Republicans Overseas Chairman Greg Swenson has underlined the pivotal nature of the Fox News debate between Gavin Newsom and Ron DeSantis.
The showdown will offer both candidates an opportunity to showcase an alternative vision for America.
Newsom and DeSantis are unlikely to be facing off at next year’s election, with Donald Trump and Joe Biden seemingly heading toward a rematch.
Speaking on GB News, Swenson said the significance of the bout is not watered down despite its “unusual” nature.
Greg Swenson has outlined why the debate is important
GB NEWS / REUTERS
“In many ways, it came up through the cable TV culture”, he said.
“Newsom is a shadow candidate for Joe Biden’s seat, preparing incase something happens to him.
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Joe Biden (left) and Donald Trump (right) are seemingly set for a rematch
GETTY“He started reaching out to Fox pretty regularly doing interviews. DeSantis is obviously doing interviews on Fox constantly.
“They are considered future leaders for their respective parties. 75 per cent of Americans don’t want to see a Trump vs Biden rematch.
“This is almost a people’s choice or preference of looking ahead to the next generation.”
GB News presenter Jacob Rees-Mogg underlined its “interesting” nature, dubbing it a “shadow boxing match”.
Swenson went on to suggest that Ron DeSantis is perhaps unlucky to be lagging significantly behind Trump in the race, with legal proceedings against the former president perhaps playing a significant role in his apparent dominance.
“In April, when the first indictment came out, DeSantis was only down 15 points to Trump, a small margin”, DeSantis said.
“Then you had the Bragg indictment and three subsequent indictments, Trump has gone straight up.
“It’s not so much a story about DeSantis’ campaign or missteps, the indictments have moved Trump straight up.”
DeSantis and Newsom have come to blows before with both running a very different political outlook in their respective states.
DeSantis, the governor of Florida, has blasted “leftist policies” in California, saying the state has been “destroyed” as a result.
Newsom has criticised the “freedom” afforded to people in Florida, suggesting it is “under attack” as a result of DeSantis’ policies.