The governor of Florida wanted to be seen as “Trump without the chaos” – but is more “Trump without the charisma”.
Ron DeSantis, Florida’s governor, entered the 2024 presidential race hoping to be the “Trump without the chaos.” However, his campaign is already struggling, and many analysts believe it’s doomed from the start. DeSantis’s attempt to separate himself from Donald Trump while echoing some of his most popular policies has been unsuccessful. Instead of being seen as a more refined version of Trump, he comes across as a version of the former president without the charisma and public appeal that propelled Trump to success.
Recent polling shows DeSantis trailing significantly behind Trump and even Nikki Haley, with only 16% support in Iowa—far behind Trump’s commanding 48% and Haley’s 20%. His failure to break through in such a critical state suggests that his campaign may be faltering as it struggles to gain traction among the Republican base. DeSantis’s decision to present himself as a Trump-like figure, but without the baggage, seems to have left him in an awkward position: not distinct enough to win over voters looking for a change, but not aligned enough with Trump’s base to secure a solid following.
This was evident from DeSantis’s earlier campaign attempts, such as his high-profile international tours to bolster his foreign policy credentials. He visited key US allies like Japan, Israel, and the UK, hoping to prove that he could handle international affairs. However, these efforts have not translated into significant political gains back home, and his campaign has failed to generate the momentum necessary to challenge Trump’s dominance in the Republican race.
DeSantis’s downfall can also be attributed to his struggle to connect with voters. While his policy platform aligns with conservative principles, his delivery often lacks the energy and flair that Trump effortlessly displays. DeSantis has tried to position himself as a no-nonsense governor, but without the necessary personal connection to the public, his campaign lacks the spark that could elevate him to the national stage.
His inability to match Trump’s magnetic appeal has led to a sense of inevitability in the GOP primary. Many Republican voters seem to prefer the original in Trump, who provides a combination of bravado and entertainment, over DeSantis, who struggles to differentiate himself beyond policy. This has made DeSantis’s candidacy appear more like a lost cause, with his chances of overtaking Trump growing slimmer by the day.
With the Iowa caucuses fast approaching, it is becoming increasingly clear that DeSantis is unlikely to gain the support he needs to remain a serious contender in the Republican race. If his campaign continues on its current trajectory, he may soon have to reckon with the fact that his bid for the White House has already fizzled out.
DeSantis’s political future remains uncertain. Even if he fails to win the nomination, he could continue to wield influence within the GOP. However, for now, his campaign’s trajectory is bleak, and it seems unlikely he will be able to mount a serious challenge to Donald Trump’s grip on the Republican nomination.
