Governors Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom have agreed to a debate hosted by Fox News, according to Politico. A debate between the two political giants will represent two very distinct ideological sides. The two notably rose to prominence in 2020. While DeSantis favored an open economy, Newsom shut his down, sending many out of business as a result.
The aide to Newsom sent the request to Fox News. Sean Hannity is expected the host the 90-minute debate without an audience present. But the event will be aired live. The aide began the sparring by saying that DeSantis should debate or “shut up.”
The debate comes as the Florida governor trails former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race. DeSantis, who began with a little over 20 percent support at the start of his campaign is now around 17 percent, according to some polls. He is expected to defend attacks on his “country-club RINO” donors and his presidential hopes.
On the other hand, Newsom is reportedly expected to defend his progressive policies in California, which is seeing an increase in homelessness and drug addiction, as well as an exodus of businesses amid rising taxes. The governor is also likely to field questions about Joe Biden’s record as president thus far.
The news comes as the president dominates the primary polls. He is enjoying 65 percent national support, while Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is polling at 14.2 percent. Marianne Williamson, the self-help author and communitarian candidate, does not meet FiveThirtyEight’s criteria to be a major candidate and therefore does not have polling available.
President Trump is leading the Republican candidates with over 50 percent support from voters. A new poll from the New York Times and Siena College reports that both Biden and Trump are supported by 43 percent of registered voters, making a neck-and-neck electoral rematch likely.
