Ron DeSantis Makes Last Ditch Plea To Iowa Republicans: Vote For The 'Underdog'

LOADING ERROR LOADING Gov. Ron DeSantis (R Fla.) wants voters to know he likes being the “underdog.” The Republican presidential primary contender tried to dismiss middling poll numbers while making his final pitch to Iowa caucus goers during an interview on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday. “It’s good to be an underdog,” DeSantis told host Jonathan Karl.

“We’re going to do well, but I’d rather have people count us out. I’d rather have people lower expectations for us. I tend to perform better like that.” Advertisement While DeSantis was once considered Donald Trump’s most formidable rival, he has failed to woo many Republican voters, unable to convert MAGA die hards or appeal to the Trump skeptical side of the party.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a campaign event in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Sunday. Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images On Saturday, NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom’s Iowa survey was released, showing DeSantis polling in third place, with only 16% of voters calling him their top choice. Trump held a formidable lead with 48% of voters’ support, while Nikki Haley was tracking in second place with 20%.

Advertisement Despite the numbers, DeSantis seemed undaunted during a rally at the Des Moines offices of his super PAC, Never Back Down, on Saturday, where he told supporters, “They can throw a blizzard at us, and we are gonna fight. They can throw wind chill at us, and we are gonna fight.” “They can throw media narratives at us, and we are gonna fight.

They can throw fake polls at us, and we are gonna fight. We are gonna fight because we are going to turn this country around.” Iowa Republicans will make their final decision during caucus events across the Hawkeye State on Monday. Support HuffPost The Stakes Have Never Been Higher At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions.

That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact checked news that is freely accessible to everyone. Our News, Politics and Culture teams invest time and care working on hard hitting investigations and researched analyses, along with quick but robust daily takes. Our Life, Health and Shopping desks provide you with well researched, expert vetted information you need to live your best life, while HuffPost Personal, Voices and Opinion center real stories from real people.

Help keep news free for everyone by giving us as little as $1. Your contribution will go a long way. At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Help keep news free for everyone by giving us as little as $1. Your contribution will go a long way. As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the very foundations of our democracy are at stake. A vibrant democracy is impossible without well informed citizens. This is why HuffPost's journalism is free for everyone, not just those who can afford expensive paywalls.

We cannot do this without your help. Support our newsroom by contributing as little as $1 a month. As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the very foundations of our democracy are at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a vibrant democracy is impossible without well informed citizens. This is why we keep our journalism free for everyone, even as most other newsrooms have retreated behind expensive paywalls.

Our newsroom continues to bring you hard hitting investigations, well researched analysis and timely takes on one of the most consequential elections in recent history. Reporting on the current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly — and we need your help. Support our newsroom by contributing as little as $1 a month.

Support HuffPost Related 2024 election Ron DeSantis Iowa Caucuses Trump Promises Voters Vengeance In His Final Pitch Before Iowa Caucus Trump Blasts Nikki Haley On MSNBC To Erode Support Among Democrats Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan Endorses Nikki Haley For President LEAVE A COMMENT Kelby Vera Senior Reporter Suggest a correction Do you have info to share with HuffPost reporters? Here’s how.

Go to Homepage Popular in the Community FROM OUR PARTNER.