This year’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) marked the return of Donald Trump to the public spotlight. The ex-President’s presence at the event dominated the conversation, and his speech once again cemented his influence over the Republican Party. But he was not the only major figure at the event – Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis, was also present, and many saw the conference as an opportunity to gauge his potential as a future contender for the presidency. In this article, I will explore the battle plan that Trump Republicans unveiled for DeSantis at CPAC, and assess whether it will be successful in propelling him to the White House.
Firstly, it is worth noting that DeSantis is a rising star in the Republican Party. He is well-liked by party members, has been praised for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida, and is seen by many as a potential successor to Trump. This was reflected in his reception at CPAC, where he received a standing ovation and was declared the “most popular” potential presidential candidate in a straw poll at the event.
However, DeSantis faces some significant challenges if he is to ascend to the presidency. Firstly, he must navigate the legacy of his predecessor. It is clear that Trump still holds immense sway over the Republican Party, and any candidate who hopes to succeed him must align themselves with his brand of conservatism. DeSantis has done this successfully so far, positioning himself as a staunch supporter of Trump and his policies. At CPAC, he declared that “Florida got it right and the lockdown states got it wrong”, echoing Trump’s anti-lockdown rhetoric.
But DeSantis must also differentiate himself from Trump in some key areas if he is to appeal to a wider electorate. Trump’s style of politics was often divisive and confrontational, and many Americans found it off-putting. DeSantis’s challenge is to maintain Trump’s appeal to the Republican base while also presenting a more inclusive and unifying vision for the country. At CPAC, he spoke about the importance of individual liberty and conservative values, but also emphasized the need for “common sense and compromise”.
So, what is the battle plan that Trump Republicans have unveiled for DeSantis? Essentially, it centers around building on his successes in Florida and portraying him as a strong, effective leader who represents a return to conservative values. At CPAC, there was much talk about DeSantis’s record on issues like the economy, education, and healthcare, with speakers praising his conservative approach to these areas.
One major focus of the battle plan is to cast DeSantis as a defender of American freedoms. This was a key theme at CPAC, with speakers repeatedly highlighting the threat posed by “cancel culture” and arguing that conservatives must stand up for free speech and traditional American values. DeSantis has been vocal in his opposition to “woke” culture and critical race theory, and many in the Republican Party see this as a winning issue.
Another key element of the battle plan is to attack President Biden and the Democrats on issues like immigration, taxes, and gun control. DeSantis has been a vocal critic of Biden’s immigration policies, and has also been praised for his record on gun rights. At CPAC, there was much talk of the need to take back the House and Senate in the midterms, and DeSantis is seen as a potential figurehead for this effort.
So, will this battle plan work? It is difficult to say for sure, but there are several factors that will likely influence DeSantis’s chances. Firstly, he will need to maintain his support among the Republican base. Trump’s influence is still strong, and any candidate who hopes to succeed him must be seen as a loyal ally. DeSantis has so far been successful in this regard, but he will need to continue to position himself as a staunch conservative in order to maintain his popularity.
Secondly, DeSantis will need to broaden his appeal beyond the Republican Party. This means reaching out to independents and moderate voters, and presenting a more inclusive vision for the country. He has made some attempts to do this, but it remains to be seen whether he can shed his image as a Trump acolyte and present himself as a viable alternative to Biden.
Finally, DeSantis will need to navigate the realities of a post-Trump political landscape. The former President continues to loom large over the Republican Party, but it is unclear whether his particular style of politics will be enough to win national elections. DeSantis will need to chart his own path forward, while also maintaining his ties to the Trump wing of the party.
In conclusion, the battle plan that Trump Republicans have unveiled for Ron DeSantis is centered around building on his successes in Florida and presenting him as a strong, effective leader who represents a return to conservative values. This plan will likely be successful in maintaining his support among the Republican base, but DeSantis will also need to broaden his appeal beyond the party faithful in order to win national elections. Additionally, he must navigate the legacy of Trump and chart his own path forward in a rapidly evolving political landscape.