In a fierce battle for political supremacy, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley have taken their rivalry to the airwaves, with super PACs and their campaigns releasing ads targeting each other. The latest round of attack ads focuses on Haley's remarks about accepting Gaza refugees, marking a shift in strategy for DeSantis' pro-DeSantis Super PAC Never Back Down, which previously focused primarily on former President Donald Trump and President Biden.

Never Back Down, the pro-DeSantis Super PAC, has published several ads this week that directly criticize Haley for her comments on Gaza refugees. The ads draw attention to Haley's statement on October 15, in which she suggested that America could "separate civilians from terrorists." The super PAC implies that Haley's stance would allow refugees from the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by the terrorist group Hamas and recently waged war against Israel.

One of the ads titled "ZERO Gaza refugees" has been allocated a budget of approximately $1 million, according to a representative from Never Back Down. This particular ad will be aired on television, while others will be circulated online. The ads highlight DeSantis' opposition to accepting Gazans, citing their alleged antisemitism. They also include footage of Haley expressing support for aid to Gaza during her time as the UN ambassador in 2017.

In response, Haley's campaign fired back with an online ad titled "Desperate DeSantis." The ad not only takes a swipe at DeSantis' personality, labeling it as "awkward," but also features various commentators suggesting that the Florida governor is slipping in the polls. The ad accuses DeSantis of resorting to "fake attacks" and highlights what it portrays as multiple unsuccessful attempts to reboot his campaign.

Haley's campaign spokesperson, Ken Farnaso, condemned DeSantis' actions, calling his attacks on Haley's record a desperate move. Farnaso emphasized that voters are rallying behind Haley's strength and toughness in the face of increasing threats around the world. The Haley campaign maintains that she never supported accepting Gaza refugees, pointing to media fact checks that debunk DeSantis' claim.

The escalating attacks between DeSantis and Haley come as both candidates vie for second place behind former President Trump in national and early state polls. Both campaigns have prioritized the initial contests, with DeSantis specifically targeting Iowa as a means to surpassing Trump's popularity. However, Never Back Down claims that their ads against Haley do not signify a strategy shift and continues to assert that the real competition lies between DeSantis and Trump.

As of now, DeSantis holds second place nationally with 12.8% support, according to Real Clear Politics' average. Haley trails with 7.4%, while Trump maintains the lead with a commanding 59.1%.

In a battle for political survival, DeSantis and Haley have intensified their efforts to secure second place and gain momentum in the race for the White House. Only time will tell whose campaign strategy will prove successful as they navigate the twists and turns of the grueling electoral landscape.