DeSantis sets rivalry aside: Why so zealous in pursuing Trump?
POLITICO Hes only been a presidential candidate for two weeks, but Ron DeSantis is already finding himself defending his chief rival.
Several hours after news broke that former President Donald Trump was indicted over his handling of classified documents, DeSantis lambasted the Department of Justice.
The weaponization of federal law enforcement represents a mortal threat to a free society. We have for years witnessed an uneven application of the law depending upon political affiliation. Why so zealous in pursuing Trump yet so passive about Hillary or Hunter? DeSantis tweeted about two hours after the news. The DeSantis administration will bring accountability to the DOJ, excise political bias and end weaponization once and for all.
It was a remarkable statement from the second-place GOP candidate, who is considered the most viable alternative to Trump but has grappled with how to challenge the ex-president without alienating his most fervent supporters.
And it showed in clear terms the limits of how much DeSantis will take Trump on. While he eagerly highlights their differences over handling Covid-19 and takes constant, oft-veiled jabs at Trumps electability, DeSantis is making a calculated effort not to anger the political base that appears to grow emboldened in its support of Trump with each passing legal trouble.
