As you would expect, my advice to DeSantis is largely the inverse of what I suggested for Trump. However, there are a few items that are unique to him. Here is the list:
- SIGN A NON-AGGRESSION PACT WITH THE OTHER CANDIDATES: You can avoid a repeat of 2016 by getting the other non-Trump candidates to agree to drop out and support you once it becomes obvious that their cause is hopeless. That’s how Biden won in 2020. Of course, you may be dealing with Ted Cruz, so your task will be more difficult than Biden’s.
- I’LL TAKE THE HIGH ROAD, WHILE YOU TAKE THE LOW ROAD: Don’t criticize Trump in public. Let your surrogates call him a corrupt narcissist, a dictator, and a loser.
- PATRONIZE TRUMP DURING THE DEBATES: Cruz had some success with that in 2016. Tell the world that Trump had some great ideas in his day, but that he’s just too old, and that the torch should be passed to a new generation of reactionaries.
- PUT THE FAMILY FORWARD: You suffer from a severe charisma deficit. Your wife and kids can help with that.
- MIND THE GAP: Find the policy sweet spots that bridge the gap between the primary and general election voter pools.
- GO FOX HUNTING: If the Murdochs openly support you, you probably can’t lose. Do whatever you must to keep them on your side.
- CHANNEL YOUR INNER MARK MCGWIRE: When Trump demands to know whether you think the 2020 election was rigged, respond by saying that you’re only here to talk about what you can do for the American people in the future; the past is dead and gone. Stick to that line no matter how hard you are pushed.