Commentary

Former President Trump, who still has considerable support among his base, coyly teases, saying we will be “very happy” with his decision on whether to run in 2024. 

Meanwhile, Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis’ popularity is growing with his conservative decision-making creds, and will be seeking reelection as governor in 2022.

While Trump endorsed DeSantis for governor in 2018, he has not yet done so for his reelection. Some say that he would do so if DeSantis’ race was tight, but it doesn’t look like DeSantis will have any troubling winning.

Trump has had kind words about the Florida governor, and DeSantis has refrained from commenting on Trump’s future in the party.

What’s Trump Up To?

Make no mistake, Trump would like to be a player in 2024, and noted DeSantis’ straw poll win at CPAC, with Trump not on the ballot.  I would expect Trump to covet a role as the party leader, a role that George W. Bush never had.

There are those who decipher Trump’s statement that we will be “very happy” with his decision, believing that he will say, ‘I know DeSantis will make an excellent president, and he has my full support.’  Others believe Trump would like another shot as president.

Trump is endorsing a passel of candidates for House and Senate in 2022; practically anyone who supported his claim of a rigged election, and even some who are trailing.

While David McCormick appeared to have his endorsement for senate in Pennsylvania, Trump endorsed rival Mehmet Oz, known as “Dr. Oz” on television. Other endorsements considered risky are author J.D. Vance for senate in Ohio, Ted Budd for senate in North Carolina, and David Perdue for governor in Georgia.

“What Happens If Trump’s Endorsements Fail?” asks Ben Domenech in The Transom. “So why even do this?” he writes, “Trump doesn’t have to endorse anyone.”

He comments on Perdue, who “hasn’t been able to keep the race close at all,” … “Vance is locked in a competitive fight, not running away with it” … “Dr. Oz is at best a coin flip.”

Domenech also touches on Trump’s ability to sink someone’s candidacy, forcing a candidate to give up, pull out of a race.  Michigan’s Rep. Fred Upton, who voted to impeach Trump in 2021, decided to retire.

In Michigan’s primary on April 23, Trump is endorsing Kristina Karamo for secretary of state, and Matt DePerno as attorney general.

I believe his decision for 2024 will depend on the success of those candidates, some of which are considered risky, even crazy, putting his party leader image at risk.

DeSantis Is Improving His Chances

Americans are learning about the DeSantis Doctrine, and liking what they’re seeing.  Like Trump, DeSantis is a fighter, willing to use the power of his position to defeat the leftist agenda.

Unlike Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who lacks the hard-nosed approach, DeSantis not only wields his power; he enjoys it.  He doesn’t shrink from fights.

His recent decisions on prohibiting discussions of sex and gender transition with kindergarten through third grade students, and his position of disallowing abortions after 15 weeks have been well-received in Florida and are generally approved by Americans.

There’s considerable talk among conservatives about the need for new blood; the same people who like Trump, but just want to move on.

Just as DeSantis has refrained from talking about Trump, he has hinted that he won’t oppose Trump, should he decide to run again.  My guess is that it all depends on what happens in 2022.

What About Other Candidates?

All others on the right, who appear to be itching for a run at the presidency – Rubio, Cruz, Haley – might as well save their campaign funds or use them productively to support those running for House or Senate seats in 2022.

The party is in good position to win back the House and Senate, and doesn’t need to follow in 2024 with 16 candidates on a stage insulting each other and the party.

FLASHBACK – On April 18, 1942, Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle led a flight of B-25’s off the aircraft carrier Hornet to attack the Japanese mainland. I was nearly four years old. Thirty-seven years later, I had the honor of meeting Gen. Jimmy Doolittle (Ret.).

Now, more than ever … may God continue to bless the United States of America