debate and signed the loyalty pledge, while Pence, Hutchinson, and Christie have expressed their intention ​to sign it.

In order to qualify for the debate, candidates⁤ must be polling at a minimum of 1% and have at least ⁢40,000 individual ⁣donations to their campaign.‍ The deadline for qualification is Monday.

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