Former President Donald Trump dashed speculation about a potential alliance with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, labeling it as “highly unlikely” during a recent interview with Fox News.
“I have to be honest, everything’s a possibility, but I think it’s highly unlikely. I have a lot of great people that have been with me right from the beginning,” Trump stated when asked about the prospect of teaming up with DeSantis.
Trump expressed his gratitude for DeSantis’ endorsement, stating that he was “very honored” by the governor’s backing.
“Highly Unlikely” Cabinet Role
Following DeSantis’s withdrawal, questions arose regarding the reasons for his campaign’s shortcomings. One notable factor was DeSantis’s prickly persona, which alienated one-time allies, donors, and political professionals.
His likability issues turned off a significant portion of voters, exacerbated by the $47 million spent against him by the super PACs of Trump and Nikki Haley.
At 45 years old, DeSantis lacked close senior advisers older than himself and developed a reputation for dismissing advice and data conflicting with his opinions. Known for demanding loyalty without reciprocating it, DeSantis structured his campaign in a top-down fashion to ensure he received information aligning with his preferences. This approach led to a lack of dissenting voices within the campaign.
Everyone is an idiot?
Critics characterized his campaign as a “DeSantis fan club,” highlighting his unwillingness to accept alternative viewpoints. One consultant commented, “Ron is the smartest guy in the room. Everyone else is an idiot. No one tells him he’s wrong.”
Moreover, DeSantis’s campaign lacked a distinctive slogan beyond “Never Back Down.” When faced with challenges involving Trump, DeSantis was perceived as backing down, backing away, or avoiding confrontation.
As the political landscape evolves, the dynamics between Trump and DeSantis remain a topic of interest, with the former president offering insights into the improbability of any potential collaboration.
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