Is DeSantis a stronger candidate then Trump was in 16 or 20

[MARGINS6729]

Yes, most certainly much stronger IMO. He is generally more likable than Trump. He can turn out the rurals but he knows how to behave in front of the mainstream media, and he's signed on to a few bipartisan bills and done a few of those meetings to get a moderate image.

You go outside of your hyperpaetisan circle and you find that most Floridians, even Democrats, don't think he's that bad, and seeing the COVID numbers and the economic performance, even I can't help but agree on some level.

The other difference though is that Biden 2024 is also likelier to be stronger than Biden 2020 or Clinton 2016 due to a healthier economy, also being more likable, and incumbency, so DeSantis being stronger doesn't mean he's gonna necessarily win (in fact I think he's likely to lose).

DeSantis is notoriously bad at working with the media in Florida and he also signed SB90 with only Fox News allowed at the event. He might be better at playing the typical politician more than Trump but his relationship with the press is far from strong.

[MARGINS6729]

I'm not sure why people think the same college+ whites in the suburbs who were turned off by Trump wouldn't be completely turned off by DeSantis as well?

Because DeSantis is smarter, saner and has a much cleaner personal life?

How many people did Trump actually turn off that way?

Exactly. DeSantis is toxic to the suburbs/college+ whites in the same way Trump was - how they act. DeSantis is a buffoon, and also just a jerk. Trump's messy personal life was just one more thing on top of everything else, but it wasn't really the catalyst for why he was so toxic in the suburbs and to college+ whites.

He's a jerk because he called out the media for a blatant character assassination attempt?

Frankly, I believe the media are the most destructive force in our country today. Anyone who stands up to them gets points from me.

DeSantis is literally a 'own the libs' meme come to life. He doesn't do anything to better the lives of his constituents, it's all culture war stuff and him being a smart alec to reporters, the media, Democrats, his opposition, etc.

He doesn't even try and be diplomatic or fair.

His last major events were dealing with Critical Race Theory and Transgender athletes. Pretty clear he's being purposeful on what he's choosing to focus on - and none of it is tangibly important to people's actual lives. Just more Fox News fodder.

In addition to my previous question, I would also like to see your justification for the above bolded statement as well.

Has he ever done anything that is bipartisan? Has ever tried to work with the Democrats in Florida? I literally just pointed out that the last two bills he signed were essentially just Fox News culture war BS.

He is pretty liberal on education and environmental issues and is definitely more moderate than Rick Scott .


Also he did a great job on CRT  

Critical Race Theory wasn't and isn't taught in Florida schools- DeSantis did a great job on something that doesn't exist. He also has been getting more and more right wing so I don't expect his "moderate" aesthetic to be as strong as it is much longer. But he is likely to win reelection at this point. I don't know how he would handle a presidential race.