After cruising to victory in last Tuesday’s midterm election, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis answered questions this week, including on what has become something of an elephant in the Republican room — former President Donald Trump’s statements attacking DeSantis that drew the ire of many conservatives.
Asked what he thinks about Trump’s “special announcement” slated for 9:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday night and what his response to “some of the less than flattering comments” Trump made about the GOP governor — for whom Trump said he voted on Election Day — DeSantis broke his silence on Trump’s attacks, but took the high road.
“One of the things I’ve learned in this job is when you’re leading, when you’re getting things done, you take incoming fire,” DeSantis explained. “That’s just the nature of it. I roll out of bed in the morning, I’ve got corporate media outlets that have a spasm — just the fact that I’m getting up in the morning,” DeSantis said, choosing to not directly return the 45th president’s fire.
“I don’t think any governor got attacked more, particularly by corporate media, than me over my four-year term,” DeSantis noted. “And yet, I think what you learn is all that’s just noise. Really what matters is, are you leading? Are you getting in front of issues? Are you delivering results for people? And are you standing up for folks?” DeSantis continued. “If you do that, then none of that stuff matters.”
“That’s what we’ve done,” DeSantis said of his first term as governor of Florida. “We focused on results and leadership.”
“At the end of the day, I would just tell people to go check out the scoreboard from last Tuesday night,” DeSantis quipped to applause from the audience. “The fact of the matter is it was the greatest Republican victory in the history of the State of Florida.”
DeSantis’ response to the question about Trump’s attacks struck an entirely different tone than Trump has employed in the wake of the disappointing midterm cycle. As Townhall reported last Thursday night, with midterm races still yet to be called in key states, Trump issued a statement targeting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who walloped Democrat Charlie Crist in one of the few clear GOP victories of what was supposed to be a national “red wave” night in repudiation of President Biden’s agenda.
Trump’s lengthy statement began by using his new nickname for DeSantis — for whom he voted in Florida this week — “DeSanctimonious,” and called him “an average REPUBLICAN Governor with great Public Relations” who “has the advantage of SUNSHINE.” Trump also claimed “people from badly run States up North would go [to Florida] no matter who the Governor was, just like I did.”
Trump’s accusatory statement continued, saying “Ron DeSanctimonious is playing games!” by answering questions about a Trump 2024 run by saying he was focused on his now-wildly successful gubernatorial race and leading Florida. According to Trump, “in terms of loyalty and class, that’s really not the right answer.”
In terms of loyalty and class, DeSantis showed more of both in his answer on Tuesday.
I love Trump – an international business man who did so many good things…people may not like his comments…but he worked hard for us and made good on his promises,,, few politicians do that….but can we trust the elections??? No we can not…and there is the main problem. We need in person voting with id on Election Day….we must watch the count…and no mail in’s or drop offs…We have to have our country back and though I worry about all the harrasment again…he’s one tough guy and if he is elected….so many bad things will go away..one way or another….NO Dominion machines…..not ever…..I want our country great again!!!!!
I would love to see a Trump Desantis ticket to prepare Desantis for the next four years giving him the needed world exposure and experience. I think this would ensure the republican ticket for 2024 and 2028, two great men. President Trump gave one of his best speeches on the declaration of his official run for 2024. We need these two men in office to mend the damage the current administration has done to our great country. “” GOD BLESS AMERICA “
Don & Ron would make a powerful ticket in 2024. Then we could elect Ron for another 8 years after he gets some international experience. 12 years of Republican leadership might give our republic a chance of surviving. The Dems are out to destroy it!