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.
I'd be curious to have you expound upon the bolded take.
He has a history of doing things because he can, but I think the suburbs have simply changed in a way that small towns and frontier areas have changed. That is, they have an increasing tendency to vote on personal and community aspirations rather than immediate personal interests. You can blame the culture wars or relative deprivation but that’s how it works.
I don't know that particularly answers the question I put forth. What I was really getting at, though: I know we're a politically astute/active bunch here, but I am kind of interested in knowing where some of the very strong opinions on DeSantis from out-of-staters comes from.
Personally, I don't see DeSantis' demeanor as anything close to Trump. In press conferences, etc. Trump would just be a rude jerk if he didn't like you or your line of questioning. DeSantis is more of a smarmy, smart-alec type. If he doesn't like where your line of questioning is going, he's going to give you a smart remark to let you know but then will typically at least address the topic you've brought up.
