GOP leader criticizes DeSantis’ debate approach, foresees Trump dominating competition.
Top Republican Leaders and Allies Criticize Gov. Ron DeSantis Ahead of High-Stakes GOP Debate
Republican leaders and key Trump allies are expressing their disapproval of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) after his debate prep notes were leaked online. They are criticizing the presidential candidate for committing malpractice ahead of the first high-stakes GOP debate next week.
House GOP Conference Chairwoman Denounces Leak
House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) denounced the move in a statement on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of keeping debate strategies confidential during a crucial election cycle. She called it an “obvious rule of debate prep.”
The leaked documents, published by a firm associated with DeSantis’s super PAC, revealed his debate advice and research memos. These materials showcased the Florida governor’s game plan for the upcoming debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday.
Stefanik Calls It ”Absolute Malpractice”
“This is absolute malpractice,” Stefanik said. “And as I have said from the very beginning, President Trump is going to steamroll the entire field. There is no real primary, and we need to focus on defeating Joe Biden to save America.”
While it is uncertain whether Trump will participate in the highly anticipated debate, several candidates are expected to face off for the first time as they strive to gain ground against the former president. Trump is reportedly considering hosting a counterprogram during the debate, but there is a possibility he may still choose to join at the last minute.
Even if Trump is not present onstage, he is likely to be the main focus of the debate due to his continued dominance in polling, despite facing criminal indictments. Some candidates plan to use these charges against Trump, while others aim to remain in his good graces by staying silent.
DeSantis’s Unique Strategy
DeSantis, however, has a different strategy in mind. According to the leaked memos, he plans to defend Trump in his expected absence.
“Trump isn’t here, so let’s just leave him alone. He’s too weak to defend himself here,” DeSantis is advised to say. “We’re all running against him. I don’t think we want to join forces with someone on this stage who’s auditioning for a show on MSNBC.”
Instead, DeSantis intends to focus on entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who has seen a recent rise in the polls, posing a growing threat to the Florida governor’s campaign.
Targeting Vivek Ramaswamy
The leaked memo instructs DeSantis to “take a sledgehammer to Vivek Ramaswamy: ‘Fake Vivek’ or ‘Vivek the Fake.'”
Meanwhile, Ramaswamy remains confident in his own debate preparation and dismisses DeSantis’s strategy to target him on the stage.
“Another boring, establishment attack from Super PAC-creation ‘Robot Ron,’ who is literally taking lame, pre-programmed attack lines against me for next week’s debate,” Ramaswamy said on Thursday.
So far, five candidates have qualified for the first debate and signed the Republican National Committee candidate pledge to appear onstage: DeSantis, Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, Doug Burgum, and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC). Three others—Trump, Christie, and former Vice President Mike Pence—have also qualified but have not yet signed the pledge, which is a requirement to participate. Pence and Christie have indicated they will sign it before the event, while Trump has outright refused.
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