Ron DeSantis Withdraws from Presidential Race
In a surprising turn of events, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race, throwing his support behind none other than Donald Trump. The decision comes just before the crucial Republican primary in New Hampshire, where DeSantis found himself polling in the single digits.
Once hailed as a strong contender for the party’s nomination, DeSantis admitted on Sunday that he no longer saw a clear path to victory. This announcement sets the stage for Nikki Haley, Trump’s last remaining challenger, to face off against him in the upcoming New Hampshire primary – a crucial step in determining the Republican nominee for the November general election.
In a heartfelt video shared on X (formerly Twitter), DeSantis expressed that his campaign had given its all. “I would have taken any possible action – additional campaign stops, more interviews – to achieve a positive result,” he expressed, concluding his seven-month campaign.
Endorsing Trump, who dominated the Iowa contest with 51% of the vote, DeSantis acknowledged his differences with the former president but emphasized that Trump was the preferred choice over Joe Biden. Despite disagreements, DeSantis pledged to support the Republican nominee, citing a majority of GOP voters wanting to give Trump another chance.
Trump’s response to DeSantis’s withdrawal was met with cheers from supporters in New Hampshire. At a subsequent rally, Trump praised his former opponent as a “really terrific person” who ran a commendable campaign.
DeSantis had positioned himself as the candidate capable of championing Trump’s populist agenda without the associated drama. However, some critics, including Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, dubbed him “diet Trump,” indicating a less impactful version. Supporters expressed liking DeSantis but believed that this wasn’t his time, with many favouring Trump as the figure to lead the country back on track.
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