While there was no clear winner during the second Republican primary debate on Wednesday in California, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held his own by interjecting himself into some tense exchanges.
However, experts say the performance was not good enough to have a real impact on the trajectory of the race. Moreover, there was no real moment that debate watchers would remember in one week.
The candidates now have to use other means to get attention in the hope of dethroning the leader in the race, former President Donald Trump.
The controversial real estate mogul is leading some polls by 30 points. Ron DeSantis finds himself in second place in most surveys.
Some observers say Mr. Trump will likely be the nominee of his party. They believe that his lead is too big for something to really change in the next few months.
Moreover, Trump is easier to beat in a one-on-one race, but most of the candidates say that they will stick around until the first votes are counted.
Since the former reality TV star skipped the first two debates, his rivals have never had the opportunity to challenge him face-to-face.
This is not going to change anytime soon because the Trump campaign has already announced that he will also be skipping the November debate in Miami.
Ron DeSantis is now using President Joe Biden to bait Donald Trump into taking the debate stage. Trump has nothing to gain by elevating his primary rivals. DeSantis is trying as hard as possible anyway.
Desantis told Fox News that there should be no coronation and that the nomination should be earned. He wants Mr. Trump to go through the whole process like all the other candidates.
He told Fox News Thursday: “This is something you have to earn. Nobody is entitled to this. You know, I remember back in 2020 I had a big party in Tallahassee for that first debate that Trump did with Biden. And the reality is Biden beat Trump in that debate. I don’t know how you can lose to Biden in the debate, but that happened.”
Mr. Desantis is telling Trump he lost the debates against Biden, hoping he will be able to get under his skin and get a reaction.
Trump responded to the attack by saying that the race was over, and the Florida governor will drop out soon. He posted on Truth Social: “I’m up 56 Points, so the Debates would seem to be a complete waste of time. I’m also up 10 on Crooked Joe! What is the RNC doing? They should be fighting against Election Interference & the Pennsylvania Voter Registration Scam. The Debates should be ENDED, BAD for the Republican Party! I was in Michigan last night with Autoworkers & others. Watched Debate = REPORT CARD: Doug Burgum did a very good job, solid & smart! Sloppy Chris Christie was a DISASTER, A TRUMP DERANGED LUNATIC! Nikki “Birdbrain” Haley was exposed for her caustic DISLOYALTY & LIES about the Republican Party, and me. Doesn’t have what it takes, NEVER DID! Lyin’ Mike Pence has lost a lot of his energy. Very flat, needs me badly! Actually, quite sad to watch, but he’ll get better. Too much J-6! Tim Scott stepped it up. Wonderful guy. Looking forward to getting his Endorsement! Vivek said I was a great President. Thank you. Good Job! Ron DeSanctimonious had a bad night. He can feel the end is near. Dropping like a rock!”
Desantis will have to push harder to get Trump into the ring.
