MSNBC host Chris Hayes discussed the current state of the 2024 Republican primary, focusing on the declining popularity of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday.
Hayes attributed DeSantis’ falling poll numbers to his lack of charisma and his decision to run a hard-right campaign that has alienated many potential supporters.
What Happened: “Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who was initially hyped up as the candidate who could take on Trump, has seen his poll numbers tank,” Hayes said.
The MSNBC host pointed out that DeSantis is almost 30 points behind former President Donald Trump in an average of national polls. A top official from a pro-DeSantis super PAC recently conceded that DeSantis’ campaign has been a “bust” so far, he said. Hayes also criticized DeSantis’ campaign for releasing a video that many have found offensive and alienating.
Hayes argued that DeSantis’ campaign strategy of trying to appeal to the “darkest, most anti-social corners of the internet” is not working. He suggested that even the base that DeSantis is trying to appeal to might find his campaign’s latest video desperate and off-putting.
“I think even those folks and the people he’s trying to appeal to will find his campaign’s latest video to be as desperate and thirsty as the rest of us do,” Hayes said.
Hayes concluded that DeSantis’ strategy of trying to “out-Trump” Trump is not likely to succeed.
See Also: DeSantis, Trump Face New Loyalty Test From Florida GOP In 2024 Primary Battle
Why It Matters: DeSantis’ declining popularity and controversial campaign strategies have raised questions about his viability as a presidential candidate. As reported by Benzinga, DeSantis’ campaign has been criticized for releasing a video that many — including Republicans — have called homophobic.
Furthermore, a top spokesperson for DeSantis’ super PAC has admitted that the campaign is significantly trailing in key nominating states, as reported by Benzinga.
Read Next: Ron DeSantis Jokes About White House Cocaine Discovery: ‘Biden Administration Has Been Blowing It’
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