Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has emerged as a prominent figure in the Republican Party, garnering attention and support from conservatives across the country. After a resounding victory in his 2022 reelection bid, DeSantis is now seen as a potential alternative to former President Donald Trump, despite trailing behind him in the polls.
DeSantis has remained confident and composed throughout his campaign, appearing in two debates and presenting himself as a strong contender for the Republican nomination. Many believe that he has the popularity and appeal to rise to the top if Trump’s position as the assumed nominee falters.[0]
In a memo written by DeSantis’ campaign manager, James Uthmeier, it is stated that DeSantis is the only candidate who can defeat both Joe Biden and Donald Trump.[1] The memo highlights the campaign’s resources and organization as key factors that set them apart from other candidates.
However, critics argue that DeSantis has not done anything significant to distinguish himself from the pack. They believe that his appeal lies in his ability to excite highly educated and politically active right-wingers who are drawn to his strongman persona.
DeSantis’s presidential campaign has faced numerous challenges from the start.[2] His poll numbers have been in decline, with a Quinnipiac survey showing him trailing Trump by 50 points for the Republican nomination.[3] He has also slipped to third place behind Trump and Nikki Haley in New York.[3] Additionally, DeSantis has had to deal with internal issues, such as the dismissal of a significant portion of his staff and the appointment of a new manager.
One of the key controversies surrounding DeSantis is his clash with Disney over the company’s opposition to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law.[4] The law restricted discussions about gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools. In response, DeSantis and his allies in the state legislature revoked Disney’s control over a special taxing district that gave them autonomy over their theme parks.[4] This has led to a legal battle between Disney and DeSantis.[4]
DeSantis’s political clashes extend beyond ideology and include corporate interests as well.[5] Disney, one of Florida’s largest employers, publicly opposed the “Don’t Say Gay” ban, leading to a feud with the governor.[5]
Despite these challenges, DeSantis’s presidential candidacy adds a new dimension to the political landscape.[5] He has been both controversial and accomplished throughout his career, and there is much to learn about the man behind the headlines. Here are seven lesser-known facts about Ron DeSantis that provide insight into his background, governance, and political ambitions.
In a surprising turn of events, former President Trump has announced that he will be skipping the second debate, instead opting to travel to Detroit to deliver a speech for current and former auto union members.[6] This decision comes as the United Auto Workers’ strike against the Big Three automakers enters its fourth day.[1]
DeSantis’s campaign has faced setbacks, with his Republican rivals gaining ground in recent polls. However, the memo from his campaign insists that the fundamentals of the race have not changed since the last debate, which was seen as a pivotal moment for DeSantis to revitalize his campaign.[6]
Critics have been quick to suggest that DeSantis’s campaign is on the brink of failure. Veteran New Hampshire GOP strategist Mike Dennehy told Politico that the campaign is on “life support,” a far cry from the early expectations that were set for DeSantis.[7]
As the Republican primary race continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Ron DeSantis can overcome the challenges and emerge as a serious contender for the party’s nomination. With his confident demeanor and conservative appeal, DeSantis has captured the attention of many conservatives who see him as a viable alternative to Trump. However, he will need to navigate through a crowded field of contenders and prove himself worthy of the top spot. Only time will tell if DeSantis can rise to the occasion and secure the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential election.
0. “Team DeSantis feels poised to surge if Trump trips” Washington Examiner, 2 Oct. 2023, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/washington-secrets/team-desantis-feels-poised-to-surge-if-trump-trips
1. “‘His campaign is living in a fantasy land devoid of reality’: Team Trump slams DeSantis’ pre-debate memo to do” Daily Mail, 24 Sep. 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12554157/Trump-slams-DeSantis-pre-debate-memo-donors.html
2. “‘Desantis for President’: A campaign that never got off the ground.” The Independent Florida Alligator, 28 Sep. 2023, https://www.alligator.org/article/2023/09/desantis-campaign
3. “Home discomfort for Ron DeSantis as Florida Republicans edge away” The Guardian US, 25 Sep. 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/25/ron-desantis-florida-republicans-presidential-campaign-poll
4. “Ken Griffin Won’t Back Ron DeSantis’ White House Bid” The Real Deal, 25 Sep. 2023, https://therealdeal.com/miami/2023/09/25/ken-griffin-wont-back-ron-desantis-white-house-bid/
5. “7 Ron DeSantis Facts That Might Change Your Perspective – Inside the Magic” Inside the Magic, 29 Sep. 2023, https://insidethemagic.net/2023/09/seven-ron-desantis-facts-that-might-change-your-perspective-cm1/
6. “DeSantis campaign pre-debate memo criticizes Trump, is dismissive of other rivals despite polling gap closing” CBS News, 23 Sep. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/desantis-campaign-pre-debate-memo-criticizes-trump/
7. “Ron DeSantis’ Campaign Is Plummeting Because He Won’t Choose a Lane” Yahoo News, 23 Sep. 2023, https://news.yahoo.com/ron-desantis-campaign-plummeting-because-225509224.html
