Real Clear Politics has reported that the 2024 GOP presidential prospect looks to be the strongest it has been in decades. The statement is notable since two of the strongest potential candidates — Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis — have yet to announce their candidacy. However, in Trumpesque fashion, the former president said, “I think I would win,” when recently asked about a potential matchup with the popular Florida governor.
Speculation about DeSantis throwing his hat into the ring swirled after the richest man in the world, Elon Musk, said he would endorse DeSantis in 2024.
Not known for being short on hubris, former President Donald Trump responded by telling The New Yorker he isn’t concerned about the Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis possibly running in 2024, saying:
“I don’t know if Ron is running, and I don’t ask him. It’s his prerogative. I think I would win.”
In early straw polls, Trump maintained a lead over DeSantis. A recent poll, however, conducted at the 2022 Western Conservative Summit, found DeSantis had 71% support while Trump had 68%.
The finding seemed to be confirmed by a second recent poll taken at the Wisconsin Republican Convention. That poll found DeSantis has a 6-point lead over Trump.
A series of PR victories over Disney and woke Biden administration policies by DeSantis is boding well in his favor.
Though Trump exudes confidence, the New Yorker alleges that a former (unnamed) Trump consultant claims the former President is “scheming” to “keep DeSantis down.”
The New Yorker reports: “Trump World is working overtime to find ways to burn DeSantis down. They really hate him.”
The report goes on to explain that “for years,” the governor has been told “you’re next.”
“Ron has been told for four years that he’s Trump’s successor — that all the women want to sleep with him, and all the men want to be him. Ron has heard way too many times, ‘you’re next.'”
DeSantis has been coy when asked whether or not he will run for president, recently dodging multiple direct questions during an interview on Fox.
“2022’s coming up … 2024. We know President Trump is considering a run. We know your name is atop that list as well,” Fox cohost Pete Hegseth asked. “Where does that all sit in your mind right now?”
DeSantis responded: “It just sits when people always bring up my name. We’ve got a lot going on.”
DeSantis maintains he is focused on winning his reelection campaign, helping the state of Florida and seeing the Republican Party take control of the House and Senate after the midterms.
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