Mr. DeSantis, the Republican, needs to lift his campaign for president a week ahead of the fourth Republican primary debate and under seven weeks before the Iowa caucuses.
With Donald J. Trump still holding wide leads in the Republicans’ 2024 nominating contests, and Mr. Biden resolute on standing for re-election, both men could also be eyeing the 2028 presidential race, though neither would admit it.
They have presented themselves as the fresh, new avatars of their respective ideologies and, potentially, the future of their political parties.
Now, after they have used each other as foils for years, the debate could offer a culmination to their long-running public feud.
The higher stakes for DeSantisMr. DeSantis has much more riding on this moment than his verbal sparring partner.
Persons:
Ron DeSantis, Gavin Newsom, DeSantis, Newsom, Joseph R, Biden, Donald J, Trump, Mr
Organizations:
Republican, Republicans
Locations:
Florida, California, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Iowa, West