Photo: Alamy
Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., is an up-and-coming star in the Republican Party. However, according to Megyn Kelly, he could not defeat President Trump if both men decided to run for president in 2024. As President Trump succinctly noted on his Truth Social account, he agrees with Kelly’s assessment.
Kelly made these remarks during a lengthy discussion on “The Rubin Report,” where she made some additional and astute observations. According to Kelly, President Trump “sucks up all the energy in every room,” and Gov. DeSantis would be unable to overcome that despite his skill as a politician and his strong policies.
In addition, Kelly noted that hardcore MAGA supporters like the Florida governor, but they will not abandon President Trump for him. Specifically, such supporters feel that President Trump was “screwed” out of the 2020 election, that he deserves and is entitled to another shot at the presidency, and that Gov. DeSantis owes his political career to President Trump.
President Trump still enjoys tremendous support throughout the nation. For example, as reported by Vanity Fair, according to a recent straw poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC):
“When asked who they preferred as the Republican presidential nominee, 69% of the 1,000 CPAC attendees who voted preferred Trump, while 24% preferred Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. If Trump chooses not to run, 65% of attendees said they would support DeSantis, followed by the former president’s son Donald Trump Jr. at 8% and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) at 6%.”
President Trump is also very popular among GOP voters, as discussed here. His endorsements also carry tremendous weight, and his rallies consistently sell out. To many, he is the leader of the Republican Party.
According to Kelly, DeSantis cannot beat President Trump head-to-head. Therefore, he has two choices. He can either be “crowned by Trump” or he “shouldn’t run.”
Mr. Hakim is an attorney and columnist. His articles have been published in The Washington Examiner, The Daily Caller, The Federalist, American Thinker, and other online publications. He is also a regular guest on OANN’s Tipping Point, and has appeared on Newsmax, The Jenna Ellis Show, Steadfast and Loyal Podcast with Allen West, The Dave Weinbaum Show, and Real America’s Voice.
