Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has vowed that he will not drop out of the presidential primary even if he finishes third in the Iowa caucuses, saying his campaign is built with an eye on the “long game.” declared.
“Are you going to drop out of this race tonight or tomorrow, no matter what?” a reporter asked DeSantis at an earlier event in Urbandale, Iowa.
“We're going to keep doing this,” DeSantis said, making it clear he has no intention of withdrawing from the presidential primary despite the highly anticipated outcome.
“We've been building for the long haul. It all comes down to accumulating delegates,” he said.
“Even if you finish third tonight, there's no chance your campaign will drop out, is that what you're saying?” a reporter pressed.
“We're playing the long game,” DeSantis reiterated, predicting a strong showing at Iowa.
“We're going to do well. I know the media likes to speculate…I look forward to seeing the votes come in because that will be the first real data point,” DeSantis added. Ta.
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NEW: Ron DeSantis says he won't drop out of presidential race even if he finishes third in Iowa tonight
“We are playing the long game.”pic.twitter.com/laZdw7Kxnz
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 15, 2024
DeSantis' remarks came just hours before the Iowa caucuses, which begin Monday around 8 p.m. ET. Former President Donald Trump continues to lead by double digits in the polls in the Hawkeye State.Latest RealClearPolling data shows Trump take the lead The difference was an average of 33.7 points. If this margin becomes official, it will undoubtedly be historic.
In any case, Mr. DeSantis' tone, while confident, is less positive than he once was, as he predicted an outright victory many times during the campaign.
“Well, we're going to win the caucuses,” DeSantis said during an appearance on NBC's Kristen Welker. meet the press In early December. “We are doing everything necessary to achieve this. We will continue to strengthen our support.”
At the time, DeSantis pressed for a “win” in Iowa, predicting a win would “help propel him to the nomination.”
The governor's comments came after an awkward moment Saturday at one of the presidential candidates' Iowa events after a man presented DeSantis with a participation trophy.
“He's special. He's unique and he's our little snowflake,” the man said quietly before being escorted out of the room by two men.
WATCH: Iowa State Heckler Troll Gives DeSantis Participation Trophy
C-SPAN / Samantha Jo Ross
