Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis responded to former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley's suggestion that he “maybe” consider teaming up with him, saying he would consider partnering with him if he wins among a star-studded field of Republican candidates. He pointed to the possibility of naming him as a vice presidential candidate. name.
“I'm not going to accept that under any circumstances,” DeSantis told Fox News' Neil Cavuto on Saturday.
“I'm running for president because I think we need someone who can win and get the job done. I'd rather spend my last two years as governor than be vice president. I don't think it's a position that offers much.'I want to make an impact.'
Haley has objected, but has not ruled out becoming President Trump's running mate.
Florida Governor and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis speaks at the Iowa Republican Party's 2023 Lincoln Dinner held at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 28, 2023. ((Photo credit: SERGIO FLORES/AFP via Getty Images))
Haley made the suggestion Friday in a joint interview with NBC News and the Des Moines Register, as two Republican candidates vie for second place in numerous polls.
After declaring that she intended to single-handedly defeat Donald Trump, she said, “If he wants to work with me, I welcome that.” The former president currently faces several legal challenges from multiple fronts, but he leads the field of Republican candidates by a wide margin.
“But now we're having a good race. We're gaining momentum. There's momentum,” she added.
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Republican presidential candidate and former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley hinted at the possibility of teaming up with the Florida governor in a joint interview with NBC News and the Des Moines Register on Friday. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
In response to a question from Kabuto about the remarks, DeSantis said he doesn't feel the vice president position gives him the space to realize his desire to effect change.
“I'm in government so that I can deliver results for people, and it doesn't appeal to me to be in a position where I can't deliver results to anyone,” he said.
Meanwhile, rumors are swirling that the former South Carolina governor could be the bottom half favorite to win if former President Trump maintains this pace and wins the Republican nomination for a rematch with President Biden. ing.
State of the race: Trump, Haley, DeSantis seek support from Scott donors, supporters
“I've said from the beginning that I'm not going to play second. It's disgusting for anyone to think that I'm going to do this much to play second. So I've said that from now on. I'm going to continue to say that. If people do that, I'm not happy with that, I don't know what else to say,” Haley told Fox News Digital in an interview outside New Hampshire City Hall.
Both DeSantis and Haley's rival in the nomination, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, have both claimed that Haley is competing for the chance to be Trump's running mate.
“That's why she hasn't said anything strong about Donald Trump,” Christie said.
Meanwhile, DeSantis said at a town hall in New Hampshire last month: “She won't answer directly, but she has an obligation to answer this: Will she accept Donald Trump's nomination for vice president? ?Yes or no?'' he said.
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The DeSantis campaign has launched a website with the URL trumpnikki2024.com to promote this rumor. The Florida governor also added that he would not accept President Trump's offer to be his running mate.
Responding to the criticism, Haley told Fox News: “They've criticized me for everything. Let me be clear: That's what happens when you're losing.”
FOX News' Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
