Full Interview: Ron DeSantis talks campaign struggles, says ‘you don’t look back’

In a joint interview with NBC News and The Des Moines Register, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) talks about his campaign’s prospects in Iowa, how he views former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley’s campaign, and his views on former President Trump’s campaign viability.
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#RonDeSantis #Iowa #Republicans

[@112233JORDAN]

Can yall stop pushing Nikki? Republicans DO NOT WANT HALEY! I get your brass keeps pushing her. No one buys it

[@January.]

You don't speak for ALL REPUBLICANS. Someone you know very well is obviously a graduate of the University of Social Media, Gullibility, and Conspiracy Theories.

[@mmus13898]

No. We don’t Haley. THEY want Haley

[@tomcotter4299]

Their questions are so bad. Like freshman year debate team bad. It’s hard to believe these people represent one of the biggest news companies in our nation.

[@wqv5423ln]

I agree! So disappointing!

[@bearfoot007]

It was definitely a college paper vibe. NBC budgets must be pretty tight if they can't afford a studio to interview presidential candidates!

[@ArticulateThinkerNewsClips]

Some overly-biased, aggressive, and obnoxious questions, but it's good prep. Go DeSantis!

[@mariuskoen1]

Watching from Sydney Australia, I feel what happens in the USA effects things world wide. The more I think about it, it is clear that things aren't just black and white, but these political elections seems to be, causing the divisions, I have noticed it in Australia as well. People need to be able to choose between multitude of factors an not just A or B.

[@chadhines5804]

We are not all bad love to visit your country hear good things about it

[@bradbalsley9052]

The Democrats are causing the issues. They start in with this Racism crap every election but in 2015 they just started in Full Time with Racism being the most important thing in the country. Its not! Its divisive, its causing all this division. The Trans crap is causing the same kind of divisiveness.

[@theranchokid]

👏👏👏

[@theranchokid]

@@bradbalsley9052 The fact that you label it Trans "crap" is the problem. Is too much made of the issue? Absolutely. However, it is a "chicken & egg" argument. Being generous, I could say that it *began* with the issue of toilet designation ("It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" has a great episode on the issue). However, I could also say that the *outrage* of boys/men competing as female athletes was a "phony" issue - in that the number of athletes involved is... minuscule.

[@wqv5423ln]

Hi from Canada. A born US citizen and also a Canadian citizen. Lived many years in both country's. Now a senior. Ron DeSantis is by far the most quailified candidate of them all. Vivek is a rookie...all talk. Trump will be 80 years old and cant even manage his own affairs. He wont be on the ballot. In that case DeSantis will undoutedly become the front runner. Ron is an eight year navy veteran who served his country. A three term congressman, and two term sucessful govenor in Florida. He also hss a degree in history and law. He also taught history. He has more foreign knowledge and first hand experience than the other candidates. He a wise, common sense man. A man of conviction who will uphold the constitution and rule of law. Tough on crime and will close the southern border on day one. He is a man of faith and integrity. A faithful husband and father of three. The main reason people critize him here is because they are jealous of him. Mostly Trump supporters because they feel threatened by Ron's record of success. However many people are praying that Ron will become president including me. Only God can help us and turn the country around, but we know he does call and send people in answer to our prayers. May God have mercy on us because we are a divided nation and there is so much hate and jealousy!

[@smackoholick]

Cant wait to have a veteran as president again.

[@franceslarry4461]

Not DeSantis thought!

[@smackoholick]

@@franceslarry4461 then who?

[@gracec6320]

What a solid guy! Ron DeSantis needs to be our President!

[@Sadsfattis]

He has no chance with those creepy vibes

[@RB-gt8bf]

Speak for yourself.

[@RobertZemeckis2025]

@@Sadsfattis trump cheat his wife

[@roberthouston3809]

YOU give creepy vibes!

[@spokentruth5909]

solid robot

[@bearfoot007]

De Santis is looking very solid. The CNN debate next week will be very interesting.

[@upstream1517]

Without Vivek and trump ? Lol

[@bearfoot007]

@@upstream1517 You mean we don't get to hear Trump explain why Mexico hasn't paid for the Wall ... and why he waited THREE HOURS before calling in the National Guard when the Capitol was being terrorized on Jan 6? Trump has studiously avoided any situation where he could face adversarial questioning for the last 4 years now. Vivek has basically been the Trump-plant whose job is to derail the discussions so no-one gets any mileage. At least now we get to listen to 2 adults in the room challenge each other on policy. That will be of interest to most voters who don't trust any of the fake narratives spun by mainstream media, including Trump polls.

[@darrenzb_8980]

@@upstream1517Vivek didn’t qualify. Trump chickened out - again

[@pumpkin462]

These Interviwers are ridiculous. Let’s see what happens

[@HBFREEWORLD]

They are just out of school - I think we need to excuse them, they are yet to mature .

[@lsetzer5707]

Desantis did a great job answering these questions from a very one sided view. These ladies really wanted to try and play gotcha with Desantis. Desantis never let them play their little game and he turned the truth on them about their bias and lies around Russia gate

[@wqv5423ln]

I said the same thing. You're right!

[@wqv5423ln]

He outwitted them:)

[@Antonio-kx5rd]

They tried the same thing with Vevik

[@wqv5423ln]

@@Antonio-kx5rd But Vivek cant listen or close his mouth for five seconds.

[@Antonio-kx5rd]

@@wqv5423ln I'm strictly referring to the same hosts pulling the same got you strategy on two separate candidates. Let's see if they try that with Haley.

[@caniac1230]

This country needs a leader like DeSantis now more than ever

[@Avogadros_number]

I’m less than 6 minutes in and he’s already said that homelessness isn’t due to a lack of housing… you guys sure know how to pick ‘em.

[@commonsense6967]

Yes, we definitely need the REAL DEAL and only non-puppet candidate running...Ron DeSantis 2024! He's a once in a lifetime statesman and patriot!

[@alyssag.5758]

How so?

[@wallashakalla]

@@Avogadros_numberhe said it was a mental health problem, which it is in some cases.

[@akprayingmom]

Thank you Governor DeSantis for standing strong as our American Patriot Warrior and true Servant Leader for We the People and Constitutional Rule of Law #RonDeSantis2024

[@1isaM111er]

Great job in an adversarial interview.

[@davidhamilton6607]

Dasha Burns, the blonde reporter, was terribly biased.

[@markeasley6149]

She was exposed by Vivek.

[@January.]

Someone you know very well is obviously a graduate of the University of Social Media, Gullibility, and Conspiracy Theories.

[@Antonio-kx5rd]

DeSantis/Ramaswamy 2024 MAGA without the mess

[@javierbarzaga7500]

Good job, I will be voting for Vivek if he is in the ballot but DeSantis is my second choice

[@thegolfingmusician6345]

My exact sentiments

[@deansmith2790]

Great job DeSantis.. DeSantis handles the press and media better than anyone I have ever seen. This guy is smart and talented

[@Idefix-es5ot]

He has a PHD from Harvard and his BA is from Yale and despite to be a conservative, he graduated with honors from both.

[@dinnopascual2218]

My next President Gov. Ron DeSantis #47! “Your must right”

[@captandylambert1509]

Take another hit, DeSantis is done he has 20 points in the last year.

[@wqv5423ln]

​@cStay aptandylambert1509. Stay tuned!

[@1isaM111er]

Ron Desantis for President!

[@jdccool]

How GovD stayed calm, cool and collected with these two is amazing to watch. If it was me, I'd be doing time right now. DeSantis 2024

[@BlakesSpace86]

He still never answered the question he was asked.

[@ProfessorSkottey]

You all expect journalists to play patty cake with this hyper sensitive coward, and easily triggered hack, as if you have no clue what journalism is. If you think they were unfair, you're a brainwashed snowflake, which would explain why you support Desantis.

[@ProfessorSkottey]

It's also hilarious you think he was "cool, calm, and collected", when he was getting visibly triggered and defensive on most their questions, you're just lying to yourself.

[@CoolHandLuke1117]

Doing time?? What you are going to attack them for interviewing? That’s their job. Maybe they are supportive of Desantis

[@Gww-1]

​@@ProfessorSkottey He got his point across.

[@viveksworld1]

Was a Trumper !! But this time going all in for vivek!! The most hardworking candidate who has earned everyones respect

[@soccer21928]

NBC “journalist”: “isn’t it time to focus on the future instead of the past?” NBC Journalist 5 seconds later: “what did you learn from January 6th?”

[@tgong7477]

If you are running for president, you better can handle interviews or get out the way.

[@lloydfraser2801]

Wow, pardoning someone who hasn't admitted to any of the wrongs done! A great sense of justice!

[@gabrielmcollazo6675]

Santis is like that!

[@Avogadros_number]

Idk how he stands without a spine

[@Gww-1]

​@@Avogadros_numberDeSantis is an honorable, strong conservitive leader with great morals. He said he'd pardon Trump to move the country forward from all of this chaos.

[@gerabadillo7889]

Besides focusing on pardoning him as a way to try to appeal to his supporters means that he doesn't get it. His supporters don't care wether he is pardoned in the end because that will show how corrupt his enemies are and they worry about him not being locked in any case so he can run or that his run for presidency is not interfered any furtyer, so saying that is just them having no idea about what his supporters care about

[@lasseandersen3129]

He has some points, I won't deny that, but to say homelessness is mental health issues only?

[@arslansultanbekov]

These women give off a lezzz by-an vibe.

[@debrablack391]

wow, those 2 women couldn't smile if they tried. Beautiful ladies, too bad they have to look like that.

[@coreyerwin2536]

How about we evaluate everyone in America that has the possibility of obtaining a firearm. A national gun awareness, training program. Video's, how and when to use a firearm. Proactive programs.

[@mccauley2023]

thats a good question but it will not happen soon! I don't get it at alllll

[@Antonio-kx5rd]

Handled himself well

[@elizabethpoldruck2524]

Disantis you awesome

[@mf6099]

You’re not the only one visiting all the counties.

[@theranchokid]

I enjoyed this interview, as Meatball Ron will be an afterthought by Super Tuesday.

[@bearfoot007]

I disagree. He actually looks very genuine here and I think will clean-up Nikki Haley in a 1-on-1 debate. Trump can't hide his diapers forever ... :-)

[@caniac1230]

Found the listless vessel!

[@iemiranda5734]

Why do both of those journalists look like they ate a bowl of frogs for breakfast? Chill out ladies.

[@youngahkim5587]

Thank you governor DeSantis for doing this. You are the best candidate! RD2024!!!

[@wqv5423ln]

Absolutely! So many jealous people in the comments. Mostly Trumpers.

[@markeasley6149]

Ron has a good record, but he doesn't have what it takes to go the distance. He has stumbled ever since he decided to run this cycle. Do the job you are elected to do.

[@January.]

*Governor DeSantis

[@ajlewis1737]

She’s incredibly rude. I hate when journalists interrupt. Let him speak, otherwise, why have him on?

[@pankajmewar6870]

he surely wear heels...

[@Dmindthinker011]

Two on one, seems like a fair fight to me.

[@Omni0404]

One more and you'd have the number of fingers he uses to eat his pudding cups.

[@thegolfingmusician6345]

Dasha has to be the RUDEST interviewer I’ve ever seen. This isn’t journalism. It’s activism and propogandizing. She’s more interested in interjecting her mostly wrong options instead of hearing the answers to the questions she’s asking.

[@user-zz5qh7wk4e]

He lets it pour into FLORIDA!!

[@user-zz5qh7wk4e]

So true! He's ruining Florida! A lot of corruption now...worse then ever!

[@schoomzer]

DeSantis 2024 best prez candidate by far

[@wqv5423ln]

Yes.. 100%

[@divdep3612]

Vivek Ramaswamy 2024! After watching Haley and desantis interviews or talks, Ramaswamy crushes them.

[@Avogadros_number]

He’s a good talker. Used car salesman type. You guys live to be grifted.

[@Gww-1]

Ramaswamy is in no way shape or form a better candidate for Potus than Gov. DeSantis. He just untangled himself 4 years ago from his Communist Chinese business partner! Talk about bad judgement and you think Vivek should be President of a world power??

[@Parody-bx6pc]

I LOVE DESANTIS!!!

[@theranchokid]

Enjoy while it lasts 🤣

[@captandylambert1509]

Take another hit and put on your tinfoil hat. DeSantis is finished. He is a duechebag and clown 🤡.

[@wqv5423ln]

He's the best of the bunch by far!

[@WHR0306]

Not a huge fan of Haley, but she was clearly joking.

[@NicoVeraOfficial]

Love you buddy. Kennedy / Desantis 2024

[@user-zh4fr5gj2o]

ha!!! surprise, surprise. while not especially "likeable", I kind of like him. I'm a sucker for someone that is really smart and the guy knows how to make a case, and he can defend himself without the need to go on the offense. I would have enjoyed seeing him debate - I'm sorry I missed it. I think ths was a good interview Governor DeSantis.

[@alyssag.5758]

He has on his heels 👢 🤣

[@Fenristripplex]

By far the best candidate

[@Smiley_101]

A year ago he n his wife said their level of argument is their 3 years old daughter . 😅 n that pretty much sum up his level of his campaign atm . On bright side I see he love high heel so at least he n his wife can share their Jackie O inspiring outfits n shoes that they prepared n dreamed of but didn’t happened 🎉 bye high heel Ronnie

[@Antonio-kx5rd]

These interviewsers clearly have democratic views

[@carbonbomb4774]

The interviewers aren't supposed to be friendly Republicans asking how you are doing and what's up. All journalism is about uncovering and critiquing. If you don't ask questions that cover the mainstream debate, then you're not doing any journalism. Name a single hit story that doesn't involve critique questions.

[@danielbushner4063]

“I want to move into to policy questions.” *5 minutes left of the interview* What a joke

[@kuvgill6968]

I'll take Vivek over DeSantis all day long in the primary

[@charlessavoie2367]

Yes welcome Israel Firster DeSantis!

[@SamuelM.-iz1un]

When will Biden be pressed like this?

[@autisticasfuck2001]

Meh, not impressed- my vote will still be going to Vivek in the primary

[@CANNIMAGINE]

In an average year, 2,849 people die and 5,267 are wounded by guns in Florida. Florida has the 19th-highest rate of gun violence in the US.

[@jasondonahue2813]

😢

[@BoldlyDream]

Mental institutions 😢, it’s a drug problem 😡

[@helene1504]

DeSantis 2024 & 2028 🇺🇸

[@elisavillarreal5872]

Desantis is the best man for the job

[@senuraattanayake1997]

You know DeSantis is the best fit for presidency when his only criticism is based on his gestures and looks.

[@franceslarry4461]

$$$$$, throw dollars at everything. Not!!!!!!!!

[@onamishionz1042]

here is a better headline ------- Ron DeSantis talks active shooters struggles, says ‘you don’t look back’

[@whendis.roberts9903]

I love you Senator Desantis

[@Gww-1]

*Governor DeSantis.

[@the_internet_332]

why are these reporters so young?

[@user-xc6dl4bv2f]

Basically not a very bright person. Whole campaign seemed to be “ well we do it like this in Florida” and not to criticize the traitor. Meanwhile in a case of perfect timing the INSANE tax and insurance issues have become public knowledge. Not to mention the millions he has cost the state already and the many more to come with his idiotic battle with Mickey.

[@PerspectiveEngineer]

Don't let Rhonda talk with food in her mouth about a school shooting He'll just mess everything up

[@UltimateSyndicate]

R Trump/Ramaswamy vs R Desantis/Haley? Who are the Democrats running with?

[@wqv5423ln]

It really a shame they asked so many questions about the past, Trump & Biden, instead of his vision going forward. Ron is polite, patient and kind. So much better than Vivek's interview.

[@January.]

*It's really

[@419hart]

Nah, Vivek just says it how it is

[@user-lp3dk4bp8j]

America needs a strong commander and cheif of our 4 branches of Americas military

[@parkerworth]

He had me laughing out loud and he's doing it again on a re-listen.

[@wqv5423ln]

He made me proud!

[@schoomzer]

You must be a clown.

[@ANashai-jb1ze]

I wonder if he would have talked over male interviewers that same way he did these two young ladies? (thumbs down Decantis)

[@ecar6822]

DASHA YOU’RE NOT DONE WITH RAMASWAMY ?

[@isaia273]

He has the energy that 'America' had in the 1960s and the persistence to work and do all the work that is expected of one of the leading countries in the world. And Halley behaves simply and thereby says that the fact that we used to be great was given to us by God and maybe it will be given to us again only if we behave simply and believe in our centrality. She is like a girl in the lower grades of elementary school who gets good grades because they are used to giving them to her and because otherwise she would cry.

[@doggiesfishies3764]

He can never answer a question. He always goes the longest route and makes such a ramble about a simple yes or no question. How can we expect him to lead our country if he can’t answer a simple question. He’s always bragging about how great Florida is. Yet.. he has completely ignore Floridians! Look at the whole insurance crisis that they are undergoing right now! If Florida is supposed to be a blue iprint for how he is going to run the rest of the country I am not buying!.

[@theranchokid]

The OFFICIAL (when all was said and done) was that GORE won Florida 😠

[@MommaKat143]

Gore accepted the loss. So did Hillary. Neither hired fake electors nor did they incite a sedition. Big difference.

[@theranchokid]

@@MommaKat143 I agree totally. I was responding to DeSantis's comment that after "all the votes were counted" that BUSH won Florida. An exhaustive post-2000 election analysis found that, in fact, GORE WON. But yes, GORE did the right thing after the SCOTUS decision against him... Something DTJ would NEVER EVER DO!

[@cynthialmcdaniel3608]

It’s so interesting to watch how biased NBC is in its interviews with democrats vs republicans. Their is no way the blonde reporter would be so immature and snotty with a Democrat. Americans aren’t stupid NBC. We see you.

[@January.]

*snooty

[@ginahickman6864]

What does Desantis think that Gerrymandering in Florida did to infringe on peoples rights.

[@bdavid19922]

Anyone but Nikki.

[@Omni0404]

Meatball Ron!

[@goat964]

Super funny

[@FatPanda111]

Vivek for president

[@randallramirezchamp]

Ron is allied with Trump and Elon, think why he got Elon's support

[@parkerworth]

Good work ladies. Great persistence and good questions.

[@soccer21928]

The brunette asked legitimate questions, the other just wants to argue

[@marcyclay2475]

@@soccer21928you should have seen her trying to argue with Vivek

[@MommaKat143]

How is it acceptable that you gerrymandered Florida so tightly that your cronies won the legislature?

[@1egobreaker]

First answer, didn't even mention the victims or families of this tragedy...

[@wqv5423ln]

He was answering their question. We all know he's very compassionate. Your looking for the speck in his eye. Look in your own.

[@January.]

​@@wqv5423ln*You're looking

[@1egobreaker]

@@wqv5423ln except, there was zero humanity or compassion in his response. Rewatch if need be. The reporter asked him a direct question about a current school shooting, Desantis pivoted. Not an ounce or synthetic energy. He even mentioned "his kids"... While not mentioning the actual victims... #Desantisloser

[@1egobreaker]

@@wqv5423ln , We all know.. He doesn't care about victims, he's focused on votes. #Facts

[@jasondonahue2813]

Awe, look at Hitler Jr😭😭😭😭😭

[@Jjw338]

The blonde so called journalist (activist) really needs to stop bringing emotion into her interviews and just ask questions instead of try and prove a point. Do your job.

[@ginahickman6864]

Not enough questions about Desantis's Policies in Florida. After all he has talked about using these Policies if he became President. Why not ask him about his shipping Migrants using COVID Relief Funds? What was his reasoning for attacking Disney? How is he planning to fix the Homeowners Ins Problems in Florida?

[@AA80453]

Despite your mischaracterization of those issues, those are all good things

[@ginahickman6864]

It may be something that you are not dealing with but, a jot of people are including myself.@@AA80453

[@tgong7477]

Ron DeSantis in a different world from what's going on

[@January.]

*is in a different world

[@jdccool]

Huh?

[@LuisVelazquezLV3]

huh?

[@RonaldGamber]

Most fentynal is coming through airports by us citizens

[@bradbalsley9052]

Please post links to your info on this. I would like to look into this as its counter to what I've heard.

[@PerspectiveEngineer]

Former governor is doing a press conference Tomorrow because the current governor is a sack of pudding

[@zanen9661]

Remember, you can't spell dumb DeSantis without dumb DeSantis

[@schoomzer]

Did you meet him in Yale or Harvard? Lol

[@Zheshi14]

DeSantis going on nbc is like Biden going on fox. The lions den

[@soccer21928]

More like Biden going on brietbart

[@e.s5625]

and trump's getting what he says he will do to hillary , appoint a special attorney to investigate her but that never happens now they turn around and giving him the same shaft

[@nbantu123]

I wonder if he'd be willing to pick haley as VP... re that 'join forces with haley' question

[@wqv5423ln]

Are you kidding?! Never!

[@Antonio-kx5rd]

Hopefully not

[@Antonio-kx5rd]

DeSantis/Ramaswamy 2024 MAGA without the mess

[@RonaldGamber]

Will pardon trump

[@captandylambert1509]

DeSantis is done he isn't pardoning anyone. Unless he pardons traitor Trump for stealing classified documents.

[@wqv5423ln]

​@@captandylambert1509Stay tuned! He's only just begun!

[@Bill-vo1wn]

Ron needs to concentrate on FLORIDA. His loyalty should be with his STATE. WAKE up People. DISCERNMENT and INTEGRITY are the WAY.

[@bradbalsley9052]

Activist Journalists are getting annoying. Why can't they just ask him real questions about his policies and quit playing politics with the questions? Why can't they just ACT like unbiased Journalists? is it really that hard? This interview was annoying because of the interviewers. Why does it take two women to ask lame questions? Aren't they strong independent women? Why do they need two of them to interview a man?

[@theranchokid]

Those two ladies were fantastic! One played it straight (Des Moines Register) and the other one (Dasha from NBC News) asked probing (not "activist") questions. I *might* have agreed with you had Dasha been the only interviewer... but she was not, and the brunette provided a nice contrast. Just because one doesn't "like" the questions being asked does not necessarily mean that the reporter has an "activist agenda."

[@wqv5423ln]

​@@theranchokidTheir questions were way to focused on the past and not about his vision for America. Also some " gottcha" questions. It didnt work because Ron is a wise man and speaks the truth. He can outwit most people.

[@wqv5423ln]

True... They were annoying. The questions were not what Americans are concermed about. They never even mentioned the economy or unsustainable debt Biden has inflicted on Americans!

[@theranchokid]

@@wqv5423ln "He can outwit most people."... Including you 🤣

[@January.]

​@@wqv5423ln*too focused

[@Samael-Metzger]

FLORIDA'S HOT FEMALE TEACHERS know how to do it!

[@spivaks1]

Trump 2024

[@tboned70]

His children do not go to a Public School,........He's been out of touch,...!

[@wqv5423ln]

That does not make you out of touch! Duuggh

[@tboned70]

@@wqv5423ln to me it does, I worked for a School District,......seen the difference,

[@avramhicks6217]

DeSantis2024

[@user-zz5qh7wk4e]

If he cant keep cartels n fet out if Florida, how's he going to do it for the whole country!?!? Bull!