Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis squandered his lead in the presidential race, while Trump secures the Republican nomination. The podcast explores DeSantis' campaign strategy, his declining popularity, and Trump's indictment. It also discusses the challenges faced by anti-Trump Republicans and the potential return of independent voters to support Biden.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis failed to gain support as Trump's base remained loyal to the former president.
Candidates who aligned themselves with Trump consistently underperformed compared to those without strong ties to him, highlighting the unique bond between Trump and his supporters.
Deep dives
DeSantis suspends presidential run
Ron DeSantis suspends his campaign for the presidency after failing to gain traction in the race. Despite entering the race with a significant war chest of over $200 million, DeSantis struggled to garner support, particularly among Trump's base. His attempts to position himself as a Trump alternative were ultimately unsuccessful, as Trump's voters remained loyal to the former president. DeSantis's lackluster campaign performance became apparent in Iowa, where he failed to gain momentum and ultimately came to the realization that continuing to campaign would result in repeated losses. While DeSantis has officially suspended his campaign for now, his relative youth suggests that he could return to national Republican politics in the future.
Trump's hold on Republican voters
The podcast highlights the strong connection between Donald Trump and his base of supporters. Candidates who aligned themselves with Trump's ideology and received his endorsement consistently underperformed in comparison to other Republican candidates who did not have such strong ties to Trump. Trump's ability to connect with individuals at his rallies and the sense of representation he provided were factors that could not be replicated by other candidates. The association with traditional Republican institutions and establishment figures, even those with financial support, failed to win over Trump's voters, further solidifying the unique bond between Trump and his supporters.
Nikki Haley's slim chances
The podcast discusses Nikki Haley as a potential Trump alternative and her current prospects in the Republican primary. Despite gaining attention and support from some influential figures, Haley consistently trails far behind Donald Trump in polls. Even in New Hampshire, where she has concentrated significant effort, her chances of victory remain slim. The lack of viable paths to success, including in her home state of South Carolina, suggests that anti-Trump Republicans face an uphill battle. The episode concludes that these Republicans may need to align with Joe Biden's coalition in order to counter Trump's dominance in the party.
Once, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was Trump’s biggest rival. Now, his campaign is over – and Trump seems to be sailing to the Republican presidential nomination. How did DeSantis squander his lead? And if Trump’s nomination is preordained – what does that mean for the general election?
Guest: Ben Mathis-Lilley, Slate senior writer
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