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.
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET (4-7 PT)
This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
Special guests:
- Bradley Jaye - Breitbart News congressional correspondent, on the shutdown
- John Carney - Breitbart News financial editor, on the upcoming jobs report
- Jerome Hudson - Breitbart News entertainment editor, on the Kimmel fallout
- Frances Martel - Breitbart News foreign editor, on the UN and Gaza talks
- Matisyahu - award-winning reggae artist, on his new album, "Ancient Child"
Tune in: 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call: 866-957-2874
