Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is reportedly poised to formally throw his hat into the ring for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. His candidacy has been highly anticipated by folks on the right and the left, and the announcement will surely make waves.
Much speculation has been made as to whether he can topple former President Donald Trump off of his perch as the clear frontrunner in the race. While most Republican voters still prefer Trump to DeSantis, it is not a foregone conclusion that the former president will remain the standard bearer of the party. But some have also contemplated whether DeSantis would have what it takes to defeat President Joe Biden if he does secure the nomination.
The New York Times reported on Friday:
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida all but declared his presidential candidacy on Thursday afternoon, telling donors and supporters on a call that only three “credible” candidates were in the race and that only he would be able to win both the Republican primary and the general election.
“You have basically three people at this point that are credible in this whole thing,” Mr. DeSantis told donors on the call, organized by the super PAC supporting him, Never Back Down. “Biden, Trump and me. And I think of those three, two have a chance to get elected president — Biden and me, based on all the data in the swing states, which is not great for the former president and probably insurmountable because people aren’t going to change their view of him.”
The article notes that the governor “is expected to file paperwork declaring his candidacy with the Federal Election Commission ahead of a major fund-raising meeting with donors in Miami on May 25 that is meant to act as a show of his financial force.”
DeSantis is expected to release a video declaring his intention to seek the presidency when he officially enters the race.
As the 2024 presidential race looms, speculation has grown around the potential match-up between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and President Joe Biden. While DeSantis possesses certain advantages that could position him as a formidable opponent, he also faces challenges that he will have to overcome to secure victory.
DeSantis represents a younger generation of leadership, and with America’s weariness of older candidates, his relative youth could work in his favor. A change from the status quo might resonate with voters looking for new perspectives and energy in the White House.
Indeed, significant percentages of the population do not want to see another matchup between Trump and Biden. Many have grown weary of having old folks in charge (no offense to old folks) and would like to see some new blood at the helm. This would definitely work in the governor’s favor.
Although former President Donald Trump remains popular among Republican voters, DeSantis has successfully cultivated his own dedicated base. Moreover, most of Trump’s base would gladly pull the lever for the governor. If he secures the Republican nomination, these loyal supporters are likely to rally behind him, providing a solid foundation for his campaign.
DeSantis’ performance as governor, particularly his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, could boost his appeal and help him energize Republican, and maybe Independent, voters. By implementing policies that appealed to conservatives, such as maintaining open businesses and resisting strict lockdown measures, he has garnered praise from his base. Highlighting these accomplishments could resonate with voters who value effective governance during times of crisis.
However, a potential DeSantis campaign will have plenty of challenges to face in the quest to oust Biden from the White House.
One potential disadvantage for DeSantis is the fact that he has built his brand almost entirely on being “anti-woke.” While this stance resonates with the conservative base, it may not fare as well on the national stage. Critics argue that his opposition to critical race theory, and his clash with Disney over the Parental Rights in Education Act, have created a perception that he is racially insensitive.
To broaden his appeal, DeSantis must address these concerns head on. While much of the criticism the left has levied against him has been based on falsehoods, there are also valid criticisms with some of the moves he has made ostensibly to combat wokeness.
DeSantis is wildly popular in Florida. Even many Democrats have praised his leadership. However, this does not guarantee nationwide support. To win over independent and moderate voters, he must develop a comprehensive strategy for national policy issues that resonates beyond his state. Articulating a clear vision and demonstrating an ability to bridge divides will be crucial in winning over a broader electorate.
President Biden, for all his flaws, is a known quantity to the United States. Those who voted for him did so because he was not Donald Trump. Additionally, he is an experienced politician, whereas DeSantis is not as tested on the national stage. This could become a challenge on the campaign trail. However, this could also work to the governor’s benefit if he plays his cards right.
While Biden possesses the advantage of experience as president, his performance has been subject to criticism. DeSantis must effectively highlight Biden’s flaws, weaknesses, and policy failures to sway undecided voters. Critiques regarding issues such as border security, rising inflation, and an uneven COVID-19 response could be focal points for DeSantis.
Of course, this speculation could be irrelevant. As stated previously, Trump is way ahead in the polls and will likely win the nomination. However, I’ve watched politics long enough to know never to say never. DeSantis will undoubtedly get a significant bump in the polls when he finally does announce. But even then, he will have his work cut out for him.