An Analysis of DeSantis’ Failures in Running the Republican Party: Infidelity or Inheritance in the War in Ukraine?
Like any politician, DeSantis isn’t perfect. He fumbled his attempt to navigate the GOP’s hawkish and dovish sides on the war in Ukraine, and even those who like him admit his stage presence lacks the charisma of other, more skilled politicians. And if DeSantis struggles to transition from Florida to the national stage, the likelihood of Trump winning the GOP nomination once again would increase, although it still wouldn’t be a foregone conclusion.
If his wager pays off, it will be a sign not just of his continued dominance over the Republican Party but also of something deeper: an ongoing revolt against “the best and brightest,” the notion that only certain people, with certain talents, credentials and subject matter expertise, are capable of governing.
Editor’s Note: Patrick T. Brown is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, a conservative think tank and advocacy group based in Washington, DC. He is also a former senior policy adviser to Congress’ Joint Economic Committee. You can follow him on social media. His own views are expressed in this piece. View more opinion on CNN.
The Race for the GOP nomination: The case for a late-term Republican presidential nominee that isn’t. After all, it’s still going to be hard
For a while, the fight for the Republican Party’s nomination in 2024 was looking like a two-man race. It currently seems like it is down to one according to the polls.
Former President Donald Trump has inarguably benefited from a rally-round-the-flag effect from his recent indictment. It seems Republican primary voters love nothing better than sticking their fingers in the political establishment, and there is no better way to signal their support for Donald Trump in his upcoming reelection bid.
But the race for the nomination is far from over. Ron DeSantis was in a neck and neck race with the former president a few months ago, but recent polling indicates that he has lost a step or two. But his track record of successful governance in Florida should force GOP voters to think long and hard about what version of their party they want to put forward.
A third Trump presidential nomination would indicate that Republican primary voters may prefer style over substance. But if they are serious about not just making liberals mad but advancing actual policy, GOP voters should consider other names, starting with the Florida governor.
It is being started to build around his expected run. Without even announcing his candidacy, he has picked up endorsements from conservative stalwart Rep. Chip Roy of Texas and libertarian firebrand Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
In revamping the board of the New College of Florida, he appointed well-connected conservatives such as anti-critical race theory activist Christopher Rufo of the Manhattan Institute and Charles Kesler, editor of the Claremont Review of Books. Recognizing key figures and institutions on the right in this way suggests a DeSantis administration would be serious about delivering on conservative principles.
There are also a bunch of culture war fights in addition to the list of legislative accomplishments. He signed an “education freedom” program, helping to give parents the opportunity to find the school environment that best fits their child. His attempt to give parents more of a say in their children’s education drew controversy, but he stuck to his guns.
He could solidify his reputation as a conservative governor in a few days. The “Heartbeat Protection Act,” a ban on abortion in Florida after six weeks’ gestation, would mark a tremendous commitment to the socially conservative wing of the party. Moderates in the GOP may prefer he veto the bill, but DeSantis’ track record would reach new heights if he used his political capital to make meaningful gains in restricting abortion in the Sunshine State.
Nikki Haley, the former US ambassador to the United Nations, has yet to catch political fire, but another South Carolinian is stockpiling key campaign veterans and making travel plans for Iowa and New Hampshire. Sen. Tim Scott, though not a favorite of ideological true believers, seems intent on taking his optimistic vision for an “opportunity agenda” to the voters.
While Trump piqued some interest in announcing a focus on chartering “freedom cities,” flying cars and baby bonuses, the motivating impulse behind his campaign remains what it has always been — the former real estate developer against his many enemies, real and perceived.
GOP voters will nominate Trump if they decide their primary operating principle is to enrage the media. If the party can deliver on its rhetoric of a more pro- family, pro-worker focus by being clear eyed about the electoral limitations of Trump’s style and approach, it will have another alternative to look at.