It’s fair to assume that a number of prominent Republicans who want to take the GOP in a different direction plan to run in 2024. These include Larry Hogan (making the GOP decent and respectable again) and Rick Scott (cut federal spending, regardless of the public costs). But what about the Trump wannabes? Who could run, and how would they distinguish themselves from the competition?
Here is a list, with their respective “qualifications:”
- DON JR.: Obviously, not as long as Dad is in the picture. If you’re looking for Trumpy genes and the ability to own the libs, he’s your guy. Otherwise, there is no reason to vote for him. He has no experience running anything in government, and he can’t even argue that he built a successful business from nothing.
- RON DESANTIS: As the governor of a large state, he has some real qualifications for higher office. He isn’t as bad as Rick Scott. That said, he botched the pandemic, and he barely got elected in the first place. He also doesn’t own the libs with the panache of his role model.
- MIKE POMPEO: He’s certainly Trumpy enough, but he doesn’t bring anything special to the table other than the ability to abuse journalists who ask him hard questions. Trump’s loss in 2020 does him a lot of damage.
- MIKE PENCE: Known only for his ability to lick Trump’s boots. His sanctimonious demeanor won’t wear well with an electorate that wants to kick liberal butt.
- JOSH HAWLEY: Well-qualified and has a shtick: national conservatism. Think of a less corrupt Trump with better connections in the religious community and an idea that could wear well in the future. He apparently claims he’s not running, but I don’t believe him.
- TOM COTTON: Trump with an authoritarian twist. Trump talked about shooting protesters; Cotton would do it. Unlike Hawley, he would suck up to rich people, and they would love him.
If Trump doesn’t run, my money’s on Cotton, who would position himself as a supporter of the Orban Option. At that point, stuff really starts hitting the fan.