In a recent television interview, South Carolina Senator Josh Kimbrell, a supporter of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, discussed his decision to endorse DeSantis over his home state's former governor, Nikki Haley. A native South Carolinian who has been involved in politics for years, Kimbrell spoke about the authenticity and conservative record that he believes DeSantis possesses.
Kimbrell, who has been actively campaigning for DeSantis in Iowa, shared his perspective on the governor's strength as a candidate. He praised DeSantis for both his conservative campaigning and governance, contrasting this with his perception of Haley's record. According to Kimbrell, Haley campaigned as a conservative but did not govern in the same manner. In his view, DeSantis represents the true conservative values that Haley claimed to uphold.
The interview took an amusing turn when technical issues caused a momentary disconnection, adding a touch of spontaneity to the conversation. However, when the connection was restored, Kimbrell continued to explain his support for DeSantis and his belief that the governor would secure a more decisive victory in a general election. He emphasized the importance of winning by a significant margin, stating his preference for multiple touchdowns over a mere field goal.
Kimbrell's Twitter activity also became a topic of discussion during the interview. A tweet he reposted, quoting a conservative writer who claimed that voting for former President Donald Trump in the GOP primaries could ensure a Democratic victory in the general election since Trump could not mathematically win, was brought up. While Kimbrell shared the tweet, he clarified that he believes DeSantis has a better chance of winning in the general compared to Trump. He highlighted DeSantis' success in Florida, transforming it from a swing state to a solidly Republican one, and argued that this kind of leadership would resonate on a national level.
The interviewer also raised questions about DeSantis' lower polling numbers in New Hampshire, where he currently sits in fifth place according to a UNH poll. Kimbrell dismissed concerns, noting that New Hampshire is traditionally a moderate state during the early nomination process. He pointed out that the real test for conservatives lies in Iowa, which he sees as a more conservative state and a better reflection of South Carolina's values.
Regarding the possibility of DeSantis dropping out, Kimbrell refused to entertain the notion, expressing confidence that DeSantis would succeed in Iowa and gain momentum heading into South Carolina. As for his own future support, Kimbrell declined to answer the hypothetical question, reiterating his belief in DeSantis as the eventual nominee.
Senator Josh Kimbrell's interview underscored his unwavering support for Governor Ron DeSantis and his belief that DeSantis offers a conservative vision and electability that former Governor Nikki Haley cannot match. As the primary season progresses, it remains to be seen how DeSantis will fare in Iowa and whether he can maintain the support of influential figures like Kimbrell.
