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Posted: 2023-08-03T15:04:01Z | Updated: 2023-08-03T15:11:10Z

America could be getting a Republican vs. Democrat debate well before the 2024 presidential election, but it wont be between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump . (Watch the video below.)

On Fox News Wednesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would debate California Gov. Gavin Newsom in a conservative-liberal showdown to be moderated by right-wing Fox News host Sean Hannity .

While the clash of ideologies might make for good theater, neither politician is commanding the national stage at the moment. DeSantis badly trails thrice-indicted front-runner Trump in the race for the Republican presidential nod. Newsom isnt running for president at all at least as of yet. His aspirations are reportedly focusing more on 2028.

The New York Times wrote that both governors are eager for as much attention as they can get, so essentially the war of words would be a publicity stunt.

You heard Gavin make the offer, Hannity said on his show. Your answer is?

Absolutely, DeSantis said. Im game. Lets get it done. Just tell me when and where.

The debate between California and Florida is already over. People have been voting with their feet for years.

But the debate about the future of our country is one we need to have.

I'm game to talk about my plans to reverse the decline in this country anytime, anywhere, because pic.twitter.com/BbUKix8s5E

Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) August 3, 2023","type":"rich","meta":{"author":"Ron DeSantis","author_url":"https://twitter.com/RonDeSantis","cache_age":86400,"description":"The debate between California and Florida is already over. 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The debate between California and Florida is already over. People have been voting with their feet for years.

But the debate about the future of our country is one we need to have.

I'm game to talk about my plans to reverse the decline in this country anytime, anywhere, because pic.twitter.com/BbUKix8s5E

Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) August 3, 2023

DeSantis immediately fired a salvo, claiming a record exodus from California and a boon in migration for Florida. He warned that Biden would love to see the Californication of the United States. DeSantis also said Newsom could still emerge as a Democratic challenger to Biden, and that would accelerate Americas decline.

Newsom and DeSantis appeared to agree on a date of Nov. 8 or 10.

DeSantis should put up or shut up, Newsom spokesperson Nathan Click said in a statement, per The New York Times.

DeSantis campaign has floundered as he fights the anti-woke culture wars while downplaying slavery in his states school curriculum, enacting anti-trans legislation and restricting abortions after six weeks.

Newsom recently called out GOP governors like Greg Abbott of Texas for resisting gun control, pushing book bans and going after doctors who perform abortions.

You care about life and you have kids that are gunned down by weapons of war? Spare me. All in the name of freedom, as youre banning books? Newsom said.

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The California governor, who has traded barbs with DeSantis for months, broached the idea of a debate in September.

Hey @GovRonDeSantis, clearly youre struggling, distracted, and busy playing politics with peoples lives, Newsom tweeted . Since you have only one overriding need attention lets take this up & debate. Ill bring my hair gel. You bring your hairspray. Name the time before Election Day.

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Consider supporting HuffPost starting at $2 to help us provide free, quality journalism that puts people first.

Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.

The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?

Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.

The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. We hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.

Support HuffPost