Don’t 'piss off his voters': Recordings reveal DeSantis' 2018 thoughts on dealing with Trump
Footage obtained by ABC News of Gov. Ron DeSantis' 2018 debate prep provide a glimpse into how he worked to appeal to Donald Trump's base while carving out his own lane. During his first bid for statewide office in 2018, Ron DeSantis was grappling with a key issue that he could soon face again during his potential 2024 bid for the White House: how to not alienate Donald Trump's base. "Is there any issue upon which you disagree with President Trump?" DeSantis was asked by Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz in footage exclusively obtained by ABC News of the team's mock debate sessions during DeSantis' 2018 run for governor. "I have to figure out how to do this," then-Congressman DeSantis replied, while letting out a deep sigh. MORE: DeSantis likely to skip exploratory committee as team begins debate prep: Sources "Obviously there is, because I mean I voted contrary to him in the Congress," DeSantis continued. "I have to frame it in a way th...