Donald Trump seems unstoppable as the Republican nominee for 2024, but Florida's Gov. Ron DeSantis is plunging into the race anyway. Is that good?
The theory behind a potential DeSantis run was that the GOP needed to put up a candidate who offered Trump's policies without Trump's personality. That theory gained traction as DeSantis turned Florida into a shining success, and provided victory after victory -- even in Miami -- in the 2022 midterm races.
But that theory eroded for two reasons. First: Democrats succeeded in making Republicans rally around Trump by pursuing frivolous prosecutions against him, making it clear that there was far more at stake in 2024 than the presidency.
Second: DeSantis became too Trumpy, personality-wise, by chasing a conflict with Disney too far, and by signing more aggressive pro-life legislation than he had before. Suddenly he did not seem like a steadier pair of hands than Trump.
DeSantis hurt himself with his botched campaign launch. It was never a good idea to start by talking to two billionaires on a tech platform. Then the tech crashed, undermining DeSantis's image as the guy who makes things work.
Once the conversation was up and running, it was deeply unimpressive. Sure, there was wonkish detail on policy, but that is not what people want -- either from DeSantis, or in general. It felt like the Ted Cruz campaign, circa 2016.
Voters need to feel that DeSantis stands for THEM, not for conservatives as such. What connected Republican voters to Trump in 2016 -- and, for many, what connects them still -- is a sense of empathy that DeSantis still lacks.
It's not too late. DeSantis can -- against the odds -- overtake Trump. But even if he doesn't, he can also bring something to the race. That "something" is his home state: Florida. "Make America Florida Again," as the wisecrack goes.
Give us more than the distorted picture that California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other Democrats are portraying. Tell us the story of successful governance. Export the model -- whether you win or lose. That's how to make a difference.
This week, we are tackling two major areas of contention between the Trump administration and Democrat governors: fighting crime, and redistricting. The president is sending the National Guard to blue cities -- and blue states are trying to stamp out Republican representation. Is this a civil war situation?
Special guests:
- Bradley Jaye -- Breitbart News congressional correspondent, on redistricting
- Tom Manza, California Business and Industrial Alliance, on Gavin Newsom
- Jon Fleischman, veteran California political expert, on the special election
- Dan Backer, veteran political lawyer and consultant, on corruption
- DJ Mark Anthony, on a recent visit to Rome and visiting Pope Leo XIV
Tune in: SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET / 4-7 p.m. PT
Call: 866-957-2874
This week's portion is the last of the month of Av -- also known as Menachem (Comforter) Av -- which begins in mourning and ends in celebration and anticipation of the New Year and the process of repentance and renewal.
In a similar vein, the portion features Moses offering the Israelites a choice between a blessing and a curse. They are masters of their own fates: if they obey God's commandments, they receive the blessings -- and vice versa.
The key commandment is to reject idol worship. There is said to be something magnetic about the practice of worshiping idols in the new land, such that it would be constant moral battle, both individually and collectively, in the land.
Nowadays, according to Jewish tradition, humanity has lost the urge for idol worship (and the antidote, which is divine prophecy) -- but there are several near substitutes, such as lust or excessive appetites for worldly pleasures.
We are wired for compulsive behaviors, bad habits, and even addictions. These ...
We have so much to talk about this week -- Trump's efforts to negotiate peace through negotiation, and Gavin Newsom's efforts to divide Americans through gerrymandering. We'll also talk about Playboy leaving LA and California.
Special guests:
Frances Martel - Breitbart News foreign editor, on Russia & Ukraine
Bradley Jaye - Breitbart News congressional correspondent, on Newsom
Harmeet Dhillon - DOJ Civil Rights Division chief, on the fight against DEI
Jessica Vaugn - Playboy model on political commentator, on California
Tune in: SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 PT
Call: 866-957-2874
