CNN’s Kaitlan Collins Asks ‘Can Trump Beat Biden?’ To End Intense DeSantis Interview

CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins ended an intense interview with Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) by asking if he thinks former President Donald Trump can defeat President Joe Biden.

DeSantis was interviewed on Thursday night’s edition of CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins, his first appearance on the dogged host’s show.

Toward the end of the two-segment sit-down, Collins asked DeSantis about Trump with a little twist of the knife, pointing out he’s “far behind” Trump and pointing out DeSantis never goes after Trump’s character.

Collins wrapped up by asking DeSantis if he really believes Trump can’t beat Biden — his response was not what you’d call emphatic:

COLLINS: Are you moderating the way that you’re running, because you seem to be running to the right of Donald Trump, initially, signing that six-week abortion ban, signing that permitless concealed carry, you were making sure you finished your legislative session, in Florida, before.

DESANTIS: Yes, but constitutional carry is —

COLLINS: Now, you’re talking about going for the voters, who don’t like Trump.

DESANTIS: — that’s like a majority of the States have that. That’s a normal, mainstream Second Amendment position.

COLLINS: No, but, to the —

DESANTIS: So, but I think —

COLLINS: You’re deflecting. The point in and of itself is that —

DESANTIS: — I think — I think the thing is —

COLLINS: — you were initially running to the right, and it seems like you’re moderating. Is that the case?

DESANTIS: I don’t think I’ve changed. I think I am what I am. I think I’ll run the same now, like I will, next November.

But here’s the thing. I’m more reliable, on policy, than Donald Trump. And Republican voters, I think, are starting to see that. And we’ll show that. I’ve delivered more, on American First principles, than anybody, in the country, and not just this most recent legislative session, all through my time, as governor. So, we’ll see that.

But here’s the thing, I think, is true. I have shown an ability to be bold, to do big things, but then to actually win Independent voters.

In Florida, we won by a million and a half votes. I mean, we won Independents by 18 percent. Donald Trump would not be able to do that. And we need somebody that’s going to be able to win the election, very important that you get that done.

COLLINS: And you don’t think Donald Trump can beat Joe Biden?

DESANTIS: I don’t. I mean, I think that — I think that —

COLLINS: Would you endorse him, if he is the nominee?

DESANTIS: Well I’ve already said that. I signed the pledge. I’m supporting a Republican nominee.

COLLINS: Yes. But do you think it’s real?

DESANTIS: Well, for me, it is. I mean, I think, when you sign something? I know some people don’t do that. But when I agreed to participate, in debates? I knew what that meant. I knew whoever comes out of that process.

But here’s the thing. I’m not just going to take my ball and go home. I’m going to do, follow the process, respect the people’s will. I think, ultimately, they’ll make the judgment that I’m the best foot forward. And I think we’ll get it done. But look, at the end of the day, I’m not going to just cry in the corner.

I mean, I think Biden needs to be defeated, and I think a Republican needs to do it.

COLLINS: OK. So, that’s a yes.

Watch above via CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins.