Economist Podcasts

The Intelligence: Ron down, two left

5 snips
Jan 22, 2024
John Priddo, U.S. editor for the Economist and host of the Checks and Balance podcast, shares insights on Ron DeSantis's rise and fall in the presidential race, emphasizing his surprising endorsement of Trump. The discussion also highlights the political significance of the newly inaugurated Shri Ram Temple in India and its impact on Modi's agenda. Additionally, they dive into the controversial rise of Instapoetry, exploring its appeal and questioning the authenticity behind popular social media poetry.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

DeSantis' Campaign Trajectory

  • Ron DeSantis' campaign launch with Elon Musk was glitchy and embarrassing, resembling "dad dancing".
  • His campaign ended with an endorsement of Donald Trump, who had been his biggest tormentor.
INSIGHT

DeSantis' Campaign Strategy and Downfall

  • DeSantis focused heavily on Iowa, hoping to gain momentum, but came in second to Trump.
  • Facing poor polling numbers in subsequent states, he withdrew, recognizing his campaign was effectively over.
INSIGHT

DeSantis' Appeal and Failure

  • DeSantis was initially seen as a younger, more respectable alternative to Trump, with a strong resume.
  • Despite these advantages, his campaign faltered because Republican voters seem to prefer Trump's "drama."
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app