The fight between former President Donald Trump and Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who reportedly declared his candidacy for president on Wednesday, sparked a contentious discussion among Newsmax panelists on Thursday.
Senior editor-at-large at Newsweek Josh Hammer argued about the 2024 presidential primary with MAGA Inc. spokesman Karoline Leavitt. Given the issues with his Twitter Space launch, Leavitt claimed DeSantis is not in a strong position to compete against the former president.
“DeSantis’ botched campaign announcement proves that he and his team are not ready for primetime. He proposes a national federal sales tax, he voted to cut Social Security, he has no plan to end the war in Ukraine. President Trump cut taxes, secured the border, reinvested in our economy. He is the Day One leader that America needs.” Leavitt said.
“Look, I mean, Karoline has her talking points and that’s cute and everything, but the reality here is that Republican primary —” Hammer tried to retort.
They’re truth, my talking points are truth,” Leavitt replied.
“[Republican primary] voters are ready for a winner. They are sick of losing, they are sick of relitigating an election from two-and-a-half years ago, they are sick of Stormy Daniels and all of the crap,” Hammer jabbed back.
“You sound like a Democrat,” Leavitt responded.
“This country is going to hell in a handbasket, it’s time to put policy on the agenda and just start winning,” Hammer asserted.
DeSantis formally began his presidential campaign on Wednesday through a live Twitter Space, however there were technical issues since so many people joined at once.
Following the space’s cancellation and relaunch by Twitter CEO Elon Musk, DeSantis provided comments on his campaign and suggested legislative initiatives.
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