Recent polling has found that the majority of Republican voters believe that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis delivered the best performance in the first GOP primary debate.
The poll, conducted by Data Targeting, showed that 58 percent of Republicans believed that DeSantis had the top-tier performance, while just 18 percent chose former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and 14 percent chose former Ohio Governor John Kasich.
This survey provides a strong indication that DeSantis is the most popular choice to win the Republican Party’s nomination for President in 2020. The governor has successfully used his credentials as a successful governor of Florida, a state that Donald Trump won in 2016, to capture the favor of GOP voters.
DeSantis has been able to frame his positions on immigration, taxes, and the economy in a way that appeals to the GOP base. The governor has regularly courted the support of high-profile figures within the Republican Party, including Donald Trump Jr., Conservative commentator Candace Owens and Freedom caucus co-founder Jim Jordan.
DeSantis has also shown an ability to respond to issues relating to race and culture where his challengers have struggled. His statements on immigration were notable for their accessibility and expressiveness, as were his condemnations of the rise of the so-called “tech tyranny” in Silicon Valley.
DeSantis’ strong performance in the debate also demonstrated his willingness to draw distinctions between himself and his rivals, while at the same time acknowledging areas where they are in agreement. His strategy for the debate resonated with American voters, not only those in the Republican party.
It’s clear that Ron DeSantis’ strong performance in the first GOP primary debate has solidified his status as the front-runner for the Republican nomination in 2020. It will be interesting to see how the other candidates fare against him in the future, and if they can appeal to Republican voters in the same way he has.
