DeSantis impresses at CNN Iowa town hall ahead of caucuses
Gov. Ron DeSantis Takes Center Stage in Iowa Town Hall
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) captivated the audience with his sharp answers and skillful maneuvering during a CNN town hall in Iowa on Thursday. As he competes against former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and former President Donald Trump in the first GOP nominating race of the 2024 primary season, DeSantis showcased his commitment to the process.
“I actually believe in the process. I’ve gone to all 99 counties. I’ve shown up. I’ve answered questions. You’ll see me on the debate stage next week here in Iowa on Jan.10,” DeSantis confidently declared, while being moderated by CNN host Kaitlan Collins. ”Donald Trump’s not willing to show up on the debate stage. Has he come to communities and answered questions? Has he gone to all 99 counties? Heck, has he even gone to nine counties? That’s not the way to do it.”
Trump’s Campaign Strategy Under Scrutiny
Compared to his GOP primary rivals, Trump has made fewer campaign stops in Iowa, especially when compared to DeSantis, who has tirelessly traveled to all 99 counties in the Hawkeye State. The former president has relied on his polling advantage to avoid traditional political campaigning this election cycle.
DeSantis also took the opportunity to highlight Trump’s failure to fulfill previous campaign promises, such as ending birthright citizenship and supporting abortion restriction laws at the federal level.
“Donald Trump has said that pro-life protections, even at the state level, are a quote, terrible thing. And he said that in relation to bills like Iowa did the heartbeat bill,” DeSantis pointed out, referring to bills he and Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) signed last year that restrict abortions after six weeks.
“Now, this is a guy that was at the March for Life in January of 2020. And he said that all life was a gift from God. He said the unborn was made in the image of God. He said that there should be protections,” DeSantis continued. “That’s what he was saying when he was president at the March for Life. Now, he’s saying it’s a terrible, terrible thing. So, how do you reconcile those two views? Did he flip-flop?”
When asked if he believed Trump was not pro-life, DeSantis firmly denied it, recognizing the importance of evangelical voters in Iowa and how his anti-abortion stance could resonate with them.
DeSantis vs. Haley: Contrasting Campaigns
CNN hosted back-to-back town halls featuring DeSantis and Haley on Thursday night, just 11 days before the Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses. DeSantis wasted no time in highlighting the differences between his campaign and Haley’s.
“Donald Trump is running for his issues. Nikki Haley’s running for her donor’s issues. I’m running for your issues,” DeSantis passionately declared. “I’m running for your family’s issues, and I’m running to turn this country around.”
The audience of Iowan caucusgoers erupted in applause, clearly impressed by DeSantis’s commitment to their concerns.
As Trump continues to dominate the primary field, DeSantis and Haley have fiercely battled for second place. DeSantis has relentlessly attacked Haley on the campaign trail, aiming for a strong second-place finish or even an unexpected upset victory in Iowa. He recently criticized Haley for suggesting that New Hampshire voters would “correct” the results from the Iowa caucuses.
“It’s a slap in the face to Iowans,” DeSantis scolded Haley. The Florida governor’s campaign viability hinges on his ability to defeat Trump on Jan. 15 or secure a close second-place finish.
However, Haley’s rising campaign has posed a challenge to DeSantis’s goal of being the sole viable Trump challenger in the GOP primary. According to a RealClearPolitics poll average, the two candidates are polling within 1% of each other, with Haley at 11% and DeSantis at 10.9%. Trump maintains a commanding lead at 62.7%.
During a joint interview with NBC News and the Des Moines Register, DeSantis previously labeled Haley as a “phony.”
DeSantis and Haley are set to face off on the debate stage on Jan. 10, just five days before the Iowa caucuses.
What actions has DeSantis taken to protect the Second Amendment rights of Floridians and combat censorship by Big Tech companies
Responded, “I mean, he’s not taking the position that I’m taking on, which is that all life is precious and there should be protections at the state level. He’s saying that’s a terrible thing. So, I think that the positions have changed. I think that’s pretty clear.”
DeSantis Shines in Policy Discourse
During the town hall, DeSantis showcased his policy expertise and demonstrated his ability to provide detailed and nuanced answers to complex issues. When asked about his stance on climate change, DeSantis emphasized the importance of innovation and market-based solutions.
“We should be investing in research and development. We should be prioritizing innovation and technology that can lead us to a more sustainable future,” DeSantis stated. ”I believe in American ingenuity. I believe that we can find solutions to the challenges of climate change that do not require heavy-handed government regulations.”
DeSantis also discussed his efforts to protect the Second Amendment rights of Floridians, highlighting his signing of Senate Bill 7072, which prohibits Big Tech companies from censoring political candidates. He argued that free speech should not be infringed upon by tech giants.
“We cannot allow Big Tech to have more power than the government,” DeSantis asserted. “These companies have become arbiters of truth and they are silencing voices that they disagree with. This is a dangerous precedent to set for our democracy.”
DeSantis Gains Momentum in the GOP Race
Gov. DeSantis’ performance at the Iowa town hall has undoubtedly strengthened his position in the GOP race for the 2024 nomination. His confidence, policy knowledge, and ability to articulate his positions clearly and effectively have all resonated with voters. As the race continues to unfold, DeSantis has proven himself as a formidable contender who is willing to engage with voters and present substantial policy proposals.
His commitment to grassroots campaigning, his critique of Trump’s campaign strategy, and his strong policy discourse have set him apart from other candidates. With his impressive performance in Iowa, DeSantis has solidified his status as a frontrunner and will likely continue to gain momentum as the race moves forward.
As the 2024 primary season unfolds, it is clear that Gov. Ron DeSantis will be a prominent figure in the GOP nomination race. His ability to captivate audiences, engage with voters, and present compelling policy proposals sets him apart from his rivals. Only time will tell if DeSantis will secure the nomination, but for now, his performance in Iowa has propelled him into the national spotlight and established him as a force to be reckoned with in the Republican Party.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...