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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums"There's going to be a blowup" - Trump and DeSantis on a collision course
In public its all smiles, but behind the scenes, Republicans are already preparing themselves for a showdown between former president Donald Trump and Florida governor Ron DeSantis. Florida is the gravitational center of Donald Trumps MAGA-ified Republican Party, so its not surprising that the Sunshine States pugnacious Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, wants to be Trumps rightful heir. Since his 2018 election, DeSantis has thrilled the GOP base by governing like a mini Trump. He defied public health guidelines during the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic last year and kept Florida virtually free of a statewide lockdown. In May he perpetuated Trumps 2020 election lie and signed a restrictive voting rights bill live on Fox News. And last month he dispatched Florida law enforcement agents to Texas to secure [the] southern border. According to one recent conservative poll, DeSantis beat Trump with a 74% approval rating (Trump scored 71%).
But in the wake of the Surfside condo collapse, DeSantiss claim to the MAGA mantle is facing its biggest test, with DeSantis putting management of the tragedy ahead of Trumps need for blind loyalty. On June 30, the conservative Washington Examiner reported that DeSantiss team was furious that Trump intended to hold a MAGA rally in Florida while the search for survivors continued (DeSantis didnt attend the rally). On July 1, DeSantis appeared alongside President Joe Biden and praised him for the federal governments response to the tragedy. (The moment recalled the greeting between New Jersey governor Chris Christie and Barack Obama after Hurricane Sandy.)
In recent days I spoke with a half dozen GOP insiders about the recent flare-ups between DeSantiss and Trumps camps. The sources agreed that DeSantis and Trump are on an inevitable collision course as the 2024 GOP field takes shape. Theres going to be a blowup, a prominent Republican said. Trump fucking hates DeSantis. He just resents his popularity, a Trump confidant told me. Asked for comment, Trump spokesperson Liz Harrington said: Governor DeSantis has shown great respect.
Part of Trumps irritation with DeSantis is that Trump famously claims credit for anyone in his orbit who gains attention. Trump tells people, I made Ron, the prominent Republican said. Trump says that about a lot of people. But in this case its actually true. According to sources, then congressman DeSantis cultivated Trumps support during the 2018 gubernatorial primary by hanging out at Trumps Washington, D.C., hotel. Ron basically ran his primary campaign out of the hotel. He buttonholed Trump supporters and his friends, the prominent Republican said.
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2021/07/trump-and-desantis-are-on-a-collision-course
Sympthsical
(9,037 posts)He's a man who worries me. The Right adores him, which irks the hell out of Trump. In his world, there is only room for the king.
But, for 2024, it could easily be DeSantis. Of course Trump will hate it. Even hard core Trumpists I read really like DeSantis. Trump's not going to get as much traction as he thinks attacking the guy.
And if Trump seems totally nonviable for 2024, I think DeSantis is going to be the hard Right's guy.
And that one is in no way an idiot.
uponit7771
(90,301 posts)Sympthsical
(9,037 posts)Wounded Bear
(58,598 posts)unlike trump, he knows how to work the levers of government and would be more problematic in furthering the fascist agenda.
Sympthsical
(9,037 posts)bbernardini
(9,937 posts)Asked for comment, Trump spokesperson Liz Harrington said: Governor DeSantis has shown great respect.
zuul
(14,624 posts)DeSantis knows that TFG is an utter moron who stumbled into the political spotlight because of Pooty-Poot.
Turbineguy
(37,291 posts)tavernier
(12,368 posts)Clean up on aisle one. Hazmat suits required.
BlueStater
(7,596 posts)Florida is #1 in COVID cases. Hes an utter failure as governor. Who the hell can look at his horrid record and think hes presidential material?
Chainfire
(17,467 posts)I would love to see a duel to the death with those two.
lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)I hope they both lose. Losers.