DeSantis and Trump's Escalating War: A Closer Look.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is positioning himself as a more conservative and consistent alternative to former President Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential race. DeSantis has been touring early-voting states, drawing sharp contrasts with Trump and painting him as a politician who compromised too readily. Trump's camp has responded by calling DeSantis a "swamp puppet" and playing down his accomplishments as Florida's governor. DeSantis largely played to small but packed venues and supportive crowds, even if several voters told Reuters they had not decided on who to vote for. Trump dominates the Republican field with 49% support, while DeSantis is next with 19%, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll conducted in May.