Ron DeSantis positions himself as the next Ronald Reagan

Florida Politics ^ | 7.12.23 | A.G. Gancarski

[conservative98]

'Voters are going to get behind us in ways that are probably bigger than we've seen in the last 20 or 25 years as Republicans.' Florida’s Governor is looking to a former California Governor as an antecedent for his current presidential run.

During an interview on Wisconsin’s Mark Belling Show, Ron DeSantis suggested his candidacy could be the modern version of the 1980 election that saw Ronald Reagan defeat Democrat Jimmy Carter.

“What I would just tell folks out there listening is Biden is kind of like Jimmy Carter. When Reagan came on the scene, the country lost confidence in Carter. They were willing to go in a different direction. I think we’re in the same place with Biden,” DeSantis contended.

“And I think if we offer a candidate like me who has a record of achievement and a positive vision, I think these voters are going to get behind us in ways that are probably bigger than we’ve seen in the last 20 or 25 years as Republicans...

[tennmountainman]

Sure, if Ronnie says so.

[BereanBrain]

People loved Ronald Reagan’s personality.

[leaning conservative]

I would argue that even the Reagan haters would admit that he had an overwhelming amount of charisma. He always reminded me of my grandfather.

Desantis is zero on any charisma level. He’s also just really weird.

[the OlLine Rebel]

This is basically what I’ve said all along. And most here have definitely called Biden like Carter all over again, and then some. Which is partly why I was seeing some coincidental connection to the old days.

I don’t know if it’s good for RON to talk about it himself, though.

[Jane Long]

Positions himself.....lol....

[the OlLine Rebel]

Reagan didn’t just have charisma. He was overwhelmingly lovable, impossible to hate. People thought you were off your rocker if you tried hateful invective with him.

DeSantis may not have much charisma, perhaps, but he is not hateable, like Trump. DeSantis is certainly not bubbling and jolly personality, but again, Trump isn’t nearly that way, either, and throw in some invective and grumpy frowns and it’s not at all like Reagan.

[Tench_Coxe]

A tell now is when Reagan gets invoked, especially by people who would have hated him while he was President or would have worked against him covertly (what used to be called Rockefeller Republicans).

The most risible is when Reagan gets invoked to justify US involvement in Ukraine. I guess using the phrase "Jesus would bomb Russia" would be a little too over the top.

[Tell It Right]

To be fair to both DeSantis and Trump, these are different days from the Reagan days. The media hated Reagan, no doubt about it. But they weren't as vile as they are today. Nor was the deep state constantly trying to put Reagan in prison like they've done Trump. Nor was the media constantly saying that Reagan's voters were automatically white supremacist bigots who should be dealt with violently.

I think it's unrealistic for us to expect a modern Republican candidate to have the kind of genteel demeanor Regan had. In fact, if one does have a Reagan demeanor, for me it's a turn off (i.e. Ben Carlson). We need someone who makes it clear that he ain't puttin' up with their crap.

[V_TWIN]

“don’t know if it’s good for RON to talk about it himself, though”

Yeah, a good thing our last republican president never does that.

[cableguymn]

Normally if you have to tell people you are like someone. you’re not like them.

He’s still better than Biden though

[Hieronymus]

I would argue that even the Reagan haters would admit that he had an overwhelming amount of charisma. He always reminded me of my grandfather.

Desantis is zero on any charisma level. He’s also just really weird.

---

Maybe the next Ford? Found on Road Dead; Fix or Repair Daily?

[cableguymn]

The left did try to kill him though. Went as far as having him shot.

So there is that.

[the OlLine Rebel]

I mean this specific correlation with Reagan.

It’s not a real good look.

I don’t think Trump did that. Although I know he’s implied or said straight out in some cases that he’s better than Reagan. Which is hilarious.

[the OlLine Rebel]

“The Left”?

I never heard anything beyond it was just a nut trying to prove himself.

[Hieronymus]

He’s still better than Biden though

---

Not a high bar. He’s better than Stalin, Hitler, and Mao as well, more sober than Ted Kennedy, and more ethical than Harry Reid.

He exists and is not the absolute extreme of any negative characteristics. He’s probably also better than Romney, McCain, or anyone named Bush.

[Joe 6-pack]

"During an interview on Wisconsin’s Mark Belling Show..."

I remember when Belling would sub for Rush; he was the one guest host I found unlistenable. He seemed like a nice enough guy, but for me, a total snoozefest.

[Mr. Jeeves]

Well, aside from the height, the genial sense of humor, and the expert command of domestic and foreign affairs, I guess he’s pretty close. :)

[cowboyusa]

Reagan was one of a kind.

[Tench_Coxe]

Agree. I might add GHW Bush was put in as an insurance policy of sorts.