Locking up the nomination would require the unorthodox move of naming Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) as his vice-presidential nominee. This bold move would create a real coalition against Trump with the most attractive potential 2024 running mate for any GOP nominee.

DeSantis and Scott make it two against one and put Trump behind the eight-ball in early primary state South Carolina. Trump would have to go on the offensive against two very popular Republicans — and he’d have to make the case why an undisciplined, 76-year-old loser to Joe Biden is a better bet than two new, popular rising stars.

Why would Tim Scott decide to team up with DeSantis and not simply wait for the VP nomination to fall into his lap? Leverage and loyalty. Scott would have leverage over DeSantis to cut a decent deal for himself. As for Trump, loyalty is a one-way street — his way. Whatever promises Trump would make to Scott would be completely worthless. After seeing how Trump treated the uber-loyal Mike Pence, only the most desperate politician would consider being Trump’s running mate.

The key for a DeSantis-Scott ticket is a one-on-one battle with Trump. Just like “The Apprentice,” this new Trump show is getting old and worn. When faced with a simple choice and the risk of Trump fumbling away another election, Republican voters will likely tell Trump, “You’re Fired!”