In the world of politics, endorsements can often make or break a candidate’s chances of success. Seeking out the support of respected figures in the community can help to boost their standing among their core constituency. However, there is one type of “endorsement” that has the potential to backfire and actually work in favor of the candidate in question.
Such seems to be the case with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the upcoming 2024 presidential race. An excerpt from a new biography on Senator Mitt Romney’s life has revealed snide remarks made by the retiring Senator about DeSantis. In one quote, Romney described DeSantis as lacking warmth and looking like he had a toothache while posing for selfies with Iowa voters. He went on to say that DeSantis is “much smarter than Trump” and that there is a danger in having someone so intelligent in an authoritarian position.
While it remains to be seen how much this will impact the race, DeSantis’ campaign has wasted no time in responding to Romney’s comments. They have pointed out that the Governor’s actions, rather than just rhetoric, should be the main focus, and that it is no surprise that the left and mainstream media are trying to paint him as “dangerous.”
From @playbookdc, another preview of the new Mitt Romney biography, in which Romney, consumed with old resentments, appears to dump on everyone who ever ran against him. https://t.co/0eYO0y1Ekt pic.twitter.com/M7DoHf3Z3q
— Byron York (@ByronYork) October 19, 2023
This is not the first time that the DeSantis campaign has faced attempts to undermine his credibility with comparisons to former President Trump. However, as the attacks are coming from Mitt Romney, a member of the Republican establishment, they may ultimately prove to be more effective in rallying support for DeSantis.
It is not uncommon for candidates to face opposition from their own party, and being deemed “dangerous” by someone like Romney could end up playing to DeSantis’ advantage. After all, Romney is a prime example of what happens when a supposedly “respectable” candidate is chosen over a more conservative option, and DeSantis may be seen as a breath of fresh air in comparison.
As the 2024 presidential race is still a few years away, it is difficult to determine the full impact of Romney’s comments on DeSantis’ candidacy. However, history has shown that attempts to discredit a candidate can often backfire, especially when coming from someone within their own party.
Regardless of the outcome, this situation serves as a reminder that in the world of politics, even the most seemingly negative endorsements can sometimes work in a candidate’s favor. And as DeSantis continues to gain popularity among Republican voters, it is clear that attempts to paint him as “dangerous” will not be enough to stop his momentum.