Casey DeSantis lauded her husband's performance during the first Republican candidate debate of 2023 with a post on social media platform X.
In the debate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis's initial two remarks featured repurposed slogans he had employed previously. First, he reiterated his stance that the American "decline is a choice," a mantra that has been a constant in his rhetoric since his inaugural speech to Floridians in January.
"We need to send Joe Biden back to his basement and reverse American decline," he said.
Subsequently, he asserted that former President Trump should have dismissed infectious disease authority Dr. Anthony Fauci amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
"You bring Fauci in ... and you say Anthony … you are fired," DeSantis proclaimed to a round of applause with a resounding yet slightly rigid delivery. This sentiment, too, mirrors a phrase he has employed recently.
DeSantis also said the first obligation of the president "is to defend our country and its people," including at the U.S. border with Mexico. He affirmed his decision not to deploy troops to Ukraine but rather to the border, emphasizing his intention to declare the border situation a national emergency.
He reiterated his dedication to addressing unlawful immigration, restating his promise that individuals suspected of attempting to cross the border for drug smuggling should be met with lethal force and shot "stone cold dead" on sight.
Former President Donald Trump not being in the fray, DeSantis took the forefront during Wednesday's debate. He commanded center stage owing to his secure second-place position in the polls. Nevertheless, as the evening progressed, there was a discernible shift in the focal point.
As The New York Times reported, DeSantis found himself behind Pence, Ramaswamy, and Christie in terms of speaking duration.
Throughout the nearly two-hour debate, DeSantis's speaking time totaled approximately 10 minutes and 22 seconds. Pence occupied the floor for 12:37, Ramaswamy for 11:47, while Christie's speaking time reached 11:22, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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