In the spring of 2021, Ron DeSantis emerged as a potential powerhouse, touted as “Trump without the baggage” and the answer to the chaotic legacy of the former President. However, as the governor’s campaign unfolded, it became increasingly evident that his lackluster performance was not a mere stumble but an inevitable catastrophe.
From the outset, DeSantis faced skepticism about his charisma and campaign prowess. Former GOP strategist and Lincoln Project co-founder, Rick Wilson, declared him “the most overpriced stock in American politics,” attributing his success in Florida to a well-oiled Republican machine rather than any innate political acumen.
Despite efforts to position himself as a more polished alternative to Trump, DeSantis quickly found himself unable to live up to the expectations. His awkward demeanor, described by Wilson as “the opposite of political charisma,” became a significant liability. Rich Lowry, editor of the conservative National Review, acknowledges that DeSantis struggled to match the magnetic appeal of Trump, the “greatest showman on Earth.”
The governor’s campaign missteps, including overspending and overemphasizing cultural issues, were initially downplayed by some, but they eventually took a toll on his candidacy. While DeSantis attempted to broaden his message, he failed to connect with voters on a personal level. His robotic nature and reliance on talking points left him trailing behind his competitors.
As the campaign ventured into Iowa, once seen as a potential turning point, DeSantis faced a decline in support. Pollster Ann Selzer noted that his numbers were not moving in a positive direction, and the lack of campaign activity, marked by a scarcity of yard signs and volunteer engagement, became apparent.
DeSantis’s tour of Iowa’s 99 counties, known as the “full Grassley,” did little to salvage his dwindling prospects. Despite a large campaign staff, internal conflicts and high turnover within both the campaign and the Never Back Down Super PAC further contributed to the sense of disarray.
The governor’s confrontational approach with the press, mirroring Trump’s playbook, only intensified the negative perception of his candidacy. Critics, including Wilson, argue that DeSantis’s abrasive communication style, coupled with his wife’s background as a former television anchor, failed to translate into effective speech delivery.
The question now looms: will DeSantis persist in the face of mounting challenges? Wilson suggests that his arrogance may keep him in the race, despite the unfavorable trajectory. However, with Iowa proving to be a tough battleground and DeSantis far from a front-runner, the road ahead seems increasingly grim.
In the end, what began as a promising venture for Ron DeSantis has evolved into a cautionary tale of a campaign doomed from the start. Whether he can defy the odds and stage a late comeback remains uncertain, but the signs of disaster are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
