I’ve never been a huge fan of the way Donald Trump campaigns—particularly in the primaries, and even more so in this primary. For someone who consistently brags about his poll numbers, and how he’s 30, 40, or 50+ points ahead, it baffles me the way he reserves most of his campaign fire for Ron DeSantis and other Republicans who had the audacity to run for president when he felt entitled to a coronation.
It should come as no surprise that the Trump campaign sent out an email blasting Ron DeSantis ahead of his upcoming debate with California Gov. Gavin Newsom Thursday evening. But, even I was shocked at the viciousness and childishness of the campaign.
Would you believe me if I told you the email subject line reads "KISS OF DEATH: Ron DeSantis Is Thirsty AF”?
I wish I could say that was the worst of it.
"Ron DeSanctimonious is acting more like a thirsty, third-rate OnlyFans wannabe model than an actual presidential candidate,” the email, which is attributed to Trump spokesman Steven Cheung, begins. "Instead of actually campaigning and trying to turn around his dismal poll numbers, DeSanctus is now so desperate for attention that he's debating a Grade A loser like Gavin Newsom."
Related: The Narrative About DeSantis’ Debate Performance Has Already Begun
"At the debate, Ron will flail his arms and bobble his head wildly, looking more like a San Francisco crackhead than the governor of Florida. This isn’t a prediction. It’s a spoiler,” the email continues. "Hopefully for Ron, it's a seated debate so he won't have to mash his foot into his high-heels to look taller. But if not, he'll definitely be on a 12 inch step stool so he can peek right above the podium."
This would probably be a good time to remind you that this is a legitimate campaign email that was sent to the campaign press list.
The email continues, "In a damning new report exposing Ron for his Chinese ties, he provided 'tax relief to a federally investigated subsidiary of a Chinese company, according to Florida state government records, despite claiming in the past his administration had not supported the business.’ Lying Ron or Red Ron, either way, he’s a shill for China and a CCP sympathizer who will go to great lengths to protect them."
And then, of course, came the obligatory mention of recent polling. "A new poll from The Messenger and HarrisX further proved none of DeSanctus’ endorsements from Kim Reynolds or Bob Vander Plaat$ did anything to help his numbers. Ron actually dropped to single digits along with Nikki ‘Birdbrain’ Haley, while President Trump INCREASED his commanding lead to 68%."
I can’t read this email without cringing. And yet, there’s more.
"Many are saying the DeSanctus campaign was devastated upon realizing that even Ron's extra-special high-heeled go-go boots couldn't lift his poll numbers,” it continues. "A new HarrisX poll shows President Trump extending his lead to 59 points over DeSanctimonious, who has dropped into the single digits alongside Birdbrain, Ramaswamy, Chris Christie, and Burgum."
Related: Here’s Why I’m Concerned About the DeSantis/Newsom Debate
"It's never been clearer that Ron DeSanctus doesn't have his eye on the ball. Despite falling to FIFTH PLACE in New Hampshire and failing to gain any ground in Iowa for months, DeSantis appears to already be auditioning for a career in reality television, with tonight's circus with Gavin Newsom. DeSanctus better focus on Nikki ‘Birdbrain' Haley, who has stolen all of his Never Trump RINO backers or he will soon find himself polling beneath Chris Christie—a place nobody wants to be."
The last line may have made me chuckle, but this is an actual email from a presidential campaign. I bet high school students have campaigned for class president with more maturity than this.
Steven Cheung posted a screenshot of the email on X/Twitter:
Ron DeSantis is Thirsty AF pic.twitter.com/GQpgUKoo6e
— Steven Cheung (@TheStevenCheung) November 30, 2023
"Why is it always vulgarity and sexual references with these guys?” asked former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis on X/Twitter in response tot he email. “Gross.” She also noted that "There was not vulgarity like this in official campaign statements when I was working for them."
Look, I’ll gladly vote for Trump in the 2024 general election next year if he is the GOP nominee, but emails like this are the reason why I’ve supported Ron DeSantis in this campaign. What a disgrace.
