Last updated on August 22nd, 2023 at 11:07 pm
In a move that defies conventional political endorsements, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has secured the backing of Steve Deace, an Iowa Evangelical talk-radio host with a history of unorthodox political choices.
Deace, recognized for his influence on Iowa’s caucus outcomes, is supporting DeSantis’s bid for the GOP nomination in the upcoming presidential election.
Deace’s support for DeSantis, despite his history of actions that seemed to hinder Republican candidates, has raised eyebrows within political circles. During the 2016 election, Deace openly attempted to sabotage Republican efforts, with some attributing his actions to aiding Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
In a recent episode of “The Steve Deace Show,” the talk-show host explained his endorsement, stating, “I’m endorsing Ron DeSantis for president because I think he’s the strongest leader in the race… I’ve just seen a level of leadership, strength, that I’ve just not seen in this era.” He commended DeSantis’s track record in Florida and his knowledge of critical issues.
DeSantis’s campaign has embraced Deace’s endorsement, labeling him an “Iowa Kingmaker” due to his previous endorsements of 2008 Iowa caucus winner Mike Huckabee and 2016 winner Ted Cruz.
Notably, Deace’s past affiliations reflect a complex political trajectory. While he initially supported Ted Cruz during the 2016 Republican primary, he subsequently opposed Donald Trump’s campaign. He even associated with the NeverTrump movement and endorsed third-party candidate Evan McMullin before the 2016 election.
Despite DeSantis’s efforts to gain momentum, he lags significantly behind former President Donald Trump in polls, both nationally and within Iowa. A New York Times/Siena College poll illustrates Trump’s dominant position in the 2024 field, commanding a substantial lead over DeSantis both nationally and within the key battleground state of Iowa.
Ron DeSantis has taken a candid stance against former President Trump following Trump’s decision to withhold his signature from the GOP candidate’s pledge, a commitment to support the eventual party nominee.
DeSantis’s remarks were relayed by Fox News, which covered his statements during a press exchange in Iowa. The governor underscored his own adherence to the pledge, highlighting his signature as a mark of his participation in the forthcoming debate.
Disclaimer: This article may contain the viewpoint and opinion of the author.