Unpopular take; Trump is still a stronger R nominee than DeSantis

[President Johnson]

Valid points.

As to the general question on electability, I think the big question mark with regard to DeSantis is whether he can appeal to enough voters in the Rust Belt trio. Flipping at least one of them - better two - is very much essential for a path to 270. The results of 2022 show that it's more difficult for other Republicans to win here. Ironically, I tend to believe DeSantis would be better suited in a popular vote election, while the current Electoral College is better for Trump to advance.

Of course, this post may age like milk, it's just that I feel this way at this moment in time.

[President Johnson]

Former President Donald Trump Favorables/Unfavorables in Battleground States (Courtesy: 2022 Exit Polls)

OHIO = Trump 44 / 53

NORTH CAROLINA = 43 / 53

Just two States as an example that Trump can't win.

Trump won the 2016 election with something like 36% favorabilities. He's certainly going to win Ohio again in 2024 and would be highly competitive in North Carolina as well. Favorabilities don't mean all too much.