If Trump somehow manages to lose the nomination, he will be a broken old man completely absorbed in his criminal law problems. But what about DeSantis? What happens to him if he loses?
From his perspective, nothing good. First of all, every Republican who directly takes on Trump ends up as a much diminished figure–just ask Marco Rubio or Ted Cruz. There is a reason why the class of 2016 took a pass this time. Second, DeSantis is a lame duck governor with nowhere to go in Florida politics. Third, his ignominious defeat will prove that fighting wokeness–his brand– is not a winning message. Finally, the Florida Legislature is already getting tired of him. After he loses, his clout will be gone.
What would he do in his waning years as governor? Would he actually try to accomplish something positive for the citizens of Florida, or will he double down on wokeness in an effort to prove that he was right all along?
I don’t know the answer to that one.