The Facts
On Sunday, an anonymous official from Never Back Down, a "super PAC" [Political Action Committee] that will likely serve as a source of support for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' potential bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, said the PAC has raised $30M since March 9.
DeSantis has not officially announced his candidacy.
The Spin
Republican narrative
Trump had his chance as president for four years, and now it’s DeSantis’ turn to make America great again — but this time in a more stable, adept manner. DeSantis is by far the best chief executive the US has seen at any level of government in decades. He’s proven he can defeat the radical Left on everything from coronavirus restrictions to corporate activism. When he gets into the race, there will be a groundswell of support already waiting for him. This will be an exciting GOP primary.
Pro-Trump narrative
DeSantis and the other would-be challengers to Trump should just forget about it. Now that the Democratic witch hunt has led to a Trump indictment in New York, the former president is more popular than ever and his lead in the polls is growing. Trump is a sure bet to be the nominee, and the DeSantis hype is fading.
Democratic narrative
As dangerous as Trump is, DeSantis has shown himself to have extremely concerning authoritarian impulses. His Orbanist-style of Florida policies doesn't make him a Republican centrist — he is a competent and dangerous extremist. If elected, he could do great damage to American democracy.
