the next GOP candidate after Trump

[Beefalow and the Consumer]

Missing option: Ted Cruz-ish TEA Party / Freedumb Caucus candidate.

I think a lot depends on how the 2022 midterms go.

Scenario 1: Republicans get pounded, with outspoken Trumpers and Qanon people going down everywhere, either through primary challenges or the general election.

Scenario 2: Republicans double down on MAGA with lukewarm results.

Scenario 3: MAGA red tsunami.

Another unknown is if the MAGA movement can survive without the charisma of its cult leader. Does MAGA just kind of fade back into the TEA Party / Freedom faction? Is there really a difference? Which would Tom Cotton count as?

[Beefalow and the Consumer]

Also important to note is that while Trump himself might not run, especially considering his age, he might start a news network like he planned in the event of a 2016 loss. A candidate from the populist wing with his blessing would effectively be a Trump surrogate as a Vice President Harris run would be for Biden. Basically, a rematch without actually being a rematch.

The important thing for the MAGA movement is to keep the momentum going. Trump needs to be front and center, and to keep rallies packed and MC for the appointed successor. The "elitists stole the election from us and we need to get our country back" message will resonate with a lot of these people.

Of course, the MAGA base could just get fatigued or stop believing in Trump because he lost, and they like Presidents who don't lose.

[Beefalow and the Consumer]

I am hoping for Mitt Romney or John Huntsman.

A presidential election between an 81 year old incumbent (Biden) and a 77 year old challenger (Romney) is a wonderful thing to contemplate.