DeSantis is right: For him, it’s the presidency or bust
Kimberly Ross
According to polling, former President Donald Trump is clearly the Republican candidate to beat. His GOP opponents are so far behind him, most only poll in the single digits. The only candidate in double-digit territory is Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).
That middling position would set some up to be selected as the vice presidential running mate. But neither DeSantis nor Trump seems interested in joining forces. And that’s actually a good move by the young governor.
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During an interview on a Wisconsin radio show, DeSantis made it clear that being vice president to Trump is not for him:
“‘I don’t think so. I’m not a No. 2 guy,’ DeSantis said … saying he would rather stay on as governor because the vice presidency ‘doesn’t really have any authority.’ Asked about his own thoughts on a running mate, DeSantis said, ‘It’s a little bit presumptuous to be doing that at this stage. I’m here to win the early primaries, and that’s what we’ve got to do first.'”
It’s still early in the 2024 campaign season. For that reason alone, talk of the vice presidency should be minimal. The first Republican presidential debate is still more than a month away. Between now and the primary season, much will happen. But the calendar is not the only reason for DeSantis to turn down a spot as Trump’s second.
DeSantis is 44 years old. His list of accomplishments is long and varied. He is a veteran, a graduate of Yale and Harvard Law, a former member of the House of Representatives, and a popular, successful Florida governor. He has the experience, knowledge, and intelligence necessary to run not only a state but serve as leader of the United States.
There is great animosity between the Trump and DeSantis camps, and, frankly, the governor is out of Trump’s league. The 45th president thrives on insults, temper tantrums, and a frequent, willful disregard for the truth. If DeSantis wishes to distance himself from not only his current opponent and agitator but also that kind of behavior, he can’t entertain a spot on the ticket. No matter the results of the primaries.
If anything, recent history provides some good instruction.
In 2016, then-candidate Trump chose Indiana Gov. Mike Pence to be his vice presidential running mate. It made sense for both of them at the time. Trump was a bold, brash, unconventional force of nature. Pence was the calm, traditional, highly experienced political foil. Each needed the other for legitimacy, support, and career advancement.
Fast-forward to 2023. Pence is running for president and currently averaging 6.3% in the polls, according to RealClearPolitics. Trump fans only cared for Pence so long as he was obedient to their man. On the campaign trail in Iowa, an exasperated voter questioned Pence, wondering why he “allowed” official certification of votes after the 2020 election. Any of the good done during the Trump administration is conveniently not attributable to Mike Pence.
The moral of the story: Don’t hitch yourself to Trump.
It remains to be seen who Trump will pick as his vice presidential running mate. As of right now, the best options look to be sycophants such as Kari Lake, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), or someone of a similar mindset. The former president’s own delusions about the 2020 election and other serious matters require a running mate who accepts them. Further connection to Trump would harm DeSantis’s reputation and plans.
Any previous admiration between the two is gone forever. Trump and his team mock DeSantis and spread falsehoods about him and his record. It would not be wise to partner with someone like that in the future, no matter what happens in the primaries.
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In response to DeSantis’s comment about not wanting the vice presidency in a second Trump term, the Trump camp replied: “Ron DeSantis isn’t anybody’s guy. He’s not ‘the guy.’ He’s just ‘a guy.’ Ron is just there, sullen and sad, because his numbers are as tiny as him.” Enough said.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.