DeSantis also said that he wants to see Trump show up to the debates because no one is entitled to the nomination and that it was time for some candidates to consider dropping out.

“I do think you’re going to see a smaller stage because I think some of those folks aren’t going to qualify for this next round,” he said. “And look, my thing is, far be it for me to tell anyone who to run or not run, but you either have a path or you don’t. And if you don’t have a path, then we should focus on the candidates that have a conceivable shot at this.”

“I will say though, being on that stage, I think one of the reasons why I wasn’t necessarily the target as much as people thought is I have a record of success,” he added.

[Meh. I’d consider this just as legit as Trump demanding everyone else get out, too, including DeSantis. It certainly would make things more convenient for DeSantis (and Haley), and there’s a good argument that most of the rest should not have jumped in at all. Now that they are in, though, let the primary process work. If they don’t have a path, the donors and supporters will dry up soon enough. — Ed]