I think Newsom’s real weakness to be exploited is not these state-to-state comparisons, but in cornering Newsom into defending Joe Biden. This puts Newsom in an awkward position, since Newsom would like Biden to step aside so he can run. Hence DeSantis should alternate between attacks on Newsom’s California and attacks on Biden’s America. DeSantis can get under Newsom’s thin skin by saying, “Hey—I’m running for president against Donald Trump and Joe Biden. How come you aren’t running for president?” Making Newsom repeatedly defend Joe Biden will undermine his reason for wanting to run, and if he begs off from defending Biden, many Democrats will be furious. Game and match to DeSantis.

[I know some people are still thinking that this debate is too much of a risk for DeSantis, but I’m more upbeat about it. If he can’t match up against Newsom, especially with Hannity moderating, better to know that now anyway. But DeSantis is an experienced hand and has a far better track record in Florida than Newsom does in California, as Steven demonstrates in his post. DeSantis needs to do something to break out of the RNC straitjacket, and this is at least an opportunity. Steven also offers better advice than DeSantis’ PAC did earlier in the cycle, too. — Ed]