Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said on Tuesday that when it comes to the Trump campaign, actions speak louder than words.
And what their actions say, the governor added, is that DeSantis is seen as the stumbling block to former President Donald Trump’s coronation as the GOP’s 2024 nominee.
“He is currently spending money against me in Iowa. He is campaigning in Iowa, and that’s an indication,” DeSantis told Fox News host Neil Cavuto.
In the news: Debating With Florida Gov. DeSantis Could Secure Major Victory For California Gov. Newsom. Here’s How
“You can tell campaigns by what they do,” he continued. “People are gonna try to create whatever narrative they want, but he’s there spending money attacking me.”
The Republican governor noted that Trump has spent more than $25 million attacking him, so far.
“That shows you that they do view me as the threat, ” said DeSantis. “You gotta earn this. I’m going to earn it.”
DeSantis noted that he has campaigned in 58 of Iowa’s 99 counties, and promised the rest would soon follow.
“I challenge Donald Trump to match me, (to) show up in all these communities and earn their vote,” he said. “It’s a state-by-state process. Anyone can take a national poll. But ultimately you gotta go earn the votes there locally.”
The governor also downplayed Trump’s lead in the polls.
In the news: Rep. Luna Of Florida Explains Whom She Will Vote For In New Speaker’s Contest
“They’re showing you that they think it’s a race because they wouldn’t be behaving in the way that they’re doing, if they didn’t think it was a race,” DeSantis said.
The governor also argued that they should narrow the field of prospective candidates even further.
“I think that would draw more interest from people, and I think it would put more pressure on Donald Trump to show up and debate,” he said.
Trump has dismissed appearing at both previous debates, which voters have said were won by DeSantis.
According to FiveThirtyEight.com, Trump leads DeSantis by about 42 points in national polls. But the latest Iowa-specific poll indicates Trump leads the Florida governor by just 23 points.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps