Jim McKee eagerly waits in a long queue winding through five aisles of fiction inside a Books-A-Million store in Florida’s capital city. He is excited to have his copy of a book signed by its author, Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor he believes should be the next president of the United States. As a former Trump loyalist, the 44-year-old Tallahassee attorney cautiously voices his preference for DeSantis over Trump in the Republican primary.
DeSantis’ allies are growing more confident as Trump’s legal troubles increase. They view the Florida governor as a strong contender despite concerns raised by establishment Republicans and Make America Great Again influencers about his readiness for the national stage. DeSantis’ team is focused on enacting conservative policies and maintaining discipline in their messaging, starkly contrasting Trump’s tumultuous track record.
Florida State Rep. Spencer Roach, a former Trump supporter, believes that DeSantis would be a formidable presidential candidate, as many Americans are tired of Trump’s constant chaos. The 2024 presidential election is unfolding amidst unprecedented scandal, with criminal probes into Trump’s actions potentially resulting in indictments.
DeSantis’ supporters acknowledge that Trump might benefit politically in the short term if charged, as the GOP base would likely rally around him against a perceived weaponized justice system. However, for a long time, they thought primary voters would see Trump’s legal challenges as a reminder of his baggage that could lead to another Republican disappointment in 2024.
As DeSantis begins to experience the intense scrutiny that comes with being a top-tier presidential prospect, some wonder whether he is ready for the spotlight or possesses the charisma needed to connect with voters on a personal level. New York-based Republican donor Eric Levine, a strong Trump critic, says he would support DeSantis in a race against Trump but is unsure about backing either candidate.
DeSantis’ strategy of avoiding direct engagement with Trump and the mainstream press is praised by his allies, but it also comes with risks. They hope DeSantis will not shy away from confrontation and will engage when necessary, unlike Trump’s 2016 Republican rivals, who failed to respond early enough to Trump’s rise.
Matt Caldwell, a former state representative, likens Trump’s 2024 challenges to the 1996 presidential election when President Bill Clinton faced serious allegations of sexual impropriety, which almost derailed his reelection. Caldwell believes that, despite the controversies, DeSantis has the upper hand and can learn from the past to navigate the upcoming election successfully.
As the 2024 presidential election season picks up momentum, DeSantis is working on refining his message and building a strong political organization. Based in Florida’s Panhandle, his team remains confident in their candidate’s appeal to Republican voters. They believe DeSantis’ disciplined approach, focus on conservative policies, and record as a big-state governor will resonate with the GOP base.
The DeSantis campaign is aware of the importance of addressing concerns about his charisma and ability to connect with voters. To tackle this issue, they plan to increase DeSantis’ presence in key primary states, holding town hall meetings and engaging with local communities to showcase his interpersonal skills.
While DeSantis’ supporters acknowledge the potential short-term boost for Trump should he face charges, they are optimistic that, in the long run, voters will prioritize policy and stability over chaos. DeSantis’ team is preparing for various scenarios, including a charged political environment that may emerge if Trump is indicted. They also consider the risk of underestimating Trump’s ability to mobilize his base.
DeSantis’ allies continue to promote the Florida governor as a solid alternative to Trump, emphasizing his steady leadership and focus on enacting conservative policies. They believe that by maintaining discipline in their messaging and highlighting the contrast between DeSantis and Trump, they can successfully sway Republican voters.
As the election approaches, DeSantis’ team plans to leverage the lessons learned from previous campaigns to ensure they respond effectively to Trump’s attacks and avoid the mistakes of past Republican rivals. By staying focused on policy, engaging with voters, and drawing clear distinctions between DeSantis and Trump, they hope to secure their candidate’s position as the top choice for the GOP nomination in 2024.
