​​Democrats are ‘popping popcorn’ over looming Trump-DeSantis battle

Democrats are ‘popping popcorn’ over a looming battle between ex-POTUS Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a former aide in Barack Obama’s White administration has claimed. Riley Roberts, who worked as a speechwriter to Attorney General Eric Holder during his four-year stint in Obama’s administration, also claimed early signs did not show an overwhelming red wave for Republicans.Speaking to Express.co.uk, Mr Roberts said: “Democrats are popping popcorn for this battle, eager to see how the two match up-and hoping they’ll take each other down a peg.”Looking at the success of DeSantis-backed candidates compared to those supported by Mr Trump, he added: “DeSantis-endorsed candidates are having a strong night, while Trump-endorsed candidates-like Mastriano, in Pennsylvania-have either lost by a wide margin or are still locked in close races.”Regardless of what happens from here, DeSantis looks like the biggest winner of the night, with a commanding win in his home state and a strong showing for his candidates across the country.”Mr DeSantis and Mr Trump are both expected to launch White House bids, with the ex-POTUS set to make a “big announcement” on November 15.Mr Trump has also warned Mr DeSantis against running in the GOP primary as their bitter Republican rivalry continues to infect the party’s populist ranks.The 45th President said: “If he (Mr DeSantis) did run I could tell you things about him that won’t be very flattering.JUST IN: GOP insiders warn Trump’s call for ‘protest’ is ‘strategic’ as 2024 run not inevitable ​​Democrats are ‘popping popcorn’ over looming Trump-DeSantis battle, ex-Obama aide claims (Image: Getty) Riley Roberts worked as a speechwriter in Barack Obama’s administration. (Image: Getty)”I know more about him than anybody, other than perhaps his wife, who’s really running his campaign.”The warning comes just days after Mr Trump called his Republican rival ‘Ron DeSanctimonious’ during a rally in Pennsylvania. According to the BBC, Mr DeSantis opened up a 1.5million vote lead with seven percent of ballots left to count.The ex-US Navy lieutenant commander won by just 32,000 votes in the Sunshine State during his first gubernatorial election in 2018.Addressing early signs from the midterm elections, Mr Roberts added: “It’s too early to render an overall verdict, but so far it’s not looking like a red tidal wave. It would be good news-and would buck historical trends-for Democrats to keep this close and competitive, let alone hold one or both chambers.”Republican strategists have also warned Mr Trump and Mr DeSantis could lock horns in a painful primary race.READ MORE: Trump will not detract from midterms but will make ‘announcement’ soon The ex-POTUS set to make a “big announcement” on November 15. (Image: Getty) “If he (Mr DeSantis) did run I could tell you things about him that won’t be very flattering.” (Image: Getty)GOP fundraiser Noelle Nikpour said: ‘Ron is a star in the GOP and has fantastic reviews on how he ran his state. ‘So many of the major donors I know are willing and ready to support a presidential run for him but Trump is the spoiler.  ‘No one wants to run against Trump but DeSantis is the only person that could take him on and outraise him for sure.’Minnesota’s former Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch also told Express.co.uk: ‘Trump was already trying to blunt this but a massive win with 15-20 points allows him to claim the GOP mantle and say: ‘This is the way to victory’.’She added: ‘A head-to-head would be most helpful for DeSantis. No one had that in 2016.  DON’T MISS: “It’s too early to render an overall verdict, but so far it’s not looking like a red tidal wave.” (Image: Getty) GOP strategists have warned Mr Trump and Mr DeSantis could lock horns in a painful primary race. (Image: Getty)’And DeSantis gets a huge bump and potentially clears the other GOP candidates.’Recent opinion polls suggest Mr Trump is ahead of Mr DeSantis with Republican voters.A survey conducted by Big Village put Mr Trump 23 percent ahead of Mr DeSantis.