Stirewaltisms: Can DeSantis Go the Distance?

Media speculation about his candidacy heats up.

By
26
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference on January 18, 2023. (Photo by Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images)

Formal announcements of presidential candidacies are not that big of a deal for candidates already assumed to be running. But the timing can count. 

Consider the enormous amount of conjecture and speculation around the announcement of former President Donald Trump’s bid. Trump, who was eager to clear the field,  opted to wait until after the midterms were over so he could cash in on what he expected to be goodwill surrounding the success of candidates he had backed, and the Republican Party in general. He picked his moment, but when the expected results did not materialize, the event instead highlighted Trump’s errors in candidate selection and the consequences of the infighting he does so much to promote. 

The unblinking eye now turns to Ron DeSantis. Florida’s Republican governor and Trump’s top rival for the party’s 2024 presidential nomination has laid out a rough timetable for his own announcement. DeSantis has broadly hinted that he expects to be getting into the race in late spring or early summer after a book tour. This is a pretty conventional approach, in which book promotion affords a candidate an opportunity to campaign—and raise money—while still not having to meet all the obligations of an official run for office.

What will become of DeSantis now that he is in the twilight space between expectation and full engagement this week? We got a pretty good taste as media fascination, already high, took on even more intense tones. Keen observers and big brains have started to explore the question of practical DeSantis-ism and how he will really run.

Start a Free Trial
Get unlimited access to our 10 daily and weekly newsletters, Dispatch Live broadcasts, article comments and community events. Get Started ALREADY A PAID SUBSCRIBER? SIGN IN
26
By
Comments (26)
Join The Dispatch to participate in the comments.
 
  1. Jonathan

    Regarding the Canadian "super pigs": Sounds like they are taking "Canadian bacon" to a whole new level. I'm guessing they look something like the ROUS from "The Princess Bride"? [Edit: Wow, the super pig photos are something else!]

    Collapse
  2. Fidlerrich

    My wife and I both got robocalls from "Ron DeSantis" last night around suppertime. Hmmmm.

    Collapse
  3. MLE

    I hope that DeSantis supports realize that DeSantis' fights against "woke culture" usually end up overturned in court or severely downgraded from his original plans. Also that he is an opponent of free speech and proponent of big government (he loves for the state to tell local governments and private businesses how they should be run). I don't want Trump, but I think DeSantis is a different kind of awful.

    Collapse
  4. Avatar photo
    Ajax81613

    I think people who are turning 40 today are comparing themselves to their impressions of their parents at age 40. People get married later, have kids later, live longer with better medicine, etc., so one could very well feel at age 40 the way one's parents did at age 35, or whatever. I don't think it's surprising. In the 80s, 40 was "over the hill and picking up speed" as the tee shirt said. But you don't hear people talking about 40 being much of a big deal these days, and "over the hill" has fallen out of use. In fact, it's "the big 5-0" not 40 that is celebrated.

    Collapse
  5. Crs24

    Regarding DeSantis, can someone tell me differently? It seems ALL he does is gripe about wokeness, blame EVERYTHING on democrats, and generally complain about politics not aligned with his, being wrong.

    Collapse
  6. Brett

    I don't think Ukraine will have any impact on the primary. There is just no intensity from the anti-Ukraine side. We just want some sense that decisions are being based on the national interest rather than Biden Inc. I'd rather there be less aid than more but I am not going to base my vote on who would give the least. Just some "no blank check" rhetoric is fine with me. DeSantis' position on it was fine. So is Haley's.

    Collapse
  7. Marla Hughes

    I've sometimes found myself disagreeing with your conclusions but this one was refreshing and interesting.

    Collapse
  8. Payette

    Lifetime membership to the Dispatch?? Where can I learn more?

    Collapse
    1. Avatar photo
      Bill Dyer (aka Beldar)

      It was $1500 in 2020 — https://thedispatch.com/article/welcome-to-the-dispatch-upgraded/ — but I don't know if they're still promoting life memberships anymore. I think they should, although I'm not suggesting that I get a blue check mark or a special badge for being a life member. I will say, though, that it's an investment I was happy to make then, on which I believe I have gotten an excellent return since.

      Collapse
      1. Avatar photo
        Anne W (Raw5254)

        I think there should be some kind of acknowledgement or perk. That’s a lot of money, and while I think it is/was a worthwhile investment, I’m sure it has meant a lot to them in getting TD up and running. I’m certainly grateful to you and others who decided to become lifetime members.

        Collapse
      2. Payette

        Thank you. I'll check into it.

        Collapse
  9. Avatar photo
    Bill Dyer (aka Beldar)

    Re this: "I think we may need to convene the first Crokano Invitational at The Greenbrier at some point."

    I support this proposal, and would strongly consider traveling from Houston for it. The Greenbrier is on my bucket list. I've been fascinated with the place since seeing a "60 Minutes" segment on the Secret Bunker to House Our Government connected by special train from Washington. And an only-slightly fictionalized version of it, "The Whitespring," is a central location in an online game I play that's set in post-Apocalyptic West Virginia, Fallout 76. Alas, I don't play golf, but I'm perfectly willing to skip to the proverbial 19th hole.

    PS: If you google "helicopter pig hunting expeditions Texas" you'll get exactly what you expect to see upon hearing that phrase. Haven't tried it yet. but thinking of adding it to my bucket list.

    Collapse
  10. Avatar photo
    Donbishop

    Having worked the Greenbrier Classic , except 1 year with my dad, I would Love to play,caddie,or score. Sign me up!

    Collapse
Load More