In the world of American politics, the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination is heating up. One of the frontrunners, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, is facing a tough battle against former President Donald Trump, who remains popular among Republican voters.[0] Recent polls have shown Trump leading the field with 53% support, while DeSantis trails behind at 20.9%.[1] No other candidate has more than 7% support.[1]
DeSantis’ campaign got off to a turbulent start in May with a launch on Twitter Spaces. Since then, he has consistently polled in second place behind Trump. FiveThirtyEight reports that DeSantis has struggled to gain more than 25% support in recent polls, while Trump consistently brings in over 50%.[2]
Despite his position behind Trump in the polls, DeSantis remains committed to the race.[3] His campaign spokesperson, Bryan Griffin, stated that DeSantis has been underestimated in every race he has won and that this time will be no different.[3] Griffin believes that DeSantis’ record as governor and his national vision will resonate with voters and lead to a victory.
However, even DeSantis’ own campaign acknowledges the challenges they face. Steve Cortes, a national spokesman for the pro-DeSantis Never Back Down super PAC, admitted during a Twitter Spaces event that they are currently way behind in national polling.[4] He described the campaign as an uphill battle but expressed hope that the gap between Trump and DeSantis could be closed once more people learn about DeSantis’ personal and political story.[3]
Cortes’ admission of vulnerability is significant in a leading presidential campaign. It contrasts with the confidence that other DeSantis aides often project.[3] Cortes also rationalized a potential campaign failure by suggesting that healthy competition could benefit Trump in a general election.[3]
Despite the challenges, DeSantis remains determined to win the nomination. He has every intent on winning and believes that even if he doesn’t prevail, his campaign will make Trump a better candidate for having a competitive primary. Cortes emphasized that DeSantis will outperform expectations and inform large audiences about his life, record, and winning agenda for the presidency.[5]
The race between DeSantis and Trump has drawn attention from both supporters and critics. Trump has taken to social media to criticize DeSantis, saying he is getting “demolished” and that his campaign is in disarray. DeSantis, on the other hand, has pointed out that he is being targeted by the corporate media and even the president of Mexico, which he sees as a sign that he is a strong candidate who will hold others accountable.
Polls have shown Trump as the frontrunner, with DeSantis in second place and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in third. The upcoming Republican debates will be crucial for all candidates, including DeSantis.[6] While he doesn’t have to worry about making the debate stage, he must avoid any big mistakes that could hurt his campaign. DeSantis’ team believes he has a strong path to the nomination and the best chance of defeating President Joe Biden in the general election.[5]
In the end, the race for the 2024 Republican nomination remains uncertain. While Trump currently leads in the polls, DeSantis and his campaign are determined to close the gap and secure the nomination. As the campaign continues, both candidates will need to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Only time will tell who will come out on top and face off against President Biden in the general election.
0. “Ron DeSantis blames ‘corporate media,’ Mexican President for subpar polls” Florida Politics, 7 Jul. 2023, https://floridapolitics.com/archives/622045-ron-desantis-fox-poll/
1. “Newsom has equal odds as DeSantis to win White House despite pledge not to run against Biden” Washington Examiner, 6 Jul. 2023, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/desantis-even-odds-win-white-house-as-newsom
2. “DeSantis blamed the president of Mexico and the ‘corporate media’ for his low polling” Yahoo! Voices, 7 Jul. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/news/desantis-blamed-president-mexico-corporate-143551031.html
3. “Top Ron DeSantis Backer Causes Waves As He Admits Trump Is The ‘Runaway Frontrunner'” Benzinga, 4 Jul. 2023, https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/07/33105305/top-ron-desantis-backer-causes-waves-as-he-admits-trump-is-the-runaway-frontrunner
4. “Ron DeSantis Super PAC Spokesman Basically Admits the Governor’s Presidential Prospects Are in the Gutter” Vanity Fair, 5 Jul. 2023, https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/07/ron-desantis-presidential-prospects-are-in-the-gutter
5. “Republicans sound alarm over DeSantis’s sagging campaign” Yahoo News, 7 Jul. 2023, https://news.yahoo.com/republicans-sound-alarm-over-desantis-100000389.html
6. “Ron DeSantis Is One Step From Disaster” New York Magazine, 7 Jul. 2023, https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/07/ron-desantis-is-one-step-from-disaster.html
