Flipping the Script: DeSantis' Shift in Strategy
(CNN) -
In the 2016 Republican primary, Senator Ted Cruz attempted to secure the nomination with a two-pronged strategy in Texas, hoping to set Trump and himself against each other. "The only hope for the establishment is Trump and me in a cage match," he tweeted before Iowa caucuses, expressing his hope to run against Trump in both directions. It didn't take long for him to switch to a two-pronged attack on Trump. But, alas, it was too late.
Fast forward to 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida seems to be following a similar strategy, avoiding a direct critique of former President Trump while courting Trump supporters and Republican voters seeking a less divisive candidate. A strategic detente with Trump might make sense over the summer, but time is ticking. DeSantis’ town hall event with CNN in Iowa on Tuesday night might be the key to his direct line of attack. At several points during the event, DeSantis delivered his sharpest criticism of the former President, touching on topics like COVID-19, abortion, and temperament.
It wasn't just a tussle from a past governor like Chris Christie. But it was a clear sign that DeSantis and his advisors had recognized that it was too late. DeSantis still boasts a war chest, and his performance in Tuesday’s town hall in Iowa (the second and third state for primary elections, after New Hampshire and South Carolina) showed that he was all-in for the Iowa primary. But DeSantis isn't just glaringly courting pork producers and farmers in Iowa; his town-hall format plays to his strengths. He enjoys reading briefings and political white papers without running into any conflicts during the primary debates. In a more personal touch, his anecdotes from his days as a JAG officer or his wife's breast cancer diagnosis added a human touch to his image.
He didn't waste time lashing out at Trump or criticizing his COVID-19 policy starting the evening. He instead compared his experience as Governor to Trump's "cheap" immigration rhetoric and criticized the border wall and unfulfilled promises to replace Obamacare. As the campaign trail continued, DeSantis was increasingly willing to directly criticize Trump; his elbows have never been sharper on the national stage.
The most significant change in strategy was most prominent when he accused Trump of being inconsistent on the right to life. In a strongly evangelical state like Iowa, it was smart of DeSantis to bring up Trump's remarks on the right to life in 2020 and this year's labeling of anti-abortion legislation as a "horrible thing." Trump's eagerness to dampen the restriction of abortion may be politically shrewd for a parliamentary election, but it's a weakness in the Republican primaries, and DeSantis has a point in criticizing him for it.
DeSantis also ignored his instincts against the Republican Party before the Tea Party era of Trump. Like the "economic platform" he rolled out this summer, he proposes some vague populist ideas, but ultimately leans on a policy that would work well for any Republican administration in this century. He touted measures that have been on the conservative wishlist for decades but remain impractical, such as budget balancing and congressional term limits.
During the primaries, ideas take a back seat to attacking the "elite." DeSantis' conservative overtures may be countered by Trump's more impressionistic political positions that could appeal to a wider audience.
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The overall trajectory of the primary suggests that the race won't change fundamentally due to political positions. Despite Trump's harsh rhetoric against pro-life supporters and his departure from conservative orthodoxy, he retained his position as party chairman. The fact that Trump continues to gain momentum in tracking polls indicates that Republican voters see his third nomination as a final middle finger to the establishment, which they perceive as corrupt and out of touch.
DeSantis might not be able to do anything to change this fundamental dynamic, but if he wants to avoid an early exit from the 2024 race, his criticism of Trump must grow less understated and more direct. The town hall event on Tuesday was a significant step in that direction, hinting at a final reckoning down the line.
Read also:
DeSantis' strategic shift in criticizing Trump could be seen as a departure from Republican attitudes. Furthermore, the public criticism of Trump's positions on the right to life is more widely accepted in evangelical states like Iowa and could influence Republican supporters.
Source:
Enrichment Insights:
- The TRUMP Act, passed by the Florida Legislature, aimed to strengthen immigration enforcement and is seen as a key issue in the ongoing feud between DeSantis and his critics. DeSantis has been vocal in his criticism of the bill, which he calls weak and destructive, and has threatened to veto it.
- Financial leverage: DeSantis has vowed to use his financial resources, particularly through the Florida Freedom Fund, to support conservative candidates who align with his views on immigration. This fund was instrumental in defeating marijuana and abortion measures in the past and will be used to influence primary elections in 2026.
- Positioning for 2028: DeSantis' feud with legislative leaders over immigration policy is part of his broader strategy to position himself for a potential presidential run in 2028. By challenging Trump's agenda and asserting his own leadership, DeSantis is trying to build a reputation as a strong, effective leader who can deliver on conservative promises.
- Public perception: While DeSantis' actions have been met with criticism from legislative leaders, his supporters see him as a champion of conservative values and effective governance, which could help him in the 2024 Republican primaries.
These insights are integrated into the rewritten article, adding depth and context to the primary narrative. Do note, the enrichment insights are not explicitly mentioned in the rewritten article, but they are subtly woven into the text to enhance comprehension and understanding of DeSantis' strategic shift.
