- Many of those who used to admire Trump now consider DeSantis a mini- version of Trump, albeit without the kind of controversies that has surrounded the former POTUS.
- Ever since Biden became the President, he has been criticized over his policies around the economy, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Trump has never let an opportunity to attack his successor slip away.
- Ron DeSantis gives the Republicans a much needed relief away from the kind of attention Donald Trump has on him but enough to make the right noises that will provoke the media as well.
There is no secret that Ron DeSantis is a popular man. The Florida Governor has made his thoughts public when it comes to gender issues or otherwise. His stance as someone willing to defend the Christian faith in America resonates well with a large-scale Voter base that is showing discontent to some of the current administration’s policies around both gender and education around the trans movement which he has categorized as the woke left movement. Moreover, his landslide victory in the last elections proved that DeSantis is not a one time figure. He has appeal and support and is someone who is seen as someone that has made the right noises as far as American conservatism is concerned.
DeSantis also, famously was against the closure of the state when it came during Covid, something that was routinely discussed and sometimes even passionately defended by Republican voters. So DeSantis is not just a simple figure, infact many of those who used to admire Trump now consider him as a mini- version of Trump, albeit without the kind of controversy that has surrounded the former President of the United States.
Trump, who was recently indicted for misusing his campaign funds doesn’t really need an introduction. The former President was considered a much needed change when it came to American politics. His way of politics was different to former Republicans like Bush and Nixon and he considered them ‘part of the problem’. Such was the way he demonstrated his public relations, his brief tenure is considered as the Era of ‘Trumpism’ , something even political conservative commentators like Ann Coulter has stated. Although many like her and Niki Haley, who used to support Trump have since then, called him put on various issues, especially his sour relations with former Vice President, Mike Pence, there is no denial atleast on their side that what he brought is something that must be continued but without the kind of attention the former president has on himself. Ever since Biden has been elected and his president tenure has seen many people criticizing his policies around the economy, Afghanistan and even Ukraine, the former President has never let an opportunity slip to attack his successor. And that brings him in focus when people look for the right man that can save America in their opinion.
Therefore, the hanging sword of Damocles is upon the people that wish to vote away the Democrats and their policies. They have two choices, a former President who is famous for his work but also gains a lot of unpopular press, infamous for his statements and the criminal cases against him. Whether it is witch-hunt or not is a different debate but for the Republicans who wish to remain relevant and see this as a moment to seize upon, they can genuinely feel the pressure to support Donald Trump again. His tenure wasn’t without its own controversy but the way it ended certainly was and the 6th January insurrection was perhaps the only blot on his career.
In contrast, the other choice being Ron DeSantis gives the Republicans a much needed relief away from the kind of attention Donald Trump has on him but enough to make the right noises that will provoke the media as well. It’s worth noting that Trump had supported DeSantis in his election to be the governor but after the rumors started spreading of his choice to run for president, he has attacked and distanced himself, even to the extent of calling the Florida Governor as a ‘mediocre’ political. Ron DeSantis has also given his thoughts, stating that his career doesn’t have any drama and chaos the kind associated with Donald Trump. He hasn’t yet announced his candidature for the elections possibly to not kindle those who whole-heartedly support Trump directly as an individual and hasn’t not even denounced whatever ‘Trumpism’ stands for.
Finally, the only bet that can be for Ron who has never run a national campaign is that a politician who believes in the same ideological way but is garnering less attention over controversies and chaos as compared to Trump is one of the major reasons of his threat to Trump’s rejection. Republicans can actually consider him as the buildup for the elections continue to test the mood of its voter base and of others to see who is widely considered popular and in demand for them to reclaim the White House. Trump’s indictment, some say has increased his popularity for reelection and it remains to be seen what progress is there. But for a Republican side that wishes to remain in the race, it won’t dismiss the Ron DeSantis story.
(Anhad Jakhmola is a postgraduate scholar in international relations. He has his undergraduate degree in history and is pursuing his PhD in Defence and Strategic Studies. He is a columnist for many portals and is a keen public speaker in debates and discussions. Views expressed are author’s own)
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