The DeSantis ship started springing leaks even before it was launched. Icebergs are looming if it doesn’t change course. Here’s what he needs to do to get back on course:
- KNOW YOUR VOTERS: You’ve secured your right flank by pushing an avalanche of culture war regulations through the Florida Legislature. That will help you keep the extreme right on side during a general election campaign, but it won’t win over Trump voters; their support for their man is unconditional. Focus on the 70 percent, not the 30 percent, which means moving back to the center on issues that divide the GOP.
- TOUGHEN YOUR LANGUAGE ON RUSSIA: Trump has the pro-Putin vote in his pocket. You need to be pro-Ukraine and pro-NATO if you want the support of the donor class.
- BURY THE HATCHET WITH DISNEY: You can’t win without support from business, and business hates your war with Disney. It makes you look like a dictator. Make a deal and move on.
- PROPOSE AN ECONOMIC PLAN THAT MAKES SENSE: Trump has no clue how to deal with inflation. Maybe you do. It would help.
- TAKE A CLEAR POSITION OPPOSING TRUMP ON 1/6 AND THE “RIGGED ELECTION”: Yes, you will offend some of the Trump voters you will need in the general election, but they have nowhere else to go. If you agree with Trump on 1/6 and the election, you are throwing away your best argument against his candidacy–that he is a proven loser.
- STOP SUPPORTING CONSPIRACY THEORISTS: Moderates aren’t going to like your attacks on vaccines and your complaints about George Soros. They make you look deranged. Shut up and move on.
To summarize, you need to agree with Trump on wokeness, but point out that you took effective action on those issues, as opposed to just talking about them. On most other issues, move to the center, talk about how great Ronald Reagan was, and don’t be afraid to mix it up with the man on golf cart. No one will respect you if you refuse to engage with him.