Ron DeSantis Gains Momentum in GOP Race After Debate Performance

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has seen a significant boost in his White House aspirations following his standout performance in the recent GOP debate held on Wednesday evening in Milwaukee, as was reported by the New York Post.  A new national poll reveals that DeSantis has climbed 8 points among Republicans, positioning him as a strong contender in the race. The survey also highlights the rise of Nikki Haley and the steady support of biotech millionaire Vivek Ramaswamy. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump remains ahead, though his lead has slightly diminished, according to the Post report. The post-debate poll sheds light on the evolving dynamics within the Republican party as potential candidates vie for the 2024 presidential nomination.

The InsiderAdvantage survey of likely Republican primary and caucus voters showcases Governor DeSantis’s remarkable growth, propelling him from 10% to 18% in the GOP presidential contest after his stellar performance in the debate. Political consultant Ryan Girdusky emphasized DeSantis’s strong showing on critical issues like crime, immigration, and the economy, which resonated with Republican voters, the Post report said. DeSantis’s poised demeanor and in-depth policy discussions during the debate contributed to his perception as a formidable candidate.

“DeSantis performed well in the debate and I think at times looked like the most presidential candidate on the stage,” Girdusky told the Post. “The biggest issues Republican voters are thinking about this cycle are crime, immigration, and the economy and on all three issues, DeSantis was far better than the rest of the field.”

The poll also highlights former South Carolina Governor and former Us Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley’s considerable rise in support, doubling from 5% to 11%, the Post report noted. Her forceful performance in the debate solidified her as a significant contender. Moreover, she proved to be a vocal champion of US support of Israel as she unflinchingly confronted businessman Vivek Ramaswamy’s recent remarks about ending US defense aid to Israel in 2028. This shift indicates the impact of well-executed debate appearances on candidates’ popularity and standing in the race.

Despite DeSantis and Haley’s gains, former President Donald Trump maintains a significant lead with 45% support among Republican voters, as was reported by the Post. However, this represents a slight decrease of 6 points from the previous poll, possibly influenced by his absence from the debate stage and other external factors such as his arrest in Fulton County, Georgia on Thursday.

Trump’s response to the poll shows his focus on other survey results that portray him in a favorable light, underlining his lead against Joe Biden in hypothetical general election rematches, as was noted in the Post report.  Trump’s active engagement on social media reflects his ongoing interest in staying connected and relevant with his base and controlling the political narrative.

“Oh no, I’m leading by 6, 7, and 8 in various Polls over Crooked Joe Biden,” Trump posted on Truth Social, over results from a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, according to the Post report.  “That almost guarantees another Indictment!”

The survey of 1,004 adults found Trump with 38% to Biden’s 32% in a hypothetical general election rematch — with 30% refusing to endorse either one of those universally known candidates, the Post report stated. The poll had a 6% credibility interval.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll’s smaller panel of 347 Republicans gave Trump a considerable 52%-13% lead over DeSantis, his nearest rival in the GOP primary race, with all other candidates in the single digits. A third post-debate poll from the Morning Consult found an even larger 58%-14% lead for Trump, the Post observed.

The post-debate poll results have prompted DeSantis and Ramaswamy to intensify their campaign efforts. The Post report indicated that Ramaswamy’s critique of Trump’s policies and his emphasis on strong leadership reflect his strategy to stand out in the competitive field. DeSantis’s choice to address Biden’s handling of critical issues and his efforts to hold him accountable highlight his focus on presenting a strong contrast to the current administration, the Post report added.

The recent GOP debate has sparked significant shifts in support among potential 2024 presidential candidates. Ron DeSantis’s impressive performance has catapulted him into the spotlight, gaining him substantial backing from Republican voters. Nikki Haley’s resurgence and Vivek Ramaswamy’s consistent support reflect the evolving landscape of the GOP race. With former President Donald Trump still leading the pack, the race for the White House remains dynamic and unpredictable, setting the stage for a competitive primary season ahead. (Additional reporting by: Fern Sidman)