# DeSantis can't win the GOP nomination or the general election in 2024 {How Trump plays into this is allowed} **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [February 23, 2023, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249 "2023-02-23T18:07:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 27
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/521 "2023-04-20T00:31:20Z")
Yeah, um, more humiliation for His Dickness: > **[Things really couldn't be any worse for Ron DeSantis](https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/4/19/2164748/-Things-really-couldn-t-be-any-worse-for-Ron-DeSantis)** > > The plane of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hadn't even touched down Tuesday in Washington D.C. before the fallout began from his congressional hobnobbing for a potential 2024 presidential bid. No less than three Florida Congressmen, who had previously... ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/522 "2023-04-20T01:28:47Z")
DeSantis has peaked before he even announced his candidacy. Nice. Perhaps he’ll double/triple down by threatening lots of other Florida businesses (even if they have fewer than 77,000 employees ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/523 "2023-04-20T11:02:35Z")
Perhaps if he raised his profile by doing more advertising. There are these things called NFTs… ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/524 "2023-04-20T11:24:12Z")
> [@Aeschines](#): > > FWIW, Biden has actually kept most of what Trump did in terms of tariffs, trade agreements, etc. Even Trump’s tax cuts are still around. Off topic for this thread — but I’m glad you brought this up. Not good on Biden’s part (nor on Dem congressional leaders’)… Back to the thread…. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/525 "2023-04-20T16:55:19Z")
> [@Akaj](#): > > Let’s hope DeSantis doesn’t collapse too completely. Remember, the best-case scenario is that he (or another person not Trump) wins the nomination by a nose, and Trump destroys the GOP by blasting the nomination as “stolen” while attempting to run as an independent. I don’t see how he has a chance, he tried to be the “next Trump” while the current Trump was still kicking around. The “not Trump” vote is already too split to beat Trump, and DeSantis wouldn’t pass as one of those anyways. He is running a race in a lane that doesn’t exist. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/526 "2023-04-20T17:46:53Z")
An important point to bear in mind about DeSantis is that he’s 44 years old. He’ll be a potential force in R politics for at least another 30 years. He can’t be FL governor again in 2026 (under current law), but he could run again in 2030. Unless he’s moved on to the Federal legislature by then. If he fails this time, even rather spectacularly, it would be a mistake to count him out for good unless the USA makes a very hard left turn real soon. ---
**Author:** ![Cardigan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardigan/32/187_2.png) [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/527 "2023-04-20T17:51:37Z")
> [@DigitalC](#): > > He is running a race in a lane that doesn’t exist. I’m convinced at this point his sole goal is to position himself as THE substitute MAGA-guy in the event Trump gets convicted and/or can’t be on the ballot in some (or all) states. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/528 "2023-04-20T17:51:46Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > If he fails this time, even rather spectacularly, it would be a mistake to count him out for good unless the USA makes a very hard left turn real soon. Absolutely. Many politicians fail early in their careers but find success later. That’s probably the norm rather than the exception. A failed presidential bid now doesn’t necessarily torpedo his national political career. I mean, it _could_, but it depends on how and why it fails. ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/529 "2023-04-20T17:59:42Z")
I agree with everyone’s further observations! My best guess is that the GOP _wants_ and _tries_ to give Trump the nomination, but he’s in such a legal mess and has such bad polling at that point that they know it will be election suicide to nominate him. So some move is made to prevent that. Meanwhile, DeSantis has looked incredibly weak next to Trump, and his own polling is the shits. He becomes the nominal front runner next to the no-chancers like Haley, but he seems like a loser despite that. And you have a perfect disaster in which the GOP convention has an undeniable shit stink on it, and things are as bad in terms of chances as if Trump were the nominee. No one can really win at this point. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/530 "2023-04-20T18:09:15Z")
> [@Cardigan](#): > > > [@DigitalC](#): > > > > He is running a race in a lane that doesn’t exist. > > I’m convinced at this point his sole goal is to position himself as THE substitute MAGA-guy in the event Trump gets convicted and/or can’t be on the ballot in some (or all) states. > [@Aeschines](#): > > My best guess is that the GOP _wants_ and _tries_ to give Trump the nomination, but he’s in such a legal mess and has such bad polling at that point that they know it will be election suicide to nominate him. So some move is made to prevent that. Yes, but … IMO … If Trump is pushed off the ballot by GOP skullduggery I predict the MAGAts, abetted by Trump, will tear the R party a new one. And or run as a write-in / Independent / Libertarian / Whatever. DeSantis might be the R standard-bearer, but he’ll be leading a mortally wounded party into a wipeout. If Trump were to be removed from contention by legal action, and especially Federal legal action during a D administration, the MAGAts will huff & puff and threaten and a few hotheads will shoot a few random victims and that will be that. DeSantis may well be the R standard-bearer but this time will have some good chance at winning the general because ultimately turnout in the few critical swing districts will decide the election. The all-but inevitable DeSantis promise to pardon Trump will propel massive enthusiasm on both sides. Which will be more massive? I predict the Rs because the Ds are counting on Father Time to ensure Trump isn’t a contender by 2028 when it will next matter again. Contrast that with the MAGAt R’s who just want their hero’s vindication right now. If Trump were removed by natural rather than man-made means, which is not impossible given his age, obesity, bad health habits, etc., then DeSantis walks in wearing the MAGA mantle and after a lot of grumbling by the core MAGAts about Diet Trump, he still wins the nomination over the 20 dwarfs. And may well take the general. The for-profit propaganda war against all things not Reactionary White Supremacy will continue unabated whether Trump is alive or not. My bottom line: The thread isn’t about Trump. As the Mods have reminded us. But everything that happens to Ron DeSantis next is in effect a consequence of whatever just happened to Trump. Like Mongo, DeSantis is but a pawn in the game of TrumpLife. Actually, he’s more like a bishop; able to move in an inherently restricted matter at the pleasure of larger pieces on the board. Until they are no longer present and suddenly he’s the Queen. Whenever and however that may occur. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/531 "2023-04-20T19:28:19Z")
> **Hid off-topic post. No replies please. {What Exit?}** > > > [@Cardigan](#): > > > > I’m convinced at this point his sole goal is to position himself as THE substitute MAGA-guy in the event Trump gets convicted and/or can’t be on the ballot in some (or all) states. > > Or dies. > > The man - notorious for his shitty eating habits - is 76 years old. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/532 "2023-04-20T19:30:03Z")
Again, this thread is not about Trump. Stop with the Trump post unless it is directly to do with DeSantis. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/533 "2023-04-20T19:35:04Z")
My reply did relate to DeSantis, although I should have worded it better. I think there’s almost certainly rumbling that the last guy can’t possibly live forever. And so, for Ron, being the “runner up” Maga choice will work out in his favor when (and it is a when, not if) the Maga standard bearer shuffles off this mortal coil. As noted upthread, Ron isn’t that old. Even if he loses this primary, if it solidifies his Maga cred, then he may figure he’s just in a waiting game until the idol of the maga people finally croaks. And since that guy lives an unhealthy lifestyle, and is 76, Ron may be very well betting that his time is coming in this upcoming election. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/534 "2023-04-20T19:38:06Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > My reply did relate to DeSantis. I think there’s almost certainly rumbling that the last guy can’t possibly live forever. **Modnote** : Nearly a warning. But I will keep it a modnote. **Do not argue moderation in thread.** If you disagree with the moderation take it to PM or an ATMB thread. It is a difficult thread to keep on track and your post was likely to hijack it yet again to Trump. Have a nice day. * * * * * * ## After a quick discussion with the OP, this thread is allowing Trump & Biden talk in relation to DeSantis & the GOP nomination. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/535 "2023-04-20T23:06:56Z")
I really think that DeSantis’ biggest flaw has been that he’s been engaged in his office as governor solely to take actions that would burnish his “street cred”, as it were, amongst this perceived MAGA crowd of voters, instead of trying to effectively govern. It’s all been performance art: his mask opposition was just so he could make a claim of opposition to a national mandate. He’s picked fights with elected prosecutors, he’s banning books, he’s threatening to build a prison next to Disney, he’s threatening educators, expanded gun rights, outlawed abortions…I struggle to understand a rational basis for these actions if not for the pandering to that voting block. And, as a result, he’s doing his own state no favors. You’re really going to war with the most famous attraction? The source of all those tourist dollars? Really? You’re wasting breath on whether parents should let their kids see adults play dress up? Really? Your increasing gun access in the age of mass shooters? Yeah, that’s going to make you look real good when one of those tragedies happens in your state. I imagine that a Governor who has a successful run to become a President is going to want to lean in on his accomplishments in his state. You know, their track record. DeSantis’ track record is just a mess of fights and grievances. In a year, when we know who the true likely nominee is going to be, I’m guessing that DeSantis’ “accomplishments” are going to reflect a much more dystopian Florida. (I say this, with anger and frustration, as a reluctant Floridian) ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Borgia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/larry_borgia/32/156_2.png) [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2023, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/536 "2023-04-21T14:38:11Z")
I don’t understand DeSantis’ logic in running now. He’s 44, very young for a presidential candidate. He’s governor of Florida, which is a prestigious position. Why run for President now? All he’s doing is forcing the MAGAts to choose between him and Trump, and he’s gotta know they’re going to pick Trump. If he plays the part of enthusiastic Trump supporter he’s got a much better shot in 2028. Trump will be in his eighties, and either will have already served his two terms or be a two time loser. The MAGAts will be more likely to join him. So why is DeSantis running now? ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2023, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/537 "2023-04-21T14:46:26Z")
Laying down the marker for being the unisputed next-in-line? ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2023, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/538 "2023-04-21T14:49:25Z")
> [@Larry\_Borgia](#): > > Why run for President now? Because he’d have nothing to do after his second term ends. This is probably the height of his popularity, really it was 2020-2022, but if he delayed any longer he’d have a fraction of the support he does now. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2023, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/539 "2023-04-21T14:54:49Z")
A Wall St. Journal poll shows DeSantis falling behind. “[Donald Trump](https://www.wsj.com/topics/person/donald-trump) has gained command of the GOP presidential-nomination race over Ron DeSantis, a new Wall Street Journal poll finds, with the former president building support across most parts of the primary electorate as the Florida governor [has struggled on the national stage](https://www.wsj.com/articles/down-in-polls-and-taking-flak-from-donald-trump-ron-desantis-looks-to-rebound-9bf13a27?mod=article_inline).” “Mr. DeSantis’s [14-point advantage in December](https://www.wsj.com/articles/ron-desantis-holds-early-lead-over-donald-trump-among-gop-primary-voters-wsj-poll-shows-11670989311?mod=article_inline) has fallen to a 13-point deficit, and he now trails Mr. Trump 51% to 38% among likely Republican primary voters in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup.” ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2023, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249/540 "2023-04-21T14:56:30Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > “Mr. DeSantis’s [14-point advantage in December](https://www.wsj.com/articles/ron-desantis-holds-early-lead-over-donald-trump-among-gop-primary-voters-wsj-poll-shows-11670989311?mod=article_inline) has fallen to a 13-point deficit, and he now trails Mr. Trump 51% to 38% among likely Republican primary voters in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup.” It’s even worse for him because it won’t be a head to head matchup, its Trump vs anyone not Trump. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249.md?page=26) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desantis-cant-win-the-gop-nomination-or-the-general-election-in-2024-how-trump-plays-into-this-is-allowed/980249.md?page=28)