DeSantis expects ‘knives out’ in first GOP debate as supporters look for reassurance

MIAMI — When Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis takes the stage next Wednesday at the first Republican primary debate in Milwaukee, he’ll face perhaps the biggest test yet of his campaign’s efforts to re-establish his position as the strongest alternative to former President Donald Trump. Even as the governor’s campaign has worked to lower expectations, some of DeSantis’ donors and allies are looking at the debate as a potentially make-or-break moment for his candidacy. An adept performance, they say, could quickly quell doubts about his presidential ambitions and reassure supporters that the primary r...