DeSantis-Crist debate

DeSantis is weak in debates. I don't think debates are very important, but he better get a lot better if he wants to win the Republican primary in a couple of years.

 

As if Trump was strong in his Republican primary debates?

 

Debates no longer matter because Republicans no longer operate as honest brokers of policy.

 

On policy, no. At insulting his opponents, yes.

 

Crist is the much more polished candidate so it was expected but that's also part of the reason people like Desantis. Kind of like Trump stands for "us regular folks".

 

He was very good at playing strongman in those debates. He cut them all to pieces and they had no answer. I suspect the field will be better prepared this time though.

 

The moderators must have really dropped the ball too, Trump hardly ever answers debate questions (substantively on most topics he would be incapable, which is why his game was always to deflect and insult people).

 

The debate was a bloodbath, similar to what the results will be in 2 weeks in the FL election.

 

Politicians not answering questions at a political debate is a lot like holding in football. If you enforced the rule strictly, nobody would be happy.

 

Although it's not going to make any difference in the end with DeSantis still virtually guaranteed reelection one unintended consequence of the debate could be the further alienation of Trump and Governor Ron. By refusing to directly commit to serving his full four year term DeSantis more or less admitted that he will be running for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. Trump's ego is such that he cannot abide by even the possibility that another Republican would have the audacity to run against him. Let's not forget this:
Trump — who once endorsed DeSantis as his 'great friend' — slams the 'ungrateful' Florida governor, saying 'I made him,' report says

 

He came across as a "fighter" which may seem like just what the doctor ordered to a lot of Republicans.

He was not a good policy debater, which is to be expected from Trump. Policy rhetoric has never been his MO.

 

Forgive me for doing what I hate - passing on Maggie gossip. But this strikes me as true

 

I didn't watch the whole thing but enough to have a few takes.

DeSantis is not charismatic and did not shine in this format. It was also consistent with descriptions of him being socially awkward.

DeSantis was probably smart not to get into too much of a fight since he's going to win anyway.

The moderator asked several times for the audience to reserve applause till the end, but they (both sides) keep hooping and hollering like children who can't follow simple rules. I know that makes me sound older than I am. Get off my lawn.

 

That is his biggest handicap in becoming president, but he is smart and willing to do whatever it takes to get there. His rise has been impressive and I don't think there is very much he isn't willing to do now that he is this close.

 

Desantis and Trump appeal to the “by any means necessary” crew who think their unpopular ideas deserve to be in place… by any means necessary.

I am not sure when Florida went so far backward.

 

Not 100% sure but Crist may have actually made somewhat of a factual statement at the debate. Its funny hearing that from a Democrat though.

 

When I heard that the candidates as per the debate rules were not to ask the other candidate a question...

It made DeSantis's response to Crist's question about 24 so much better!

 

Anybody supporting surgical mutilation of children is mentally ill.