Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is gearing up for Wednesday's first Republican presidential nomination debate, where he plans to deliver his message and defend himself against rival candidates.
DeSantis, a conservative governor, dismissed a leaked debate strategy memo from advisors at the DeSantis-aligned super PAC, Never Back Down, stating that he had not read it and that it was not his. The memo, which urged DeSantis to defend former President Donald Trump and "hammer" rival Vivek Ramaswamy, has caused a stir in the media and is seen as another stumble for DeSantis.
Despite facing setbacks in recent months, including overspending, staff layoffs, and a change in leadership, DeSantis remains in second place in most surveys, trailing behind Trump. His campaign anticipates that every candidate, both on and off the debate stage, will target DeSantis during the first debate, hosted by Fox News in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. DeSantis sees the attacks as a sign that he is viewed as the biggest threat and is ready to defend himself and deliver his message.
DeSantis confirmed that his debate strategy includes defending himself against rivals but emphasized the importance of showing why he is the leader to turn the country around. A new memo from the DeSantis campaign, sent to donors and supporters by campaign manager James Uthmeier, acknowledges that the governor will be the center of attacks during the debate. The memo states that the campaign is fully prepared to handle false and desperate charges from other candidates and the media.
DeSantis believes that retail-style politics, which have traditionally been crucial in Iowa and New Hampshire, will help him close the gap with Trump. He started his day by participating in Londonderry, New Hampshire's annual Old Home Day Parade, where he interacted with supporters and shook hands along the route.
DeSantis also met briefly with popular Republican governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, who has been working with several Republican White House contenders. Sununu, a vocal critic of Trump within the GOP, expressed confidence in DeSantis's ability to turn things around in New Hampshire, citing the large crowd that gathered to support him.
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