I think the main thing conservative Republicans who have serious doubts about whether Trump can or should be elected ought to try to figure out is what will work to peel pro-Trump Republicans away from him. I've been trying to come up with an answer and am not doing real well. Any suggestions? Anyone?
DeSantis has the right policy and the record of action to back it up, but he is viewed by too many in MAGA as "another politicia" because he is, well, a politician. If we get see more of his passion that may change, but I fear the political consultants around him will pounds him into mush.
Vivek's policy views are much like Trump's and DeSantis', but he has attracted some interest precisely because he is not a politician. The North Dakota Gov has observed this and is seeking to play the same angle, from a more "centrist" mien.
The three policy pillars that stimulate loyalty in his base, from the beginning, have been shutting down illegal immigration, trade and economic policy that favor US labor (not necessarily US corporate interests), and less foreign military intervention.
To this, thanks to the work of the DoJ and partisan state DAs, Trump has now added a fourth: opposing the corrupt institutions of the federal government.
The anti-globalist position is, I think, the most impactful to voters, and it wraps itself around the illegal immigration and foreign war issues.
To peel voters away from Trump, a candidate will have to demonstrate a) where Trump missed the opportunity to roll back globalism despite his best efforts and b) demonstrate through a record of real achievement or action in the anti-globalist arena.
DeSantis' can make that case, and so can Vivek (because of work on ESG), but no one else in the field can. That's why they're not even trying.
I think the main thing conservative Republicans who have serious doubts about whether Trump can or should be elected ought to try to figure out is what will work to peel pro-Trump Republicans away from him. I've been trying to come up with an answer and am not doing real well. Any suggestions? Anyone?
DeSantis has the right policy and the record of action to back it up, but he is viewed by too many in MAGA as "another politicia" because he is, well, a politician. If we get see more of his passion that may change, but I fear the political consultants around him will pounds him into mush.
Vivek's policy views are much like Trump's and DeSantis', but he has attracted some interest precisely because he is not a politician. The North Dakota Gov has observed this and is seeking to play the same angle, from a more "centrist" mien.
The three policy pillars that stimulate loyalty in his base, from the beginning, have been shutting down illegal immigration, trade and economic policy that favor US labor (not necessarily US corporate interests), and less foreign military intervention.
To this, thanks to the work of the DoJ and partisan state DAs, Trump has now added a fourth: opposing the corrupt institutions of the federal government.
The anti-globalist position is, I think, the most impactful to voters, and it wraps itself around the illegal immigration and foreign war issues.
To peel voters away from Trump, a candidate will have to demonstrate a) where Trump missed the opportunity to roll back globalism despite his best efforts and b) demonstrate through a record of real achievement or action in the anti-globalist arena.
DeSantis' can make that case, and so can Vivek (because of work on ESG), but no one else in the field can. That's why they're not even trying.
This nightmare is apparently never going to end.