Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy posted a response to his X account that mocked rhetoric made by campaign opponent Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).
“The real danger to our movement is the rise of ‘listless-vessel’ robot politicians who blindly follow the commands of their Super PACs,” Ramaswamy remarked.
His X post referred to an earlier remark from DeSantis that referred to some supporters of former President Donald Trump as “listless vessels.”
DeSantis Friday emphasized the importance of a movement being rooted in principle rather than being centered around a single individual such as Trump. He refuted allegations of being a RINO — Republican in name only.
“Because, if you’re not rooted in principle, if all we are is listless vessels, that’s just supposed to follow,” DeSantis said in an interview with The Florida Standard, “whatever happens to come down the pike on Truth Social every morning, that’s not going to be a durable movement.”
Trump’s campaign called for an apology from the governor, who is also a potential contender for the 2024 Republican nomination.
“The dishonest media refuses to report the facts: Donald Trump and some congressional endorsers are ‘listless vessels,’” said DeSantis spokesman Bryan Griffin. “Why? Because Trump and DC insiders feel he is entitled to your vote.”
Griffin further highlighted DeSantis’ belief in earning the trust of the electorate and his commitment to reversing the nation’s decline.
He also noted his candidate would be participating in the upcoming debate where Trump would be absent, opting instead for an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Carlson now streams content on the X platform.
The relationship between Ramaswamy and DeSantis has been tense recently, especially after the leak of an opposition research memo from DeSantis’ super PAC, Never Back Down.
The memo, published by Axiom Strategies, suggested aggressive campaign strategies against Ramaswamy, including labeling him as “FakeVivek” or “Vivek the Fake,” according to a Washington Examiner report.
“I think we have a choice between super PAC puppets who are being propped up with prepped lines and millions of dollars to go along with it,” responded Ramaswamy during an interview on Fox News.
DeSantis reportedly distanced himself from the leaked memo during a Fox News appearance, claiming he had not seen it and was not responsible for its content.
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