Ron DeSantis hoped for a much-needed boost to his stagnant presidential campaign within the Republican party. Yet, his attempts were eclipsed once more by the shadow of Donald Trump.
As DeSantis attempted to present a confident front during a brief press conference and a crucial interview, the former president’s fresh legal challenges stole the spotlight. This scenario was a blow to DeSantis’s efforts to reassure nervous donors and primary voters of his potential to outmaneuver Trump. Nevertheless, DeSantis’s remarks remained vague and focused mainly on the criticisms of federal law enforcement rather than addressing his primary GOP competitor.
In his statement, DeSantis criticized “the unfortunate politicization of institutions like the FBI and the Department of Justice.” However, he only criticized Trump’s involvement in the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021, stating, “He should have come out more forcefully, but criminalizing that is an entirely different issue.”
DeSantis’s convoluted messaging arrives at a critical time as he attempts to recover his campaign’s momentum following a tumultuous weekend. Despite having only entered the race two months prior, he’s already resorting to staff cuts and addressing queries regarding his lavish spending, media tactics, and his seeming readiness to clash with everyone except Trump – the one candidate he must defeat to secure the GOP’s 2024 presidential nomination.
Republican strategist Terry Sullivan emphasized the necessity for the DeSantis campaign to recalibrate, stating, “They’re still better positioned than any other challenger to Donald Trump.”
Although Trump’s legal issues and personal baggage continue to make headlines, DeSantis’s team maintains faith that voters will eventually grow weary. However, these issues steal the limelight and leave little room for other candidates to make an impression. Despite this, Trump’s popularity among GOP primary voters seems to strengthen with each new legal issue.
Despite these hurdles, DeSantis’s campaign has raised an impressive $150 million. The majority, $130 million, was contributed to a super PAC run by allies legally forbidden from coordinating with the campaign.
DeSantis’s campaign raised over $20 million in the first six weeks of his candidacy. Federal filings reveal that his campaign has already spent over $8 million, including payments for over 100 staff members, an extensive security team, and luxury travel.
While the DeSantis campaign confirmed staff cuts over the weekend to mitigate costs, they have remained tight-lipped about other expenses and future spending plans. However, recent appearances in South Carolina noted a decreased security presence.
Questions are also being raised about DeSantis’s extensive payroll and travel expenditures. His campaign spent more than $1 million in salaries, benefits, and payroll taxes for over 100 workers. Moreover, his campaign has already expended over $686,000 on travel, a significant portion of which seems linked to private jet charters.
Despite these concerns, DeSantis is shifting his media strategy, breaking his pattern of avoiding mainstream media by granting an interview to CNN’s Jake Tapper. In the interview, he remained evasive about his campaign direction and polls indicating Trump’s commanding lead.
DeSantis’s campaign is now focusing on Iowa, believing a win in the opening contest of the 2024 presidential primary season on January 15 is crucial to prevent Trump from securing the party’s nomination for a third consecutive election.
Despite concerns among some donors about the campaign’s direction, many still consider DeSantis, the most formidable Republican contender against Trump. GOP powerbroker Bob Grand voiced his support for DeSantis, stating, “He’s got the former president out there hammering away on him. That’s, I think, as good of an indicator there is that he’s a strong challenger.”
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, DeSantis’s camp appears resolute in recalibrating its strategy and continuing its campaign, despite the former governor’s apparent struggle to emerge from Trump’s shadow. Whether DeSantis can successfully revitalize his campaign and assert himself as the primary contender against Trump remains to be seen. For now, he will need to rally his forces, refine his messaging, and reassure his donors while navigating the tumultuous and unpredictable landscape of a high-stakes political race.
