Even at a moment when many Republicans say Trump has secured his grip on the GOP and would begin as a heavy favorite for the nomination if he runs, the uncertainty surrounding his legal and political challenges, combined with the full slate of ambitious Republicans, has effectively set off a preliminary campaign for 2024.
“It’s surprisingly business-as-usual,” said Republican strategist Bob Heckman, a veteran of presidential campaigns, noting that Republicans are not “timid” or “frozen” in the face of Trump’s repeated suggestions he might seek a second White House term. There’s good reason to make allies now, Heckman said — they may decide against running down the road, but “if you haven’t done the prep work, you can’t recapture that.”…
GOP pollster Whit Ayres said he groups Republican voters into three categories: about 10 percent who are appalled by Trump, about 40 percent who would “walk through a wall of flame for him” and another 50 percent who are supportive of Trump — and defensive when he’s attacked — but open to other candidates.
This dynamic has put a spotlight on one potential candidate who some in the party say see as a potential future leader of the movement Trump has built: DeSantis. Strategists and donors said DeSantis is in high demand on the campaign trail this year. The governor gained national prominence while denouncing coronavirus restrictions and vaccine mandates and embracing fights over social issues that animate the Republican base, such as the way schools teach children about gender and sexual orientation.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member