Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has made it clear that he is fully committed to supporting former President Donald Trump if he becomes the Republican Party’s nominee for the 2024 presidential election. In an interview with MSNBC on Thursday, DeSantis reaffirmed his pledge to support whoever the party nominates.
When asked about his stance on Trump, who is currently facing multiple legal issues, DeSantis stated that he signed a pledge to support the Republican nominee and he intends to honor it. However, he also expressed his belief that a candidate with a criminal record would not be able to get elected as president.
DeSantis, who has a background as a lawyer and served in the Navy, stated that he believes Republican voters will come to this realization as the 2024 election draws near. He also stressed the importance of nominating a candidate who can win in a general election, implying that a candidate with a questionable past would not be able to do so.
At the same time, DeSantis acknowledged the unpredictability of the political process and the possibility of unexpected events shaping the outcome of the election. However, he remained confident in his own ability to win the nomination and ultimately the presidency.
.@WillieGeist: If Donald Trump’s convicted, “do you actually still believe [he] should be president?”@GovRonDeSantis: “No, that will not happen…it would be fatal in a general election. I don’t think the party should should nominate in that situation.” pic.twitter.com/trWsm4l7oo
— Morning Joe (@Morning_Joe) November 2, 2023
The Florida governor’s comments come at a critical time for the Republican Party, which is still dealing with the aftermath of the tumultuous 2020 presidential race. The party remains divided between those who continue to support Trump and those who are critical of his actions and rhetoric.
Next week, several GOP candidates, including DeSantis, will appear in the third Republican presidential debate. This lineup also includes other notable names such as former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.
As the race for the 2024 presidential nomination heats up, it is clear that the party is still grappling with the role of Trump and his influence. DeSantis’ strong commitment to supporting the former president, as well as his confidence in his own abilities, may be seen as a strategic decision to win over a large portion of the party’s base.
It is worth noting that DeSantis’ pledge to support the Republican nominee is not unique among GOP politicians. However, his unwavering support for Trump puts him in a small group of potential candidates who have taken a clear stance on the former president.
In conclusion, Governor Ron DeSantis has reiterated his commitment to support former President Donald Trump if he becomes the Republican nominee in 2024. While he acknowledges the unlikelihood of a candidate with a criminal record winning the presidency, DeSantis remains determined to win the nomination and lead the party toward another electoral victory. As the third Republican presidential debate approaches, it will be interesting to see how this stance will affect DeSantis’ performance and standing among the other candidates.
