Based on the chatter in Washington, the race for the Republican nomination is already over. Former President Donald Trump, who looked vulnerable in the immediate aftermath of the 2022 midterms, has regained his footing in spite of (or thanks to) an indictment and more potential legal fallout in the coming weeks.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, flying high in the wake of a successful 2022 reelection campaign, has squandered that momentum and is now languishing far behind Trump in buzz and the polls. He’s flubbed on foreign policy and has been outmaneuvered by Disney. Meanwhile, Trump has effectively undercut DeSantis’ MAGA bonafides with attacks on the governor’s support for Paul Ryan-era entitlement reforms while a member of Congress.
I’m not convinced that we should assume this race is over. Trump is the favorite for the nomination. But it is not a given. CONTINUED
Amy Walter, Cook Political Report with Amy Walter
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