DeSantis' popularity builds after midterm victory
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With his convincing victory in Florida's recent gubernatorial election still fresh in everyone's mind, Governor Ron DeSantis has just topped a new poll of voters, with a 7% lead over the former one-term president Donald Trump as the preferred Republican candidate.
The YouGov poll of November 11 was carried out immediately after midterm elections and gathered the opinions of 1,500 randomly selected American voters. Of the Republican voters in the survey, DeSantis was the preferred presidential candidate for 42% or respondents. Trump was favored by just 35%.
As significant, were findings that suggested that DeSantis is significantly more popular with Republican voters over the age of 65, and also with women Republicans too. It is further evidence if any were needed, that the era of Donald Trump may well be over.
"Ron DeSanctimonious"
The poll is just the latest indicator that Donald Trump may well have had his time in the spotlight.
Trump misguidedly referred to Florida Republican Ron DeSantis as "Ron DeSanctimonious" in the days before the election, then backtracked after suggestions that it was irresponsible of him to interfere with midterms. He has since gone all-in on his comments again, describing DeSantis as an "average Republican governor".
It is noticeable though that Trumps repeated intervention in politics is becoming less useful and less welcome. Trump-backed candidate Mehmet Oz lost to John Fetterman in Pennsylvania and Kari Lake is still facing defeat in Arizona. While an announcement of his candidacy for the White House in 2024 is expected imminently, his waning popularity with voters and with conservative media outlets alike, is obvious to see.
Some remain loyal to Trump
While Floridian voters who recently put their faith in DeSantis to serve another term as governor will hope that he sees it through, many will also be supportive of him if and when he should pursue a role as President of the United States.
Meanwhile, some remain loyal to Trump, particularly the controversial Republican Marjorie Taylor-Greene of neighboring Georgia. MTG remains convinced that Trump is the only suitable leader for America, and on November 11 she posted on Twitter that Trump needs as second term in office to "finish the job" - whatever that means.
Her continuing enthusiasm for Trump could well be due to her being hotly-rumored to be his favored running-mate for a presidential campaign.
Regardless of whether Trump takes the hint and retires gracefully, or whether he continues to press on with his political campaign, the recent poll seems like another vote of confidence for Governor Ron DeSantis.
Do you think that Ron DeSantis would be the preferred Republican candidate for president in 2024 over Donald Trump? Do you think Trump should stop interfering in politics? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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