DeSantis criticizes Haley, Trump for debate absence: ‘I’m the only one campaigning outside a basement
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Slams Nikki Haley and Donald Trump for Skipping New Hampshire Debate
In a fiery town hall event, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis didn’t hold back in criticizing former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and former President Donald Trump for their absence in the New Hampshire primary debate.
DeSantis, who came in second in the Iowa caucuses, expressed his disappointment during a CNN town hall. Both Haley and DeSantis had invested heavily in the state, with ad spending surpassing $30 million each. DeSantis spent $35 million, while Haley’s spending reached a whopping $37 million, the highest among all candidates.
“The tradition of first-in-the-nation is significant. I agreed to debate with WMUR and ABC on Thursday, and with CNN on Sunday,” DeSantis stated. “I’m the only candidate who actually came to New Hampshire to debate. What does that say? We have four candidates for president now: Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, and me.”
He continued, “I’m the only one who’s not running a basement campaign at this point. As a voter, you deserve to have the candidates answer your questions in forums like this, where there’s back-and-forth debate. We shouldn’t let media coverage dictate our decisions. That’s not what we want in a republican form of government.”
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DeSantis didn’t stop there. He also took a swipe at Haley for not making it to the top two in Iowa, despite facing a staggering $50 million in negative attack ads. DeSantis, on the other hand, managed to secure the second spot.
Watch the video below:
I’m the only one who’s not running a basement campaign at this point.
You deserve to have the candidates come up and answer your questions in forums like this. pic.twitter.com/Nc46nrxqaU
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) January 17, 2024
Why did both Nikki Haley and Donald Trump choose not to participate in the New Hampshire primary debate?
Hall interview. “It is unfortunate that both Nikki Haley and Donald Trump chose not to participate in this important debate,” DeSantis stated. “As potential candidates for the highest office in the nation, it is their duty to engage with the American people and provide them with meaningful discussions on the issues that matter most.”
DeSantis went on to emphasize the significance of these debates in the political process. “Debates are crucial in the democratic system as they allow candidates to showcase their policies, demonstrate their problem-solving skills, and engage in constructive debates with their opponents,” DeSantis explained. “By choosing to skip the New Hampshire debate, both Haley and Trump are depriving the voters of the opportunity to hear their stances on critical issues and make informed decisions.”
The absence of Haley and Trump raised questions about their commitment to engaging with the American people and their preparedness to lead the nation. DeSantis argued that skipping the debate reflects a lack of respect for the democratic process and the voters. “Participating in debates is not just a chance to promote oneself, but also a fundamental responsibility to the American public,” DeSantis asserted. “It shows a willingness to be held accountable, to answer tough questions, and to engage in the necessary exchange of ideas.”
Furthermore, DeSantis pointed out that these debates serve as a platform to scrutinize the candidates’ policy proposals and assess their ability to handle the challenges facing the country. “By not participating, Haley and Trump are denying the voters the opportunity to analyze their plans and evaluate their suitability for the presidency,” DeSantis argued. “This lack of transparency raises concerns about their ability to make informed decisions and lead effectively.”
DeSantis concluded by calling upon Haley and Trump to reconsider their decision and participate in future debates. “The American people deserve leaders who are willing to engage in open and honest discussions about the policies and solutions that will shape our country’s future,” he stated. “I urge both Haley and Trump to prioritize the democratic process and respect the voices of the voters by actively participating in these debates.”
The absence of Haley and Trump from the New Hampshire primary debate resonated across the political landscape. Many commentators echoed DeSantis’ sentiments and highlighted the importance of candidates’ active participation in pre-election debates. As the campaign trail heats up, it remains to be seen whether Haley and Trump will reevaluate their approach and demonstrate their commitment to engaging with the American people through meaningful debate.
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