“Ron Is a Loser in More Ways Than One” – Voters React as DeSantis Plummets in the Polls

Gabriel RomanNov 3, 2023

Minute Read

The political tides are ever-changing. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, once a prominent Republican figure, seems to be losing some quite significant ground to former President Donald Trump. But what does this mean for the upcoming 2024 elections, and how are the public reacting to these shifts?

The DeSantis Rise and Fall

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DeSantis was once considered a significant threat to Donald Trump’s hold over the Republican party. But recent polls have shown a drop in his popularity. It appears the golden days of DeSantis boasting high numbers, such as the 34.9% in January compared to Trump’s 43.7%, are behind him.

Tough Months for DeSantis

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The support that once seemed to solidify his place as a Republican favorite has slipped away, causing his popularity to plummet. This decline in support could be attributed to a combination of factors, including the rising appeal of other candidates and perhaps some strategic missteps by his campaign team. The challenge for DeSantis now is to regain the momentum.

Emerson College Polling Center Findings

The Emerson College Polling Center’s latest survey paints a sobering picture for DeSantis. With just an 8% slice of the support pie, the Florida Governor’s political clout seems to be waning. This substantial fall from grace raises questions about his policies and campaign strategy. The numbers signal a need for DeSantis to reassess and possibly recalibrate his approach.

DeSantis vs. Nikki Hailey

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Regarding DeSantis’ polling plight, Nikki Hailey’s slight upturn throws the former’s decline into starker relief. As reported by Newsweek, both Republican figures are now jockeying in a similar bracket, which is a far cry from the dominant numbers DeSantis used to enjoy. This shift could indicate a reshuffling of voter allegiance within the party.

Trump’s Consistent Lead

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While DeSantis faces a rocky road, Donald Trump’s lead remains clear. The loyalty he commands within the Republican voter base is the same, as evident from the 59% preference share reported by the Emerson College Polling Center. This enduring support highlights Trump’s effective connection with his supporters and underscores the challenge any contender faces in attempting to beat him.

Republican Candidates Trail Behind

Trump is leading by a large margin, with other Republican hopefuls lagging with less than 4% backing. This leaves a noteworthy portion of the Republican electorate — 10% to be exact — uncertain about their choice. The divide suggests there’s still room for movement and surprises as the primary season heats up, emphasizing the importance of every candidate’s next moves.

Missteps in DeSantis’ Campaign

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Each decision in a campaign can be pivotal. For DeSantis, a series of early decisions that didn’t resonate with voters potentially derailed his momentum. As suggested by Reuters, the Governor’s tentative approach to announcing his candidacy may have been perceived as a lack of conviction or readiness to step onto the national stage.

Political Operatives and Donors Speak Out

Political insiders often have a pulse on the effectiveness of campaign strategies. The concerns expressed by political operatives and donors, as reported by Reuters, highlight a sense of misalignment between DeSantis’ legislative commitments and his political ambitions. He may have accidentally given his rivals the opening to build national profiles unchallenged.

The Media Dance

Ron DeSantis’ response to media probing and Trump’s direct challenges has been marked by avoidance rather than engagement. This silent strategy may have weakened his visibility and undermined his position as a decisive leader ready to address pressing issues head-on. It raises the question of whether a more proactive media strategy might have improved his campaign.

Legislative Session Effects

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Political leadership involves making tough decisions, and some of DeSantis’ choices during the Florida state legislative session may have had unintended political consequences. Measures like the restrictive abortion law may not have sat well with the wider electorate, including some of the crucial donors. This may have affected his appeal and financial backing.

Playing Catch-Up

The political race often favors those who start strong, and Trump’s early campaign entry gave him a significant lead. DeSantis’ delayed start meant he was always playing catch-up. This is a position from which recovery is difficult, especially when facing an opponent with the commanding presence of Trump.

Thomas Gift’s Take

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Thomas Gift’s perspective that the Republican Party remains Trump’s domain speaks to the magnetic pull of a charismatic leader. He suggested no ‘tribute band’ could replace the ‘main act.’ This captures the essence of the challenges facing DeSantis or any other Republican hopeful looking to occupy the space that Trump currently holds.

Trump as the Stronger Candidate

The Emerson College Polling Center’s findings indicating Trump’s lead over Biden, albeit slight, suggest that within the current political climate, Trump might represent the Republicans’ strongest chance to reclaim the presidency. However, the slim margin and the undecided voters reflect a nation that remains deeply divided and undecided about its future direction.

2024 Election Forecast

With a statistical tie between Trump and Biden and a significant 8% of undecided voters, the forecast for the 2024 presidential election suggests an intensely competitive race. The polarization of the electorate, coupled with the potential for late surprises, shows the fluid nature of the American political landscape. At the end of the day, it’s anyone’s victory.

Voters Challenge DeSantis on Surging Insurance Costs

“Governor DeSantis needs to fix the high cost of Insurance in Florida,” one critic claims, highlighting a domestic issue overshadowing DeSantis’ national ambitions. Over the past 4-5 years, homeowners and auto insurance rates have escalated sharply. “They have skyrocketed to double and tripled, and he has done nothing to fix the problem,” the critic added.

Questioning DeSantis’ Leadership Credibility

Critiques of DeSantis have not been limited to policy, with some critics commenting on his behavior. “He has a funny HEAD BOBBLE-WOBBLE, which makes it hard to take him seriously.” Meanwhile, another user said, “Once the public saw who he really was, the charisma disappeared,” and “Ron is a LOSER in more ways than one.”

DeSantis’ Actions During Crises

While debate rages on DeSantis’ suitability for the presidency, some supporters commend him for specific actions, such as his handling of emergencies. “DeSantis got Floridians flown out of the war zone at no charge,” one supporter proudly mentioned, contrasting his proactive measures with criticisms aimed at Biden. They said this happened “while Joe went to the beach!”

Loyalty to Trump Challenges DeSantis’ 2024 Prospects

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The Republican base’s loyalty to Trump remains a significant hurdle for DeSantis. “We still like DeSantis, we just want Trump again,” a voter admitted. This suggests a widespread feeling within the party. The advice for DeSantis is clear – “Like everyone was trying to tell him, he should wait until ’28.”