Ted Cruz shares his thoughts on the winner of the second GOP primary debate.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) Declares Ron DeSantis as the Clear Winner of the Second Republican Party Primary Debate
Following the intense second Republican Party primary debate, Sen. Ted Cruz expressed his belief that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis emerged as the “big winner.” In an episode of his captivating “Verdict” podcast with co-host Ben Ferguson, Cruz shared his thoughts on the debate held at the iconic Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
“This was a bumpy debate. There were a lot of rocky moments. I think most of the candidates did not help themselves,” Cruz said. “But my clear conclusion from tonight is the big winner was Ron DeSantis.”
Cruz initially praised former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy after the first debate. However, he acknowledged that the overall winner was Trump due to the strong performances of candidates other than DeSantis.
“I think going into the night DeSantis needed to do well. And I think he rose to the occasion,” Cruz stated. “I think he did by far the best of anyone on the stage.”
Cruz attributed DeSantis’ success to various factors, including the unfavorable behavior of the other candidates, whom he described as “bickering like children.”
“And I don’t think it helped them,” Cruz remarked. “I think when they were just yelling at each other back and forth, and back and forth, and back and forth. When you see a bunch of people screaming at each other, they don’t look like presidents. They’re not behaving like presidents. Presidents don’t have to yap at each other.”
According to Cruz, DeSantis delivered the “best answers of the night,” particularly when discussing education. Cruz highlighted DeSantis’ powerful response on school choice and Florida’s successful implementation of universal school choice.
“The topic came up about education, it came about school choice, and he gave a strong, powerful answer about school choice, about how number one, Florida had implemented universal school choice,” Cruz explained. “Florida has led the country in school choice. So, they’ve got a heck of a record to talk about. He was asked about the attacks on their efforts to root out Critical Race Theory in Florida. And he directly confronted that, and I thought it was a tight, crisp answer. That was strong.”
Cruz also commended DeSantis for highlighting his significant victories in Florida and his ability to win in landslide fashion during the midterms, despite the Republican Party’s underperformance nationwide.
“He talked about winning in Florida, even as nationally, we were getting clobbered in 2022,” Cruz shared. “He won by 19 points, and I think he did an effective argument. In many ways, his strongest argument against Trump is that he won while many other candidates that Trump had supported nationally did not win that cycle. And his argument, you want a winner, you want someone who can beat the Democrats, I’m that guy. I think he articulated it much, much better tonight than he did in the first debate, that’s why I think Ron DeSantis won tonight.”
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How did DeSantis differentiate himself from other candidates during the debate?
People see candidates going after each other in such a petty way, it can be a turnoff. DeSantis, on the other hand, stayed above the fray and focused on the issues.”
During the debate, DeSantis presented himself as a strong leader who prioritizes the interests of the American people. He eloquently discussed his record as governor, highlighting his efforts to revive Florida’s economy, protect personal freedoms, and secure the southern border.
DeSantis particularly stood out when discussing his successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized his commitment to safeguarding individual liberties and criticized the excessive government mandates imposed by some states.
“I think DeSantis’ message really resonated with the American people,” Cruz conveyed. “He came across as a leader who understands the concerns and frustrations of ordinary citizens, and he offered tangible solutions.”
Moreover, DeSantis displayed his extensive knowledge of foreign policy during a segment dedicated to international relations. He articulated his strong stance against China’s aggression and emphasized the need for a tough approach to protect American interests abroad.
Cruz’s endorsement of DeSantis carries significant weight within the Republican Party. As a well-regarded senator and prominent conservative figure, Cruz’s opinion could influence the opinions of many grassroots conservatives who are still determining their preferred candidate in the upcoming primary elections.
DeSantis has been gaining momentum and popularity among Republican voters in recent months. His conservative policies and steadfast commitment to conservative values have attracted a dedicated support base. With Cruz’s endorsement, DeSantis may further solidify his position as a leading contender for the Republican nomination.
However, it’s important to note that the primary race is far from over. Many other strong candidates, such as former President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence, are expected to enter the race. Their announcements could significantly alter the dynamics of the primary race and challenge DeSantis’ position as the frontrunner.
Nonetheless, Cruz’s declaration of DeSantis as the clear winner of the second Republican Party primary debate highlights the governor’s strong performance and sets the stage for a potentially formidable candidacy. As the primaries draw closer, all eyes will be on DeSantis and how he continues to navigate the political landscape.
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