It’s become clear that last night was a flop of epic proportions for Republicans. With all the winds in their sails, from high inflation, rising crime rates, and President Biden’s low approval rating, the GOP still managed to defy history and underperform like no opposition party in the midterms has since 1978.
Naturally, a lot of people are asking, “What happened?” Some want to blame the conservative Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe and Casey, returning the power to regulate abortion to the states. But the pro-life cause is not our albatross.
Others want to say we lost because we didn’t fully embrace the America First program. But this theory looks increasingly preposterous in the face of electoral realities.
The truth is the GOP has a cult-of-personality problem, and this fact is beginning to dawn upon even Trumpism’s most devout votaries. So, where do conservatives go from here?
The solution is staring at us plainly in the face on the cover of America’s favorite tabloid. In sharp contrast to much of the rest of the nation, Florida governor Ron DeSantis led his state to commanding victories last night, trouncing his opponent and boosting everyone on his coattails. He did so despite Trump’s attempts to derail him. DeSantis might be more Teflon than Don himself.
We need to Draft DeSantis for 2024. The infrastructure for his run is already being put in place, and the tide might be turning against 45. DeSantis isn’t perfect, but there’s a strong case that he is the only viable alternative to the ongoing self-immolation of the Republican Party in Trump’s hands.