Jonathan Kott, a former Manchin communications director, claimed to Fox News host Aishah Hasnie that Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), who is running against former President Donald Trump, is struggling because he's a "weird guy" who can't connect with Republican voters.
DeSantis has struggled to gain traction against Trump since he declared his candidacy, despite visiting and campaigning in crucial swing states like Iowa and New Hampshire.
Even if Trump decides not to participate in the upcoming Republican primary debates, DeSantis is likely to perform poorly, according to Kott.
Kott said to Hasnie, "His biggest problem is people are getting to know him and it turns out his record in Florida is kind of hurtful and hateful and it's not resonating. He also seems to be a strange guy with voters, according to every report. Additionally, you need to speak with them one-on-one when you are in Iowa and New Hampshire. He doesn't, in my opinion, do that particularly well.
Kott mentioned a potential Republican candidate for Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) who could stand out from the crowded field at the debates due to his likeability.
"Unfortunately, it's still Donald Trump's party until someone kicks him out," he continued.
Real Clear Politics reports that despite legal issues with the Department of Justice, Trump continues to lead DeSantis by more than 30 points in the Republican primary.
DeSantis has struggled to gain traction against Trump since he declared his candidacy, despite visiting and campaigning in crucial swing states like Iowa and New Hampshire.
Even if Trump decides not to participate in the upcoming Republican primary debates, DeSantis is likely to perform poorly, according to Kott.
Kott said to Hasnie, "His biggest problem is people are getting to know him and it turns out his record in Florida is kind of hurtful and hateful and it's not resonating. He also seems to be a strange guy with voters, according to every report. Additionally, you need to speak with them one-on-one when you are in Iowa and New Hampshire. He doesn't, in my opinion, do that particularly well.
Kott mentioned a potential Republican candidate for Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) who could stand out from the crowded field at the debates due to his likeability.
"Unfortunately, it's still Donald Trump's party until someone kicks him out," he continued.
Real Clear Politics reports that despite legal issues with the Department of Justice, Trump continues to lead DeSantis by more than 30 points in the Republican primary.
