GOP Operative Predicts Donald Trump Will Announce Run for President Early to Prevent a DeSantis Run in 2024 – Opinion

Scott Jennings, a CNN contributor and Republican consultant predicts that ex-President Donald Trump will make an announcement about a presidential bid in order to stop Ron DeSantis (Florida Governor) from running for office in 2024.

Jennings observed that given DeSantis’ popularity, specifically with conservatives across the country, he is a Trump-like figure without the baggage. Jennings said:

“I definitely think there are a lot of Republicans out there who voted for Donald Trump twice, maybe gave him money, wanted to see him succeed who know we cannot drag the country and the party through this again in 2024, that he’s the least likely Republican to have a chance to win the White House … And they see someone like Desantis who gives you all of the fight and all of the policy without all the baggage and worse that came with Jan. 6 that Donald Trump will bring.”

CNN’s Kasie Hunt asked Jennings whether notable Republicans would vote for DeSantis even though it might anger Trump. Jennings said: “We’ll see,” and he added that he sees DeSantis as “more than viable” to not only win the GOP primary but also win the general election.

“I think there are other people, Tim Scott I’m very fond of, as well and Nikki Haley and others … There’s a big field and any of them would be a better choice.”

Jennings’ point is valid, even though some conservatives or Republicans might disagree. Numerous people publicly stated they voted to Joe Biden in 2020. However, DeSantis would have their vote if he runs for the presidency in 2024. These are the people that the GOP must win to be victorious in the general elections.

Elon Musk joined the conversation:

Trump will be 82 by the end of his term. This is too young to serve as chief executive of any organization, much less of America.

If DeSantis runs against Biden in 2024, then DeSantis will easily win – he doesn’t even need to campaign.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 12, 2022

Jennings noted that many Republicans know “in their hearts” that someone other than Trump is needed for the GOP to win and take back the White House. Trump knows this too, according to Jennings.

“I think that’s why Donald Trump is considering launching his re-election campaign right now because that fire I think is starting to build a little bit, and he wants to tamp it out,”

As they seek to retake both the House and Senate, the GOP will be looking for ways to appeal to Hispanic voters. After the midterms, it’s expected that Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence, and former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley will announce a 2024 Presidential bid. Although it is not clear if DeSantis will run as President, all indications point to his having lots of support from both the GOP and other independents, and also GOP donors.