DeSantis Sparks Controversy with Comparison of Trump Supporters to “Crooked Hillary” Are DeSantis’s Remarks a Repeat of Clinton’s “Basket of Deplorables”? Backlash Ensues In a recent interview, Republican presidential candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis faced backlash for his comments about former President Donald Trump’s loyal followers, drawing comparisons to Hillary Clinton’s infamous “Crooked Hillary” remark. DeSantis argued that the essence of the Trump movement centered on personality rather than foundational principles, emphasizing the importance of a movement rooted in principle rather than revolving around an individual’s persona. He also highlighted that loyalty to Trump often takes precedence over conservative values within the base. Critics were quick to draw parallels to Clinton’s “basket of deplorables” comment, where she referred to some Trump supporters as “deplorables” during the 2016 presidential campaign. The Trump campaign seized on this comparison, accusing DeSantis of following the same failed playbook as Clinton. DeSantis’s campaign defended his remarks, claiming that the media had misconstrued his words. They argued that certain congressional supporters and Trump himself could be seen as “listless vessels,” emphasizing the importance of earning trust rather than assuming it. DeSantis’s team highlighted his vision, plan, and track record as qualifications to tackle the nation’s challenges. The tensions escalated as the Trump campaign demanded an apology from DeSantis, viewing his comments as an insult to supporters. The discourse intensified as various figures joined the conversation, with some criticizing DeSantis as a “robot” politician following Super PAC directives. Rep. Nancy Mace expressed disbelief at the remarks, especially considering DeSantis’s declining poll numbers. This episode reflects the ongoing dynamics within the Republican party as it grapples with post-Trump politics. DeSantis’s comments serve as a reminder of the delicate balance candidates must strike when discussing their base while aiming to broaden their appeal.
DeSantis Sparks Controversy with Comparison of Trump Supporters to “Crooked Hillary” Are DeSantis’s Remarks a Repeat of Clinton’s “Basket of Deplorables”? Backlash Ensues In a recent interview, Republican presidential candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis faced backlash for his comments about former President Donald Trump’s loyal followers, drawing comparisons to Hillary Clinton’s infamous “Crooked Hillary” remark. DeSantis argued that the essence of the Trump movement centered on personality rather than foundational principles, emphasizing the importance of a movement rooted in principle rather than revolving around an individual’s persona. He also highlighted that loyalty to Trump often takes precedence over conservative values within the base. Critics were quick to draw parallels to Clinton’s “basket of deplorables” comment, where she referred to some Trump supporters as “deplorables” during the 2016 presidential campaign. The Trump campaign seized on this comparison, accusing DeSantis of following the same failed playbook as Clinton. DeSantis’s campaign defended his remarks, claiming that the media had misconstrued his words. They argued that certain congressional supporters and Trump himself could be seen as “listless vessels,” emphasizing the importance of earning trust rather than assuming it. DeSantis’s team highlighted his vision, plan, and track record as qualifications to tackle the nation’s challenges. The tensions escalated as the Trump campaign demanded an apology from DeSantis, viewing his comments as an insult to supporters. The discourse intensified as various figures joined the conversation, with some criticizing DeSantis as a “robot” politician following Super PAC directives. Rep. Nancy Mace expressed disbelief at the remarks, especially considering DeSantis’s declining poll numbers. This episode reflects the ongoing dynamics within the Republican party as it grapples with post-Trump politics. DeSantis’s comments serve as a reminder of the delicate balance candidates must strike when discussing their base while aiming to broaden their appeal.