Ron DeSantis worried he might “piss off” Trump’s base in 2018

florida governor ron desantis seemed to be concerned with alienating the one of donald trump base long before the way to 2024.

DeSantis openly debated how to handle his problem with Trump in 2018 when he was running for governor of the Sunshine State.

Video of mock discussion sessions posted by ABC News Sunday shows the politician wondering how to walk the line between mild appeal and MAGA zealotry.

Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) helped set up DeSantis in the video, asking him, “Is there anything you don’t agree with President Trump on?”

The then-congressman sighed as he admitted, “I have to figure out how to do this.”

Mapping out a strategy, DeSantis continued: “Obviously there is because, I mean, I voted against him in Congress. I have to frame it in a way that doesn’t upset all of his voters.”

The Florida Republican settled on a mixed answer, telling Gaetz that he would “do what I think is right” and “support (Trump’s) agenda.”

“If I have a disagreement, I talk to him in private,” he concluded.

While DeSantis has yet to officially launch a presidential campaign, insiders say he’s skipping the usual exploratory committee phase. They expect an announcement before June, according to the washington post.

Sources close to DeSantis also say that debate preparation is already underway.

TO CBS News-YouGov The poll released Monday found Trump leading the pack of actual and potential Republican presidential candidates with 58% of likely Republican voters backing the former POTUS. DeSantis followed with 22% support.