According to ABC News, in 2018, during his campaign for governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis was faced with a challenge that he may encounter again in his potential bid for the presidency in 2024: how to maintain the support of Donald Trump’s base without alienating them. Recently obtained footage of DeSantis’ debate prep sessions, which have not been made public until now, shed light on how he approached this delicate balancing act. The videos, which total nearly two and a half hours, offer a rare glimpse into the thought process of a candidate who may need to appeal to Trump’s fiercely loyal base while also carving out his own unique path to the nomination.
During the mock debate sessions, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz asked DeSantis if there was any issue on which he disagreed with President Trump. DeSantis replied with a sigh, acknowledging that he had voted against Trump in Congress. He went on to suggest that he would frame his disagreement in a way that would not anger Trump’s voters, saying he would “do what I think is right” and “support [Trump’s] agenda.” DeSantis also indicated that if he had a disagreement with Trump, he would discuss it with him in private.
“Is there any issue upon which you disagree with President Trump?” DeSantis was asked by Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz in footage exclusively obtained by ABC News of the team’s mock debate sessions during DeSantis’ 2018 run for governor.
“I have to figure out how to do this,” then-Congressman DeSantis replied, while letting out a deep sigh.
Obviously there is because, I mean, I voted contrary to him in the Congress,” DeSantis continued. “I have to frame it in a way that’s not going to piss off all his voters.”
DeSantis goes on to suggest that he would respond by saying he would “do what I think is right,” and “support [Trump’s] agenda.”
“If I have a disagreement, I talk to him in private.”
During his recent trip to Japan, DeSantis’ facial expressions were on full display when he was asked about trailing behind Trump in the polls. His animated response went viral, garnering nearly 20 million views. Sources familiar with DeSantis’ recent debate prep say that his team is paying close attention to how to manage his facial reactions, as he has a history of letting attacks get to him and becoming visibly shaken.
Overall, the footage of DeSantis’ 2018 debate prep sessions offers insight into the challenges faced by a candidate who is looking to appeal to a base that is fiercely loyal to a controversial figure like Donald Trump while also establishing his own unique brand as a politician. As DeSantis gears up for a potential run for the presidency in 2024, he will need to continue to navigate these challenges while staying true to his own beliefs and values.
