DeSantis ducks questions about 2024 White House run in Florida debate: 'It's not a tough question'

"Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis refused to say if he plans to make a 2024 Republican presidential run in his high-stakes debate with Democrat Charlie Crist. DeSantis stayed silent after Crist demanded that he promise to serve out his entire term. "Yes or no, Ron. Will you serve a full, four-year term if you're re-elected governor of Florida?" Crist asked in the Monday night clash."

""It's not a tough question. It's a fair question. He won't tell you," added Crist. After a brief silence, DeSantis retorted with a comeback line of his own. "The only worn-out old donkey I'm looking to put out to pasture is Charlie Crist," DeSantis said. The fiery debate marks the only time the pair will face off before election day on Nov. 8."

Ron DeSantis declined to say whether he intends to mount a Republican presidential bid in 2024 and would not answer whether he will serve a full four-year term if re-elected governor. Charlie Crist pressed for a yes-or-no commitment and accused DeSantis of avoiding the question. DeSantis fired back with a line attacking Crist. Crist warned DeSantis could seek to outlaw abortions similar to other GOP-led states after Roe v. Wade's reversal and criticized DeSantis for flying Venezuelan asylum seekers to Martha's Vineyard. DeSantis attacked Crist as a staunch Biden supporter, and polls show DeSantis leading Crist as he seeks a higher national profile.

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