‘Threat’ DeSantis says he hopes 2024 rivals attack him at first GOP debate: ‘We’ll hold our own’

Ron DeSantis’ 2024 opponents view him as a “risk” to win the presidency, the Florida governor touted Thursday — and revealed that he hopes his Republican rivals assault him on the first major debate. 

“I hope so,” DeSantis, 44, responded when asked by NewsNation’s Kellie Meyer if he thinks his fellow GOPers will direct barbs at him in Milwaukee on Aug. 23.

“Look, once they’re attacking you, meaning you’re over the goal. So we’re comfortable to discipline that, and we’ll maintain our personal,” the Sunshine State governor stated.

“As a result of on the finish of the day, I’m operating to truly win the presidency and do all these nice issues. I don’t have another motive,” he added.

“I don’t need to get a cable information deal. I’m not making an attempt to promote something, I don’t need a Cupboard submit. We’re operating, we’re operating to win.”

DeSantis additionally made the case that former President Donald Trump, his high rival within the crowded 2024 GOP discipline, additionally considers him a risk.

The 77-year-old plans to look on the Iowa State Truthful Saturday — the identical day DeSantis is holding an occasion with Florida lawmakers who have endorsed him in tow. 

“Nicely, look, I feel it simply exhibits like I’m the man that takes … I get attacked by the left, I get attacked by the Democrats, Biden, Harris, the media, Trump, so I have to be anyone that they contemplate to be a risk as a result of if not, you’d form of simply ignore and go on,” DeSantis informed NewsNation. 

“However I can let you know this: I’m going to be there with Gov. Kim Reynolds. Donald Trump has attacked Gov. Kim Reynolds. She’s accomplished an ideal job right here. Iowans love her. I’m proud as a Republican to see a Republican governor like Kim Reynolds get so many nice issues accomplished,” he continued.

“I don’t imagine it’s good for the social gathering to be attacking folks like Kim Reynolds, and so we’re going to do the ‘Fair-Side Chat’ with her. Trump just isn’t doing that chat with Kim Reynolds despite the fact that he had the chance to take action.”

Trump fumed at the Hawkeye State’s governor in July following studies that she’s been warming as much as DeSantis. 

“I opened up the Governor place for Kim Reynolds, & when she fell behind, I ENDORSED her, did large Rallies, & she received. Now, she desires to stay ‘NEUTRAL.’ I don’t invite her to occasions! DeSanctus down 45 factors!” Trump wrote on Reality Social final month.

Trump is predicted to announce whether or not he will attend the Milwaukee debate subsequent week. 

The previous president has argued that it serves him no profit to debate his Republican factors given his large lead within the polls. 

A RealClearPolitics common of nationwide surveys exhibits Trump main DeSantis by 39 factors. 

In distinction to DeSantis, the previous president expressed concern in an interview with Newsmax on Wednesday that he’d be attacked by lower-polling rivals had been he to take part within the debate.

“Anyone like Asa Hutchinson, who’s polling at zero, will ask me nasty questions. Anyone like Chris Christie, who’s falling at 1%, he’s going to ask me nasty questions and others too,” Trump defined.