Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday slammed former President Donald Trump, the 2024 Republican front-runner, after the former president suggested over the weekend that the Civil War could have been avoided through mediation. did.
At a rally in Newton, Iowa, on Saturday, President Trump said he found the conflict “interesting,” but lamented the high death toll, with at least 620,000 soldiers killed.
“There were so many mistakes made. To be honest, I think there were things that could have been negotiated,” the 77-year-old said. “I think we could have negotiated that. The whole population died, so many people died.”
“I don't even know what he's saying,” DeSantis told reporters Monday. According to ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott.
“Lincoln did what he had to do,” DeSantis added. “He ultimately led the abolition of slavery and saved the Union.
“Re-litigating it doesn't make much sense to me.”
In late December, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley caused a stir when she answered questions at a New Hampshire town hall without saying that slavery was the main cause of the Civil War.
When Haley's interrogator pointed out the omission, the candidate retorted: “What do you want me to say about slavery?” Before moving on to another topic.
Haley later said she should have given a different answer, clarifying that the Civil War was about slavery “of course.”
Her rivals, including DeSantis, have hit her over gaffes.
“She tends to become depressed as soon as she is exposed to any sort of intense scrutiny.” DeSantis reprimanded at that time. “The Republican Party was founded to halt the expansion of slavery in this country, and the abolition of slavery was, and remains to this day, the party's crowning achievement.”
Trump's campaign quickly slammed DeSantis on Monday in response to the Florida governor's comments.
“Ron DeSantis just proved how unprepared and weak he is as president, which is why he is a distant third in the polls,” said spokesman Stephen Chan. He told the Post without elaborating.
The Sunshine State Republican also signaled he intends to remain in the 2024 Republican race for the long term. Despite rumors that he dropped out of school If you have a lackluster performance at Iowa.
desantis The team claims those rumors It was planted by Trump allies.
“That's a lie and a complete fabrication,” DeSantis said Monday. “Who said that? No one said that. We already have plans. We've already promised to have a debate in New Hampshire and it will be televised at least at New Hampshire City Hall. I am.”
Iowa will hold its leadoff caucuses on January 15th.
According to the newspaper, Trump currently has a large lead in opinion polls both nationally and in early states, making him a strong favorite to win the nomination. RealClearPolitics latest average.
