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He's really very effective if you look at his record, but that is not what wins elections, unfortunately.

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His wins in Florida show this to be very false.


DeSantis lost to the GOAT. If Trump decided in 2028 to remain on the sideline not endorsing anyone or being against anyone (fat chance), there is no reason DeSantis would not be right in the thick of things.

LMCane said:

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DX2011 said:

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Give me Desantis, but depending on how the next couple of years go, Rubio would be a great choice as well. I'm not high on Vance as POTUS, though I think he's been a good VP.

Desantis will have the benefit of not being tied to Trump's negatives as much.

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of course I would love DeSantis

I was in the original DeSantis Brigade here on F16 and took a lot of flak for that.

but I think electorally Marco is a better more natural politician and with his background and experience can win.

DeSantis should really be on the Supreme Court replacing Clarence Thomas

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I think DeSantis on SCOTUS would be a waste of his talents.

As Governor, he has absolutely wrecked shop in Florida. Anyone that opposed him when he has been in power has been completely stomped on. He even took on Disney and did well.

He just knows how to wield executive power very efficiently.

It is pretty incredible to have at least 3 very well-qualified Republican candidates when you contrast that with the absolute political hacks for Dems who work AGAINST Americans interests in every way, 24/7.

Their only solution to our problems is "we're not Trump". There is an incredible divide there.

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Vance scores low on the likability scale. Regardless of policy or performance I think people just don't like the guy. Plus it isn't 1862, he should lose the beard. When was the last time a bearded candidate won the presidency?

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This is a fair point. Benjamin Harrison in 1889. Cleveland and Taft went with the 'stache and it has been clean shaves ever since.

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Has there ever been a better lineup to choose from in Republican history? Can't think of one.

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Im Gipper said:

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He's really very effective if you look at his record, but that is not what wins elections, unfortunately.

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His wins in Florida show this to be very false.


DeSantis lost to the GOAT. If Trump decided in 2028 to remain on the sideline not endorsing anyone or being against anyone (fat chance), there is no reason DeSantis would not be right in the thick of things.

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I mean, this is a good point, but:

1) He barely won in 2018 in a very red state.
2) In 2022, he was the only politician in America that had stood up to Fauci. It was the height of his popularity. But, COVID is ancient history by the time we get to 2028.

We will see. He would make an excellent POTUS. But, he is going to have to do great in the primaries against Rubio, whose entire meme is that he can accomplish anything, and Vance, who, despite what the media wants to say about him, is the most talented orator in the GOP at this point, and could probably smash both of the above in the primary debates without looking like a jerk.

Three exceptional options as POTUS, IMO.

But, as I said, the road to POTUS is very clearly laid out in front of Vance. If he gets some real traction on fraud, he will absolutely sweep in 2028. If he does nothing, he will likely need to run for senator or something.

BusterAg said:

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Htownag11 said:

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DX2011 said:

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Give me Desantis, but depending on how the next couple of years go, Rubio would be a great choice as well. I'm not high on Vance as POTUS, though I think he's been a good VP.

Desantis will have the benefit of not being tied to Trump's negatives as much.

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Desantis, seriously?

I didn't know there were still Desantis people left...

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No one wields executive power with the efficiency of DeSantis.

He flat out gets S*** done.

I would love to see him as POTUS or maybe AG, where he can finish cleaning out the FBI and CIA.

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DeSantis is hands down the best candidate but just doesn't seem to move the needle on a national scale. And the younger generation focuses on irrelevant and (funny) reasons. My youngest son 25 at the time said he could tell DeSantis was wearing elevated boots to make himself taller so he could never vote for him in primary. I'm not even convinced it was even true but that's what made his mind up. Political popularity is not based on policies and proven actions with many folks

Jack Squat 83 said:

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It is pretty incredible to have at least 3 very well-qualified Republican candidates when you contrast that with the absolute political hacks for Dems who work AGAINST Americans interests in every way, 24/7.

Their only solution to our problems is "we're not Trump". There is an incredible divide there.

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It's an embarrassment of riches and yet one of them ultimately winning could be a long shot because that's how stupid our populace is now.

Im Gipper said:

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When was the last time a bearded candidate won the presidency?

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2012

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Oh **** I see what you did there!!

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1) He barely won in 2018 in a very red state.

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Florida was not "very" red in 2018.

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2) In 2022, he was the only politician in America that had stood up to Fauci.

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You seem to be off on your timeline again. Everyone was done with Fauci by then! But even going back to 2000, DeSantis was not the first. Kemp was. And this does not include places that never shut down like SD, WY, etc.



The 2028 nominees will come down to one thing: Who does Trump endorse?.

Im Gipper said:

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Quote:

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1) He barely won in 2018 in a very red state.

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Florida was not "very" red in 2018.

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2) In 2022, he was the only politician in America that had stood up to Fauci.

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You seem to be off on your timeline again. Everyone was done with Fauci by then! But even going back to 2000, DeSantis was not the first. Kemp was. And this does not include places that never shut down like SD, WY, etc.



The 2028 nominees will come down to one thing: Who does Trump endorse?.

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Concur…this is an example of recency bias…Florida in 2018 was a pinkish state.

I voted for Marco Rubio in the 2016 primary.

It would be interesting to see a Rubio/Vance ticket.

Rubio may be the more electable president.

Vance would be touted as a seasoned Lieutenant who knows how to work the system.

Im Gipper said:

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Quote:

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1) He barely won in 2018 in a very red state.

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Florida was not "very" red in 2018.

Quote:

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2) In 2022, he was the only politician in America that had stood up to Fauci.

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You seem to be off on your timeline again. Everyone was done with Fauci by then! But even going back to 2000, DeSantis was not the first. Kemp was. And this does not include places that never shut down like SD, WY, etc.



The 2028 nominees will come down to one thing: Who does Trump endorse?.

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I will push back on DeSantis and Fauci.

DeSantis was absolutely leading the charge against the shutdowns in 2020. Maybe Kemp "moved first" but Florida was the champions against the shutdowns. DeSantis was very vocal about how the data didn't match the CDC's recommendations, and that a good governor would look at the data and make their own decision as opposed to rolling over for the CDC. Most of this board, including me, were super fans of DeSantis for that. We were all just asking Abbott to pretend to be DeSantis. Not Kemp.

But, it doesn't really matter at this point. 2020 was a long time ago.

As for Trump's endorsement, you might be right as long as he picks between the above three. But, it would not shock me if Trump endorses Vance and Vance still gets edged out in the primary by Rubio. Vance would obviously be the frontrunner, but Rubio is just freaking cleaning house.

And, I won't put DeSantis completely out of the race, either. We are a long ways away yet.

Rubio seems to have outlasted his Gang of Eight amnesty fiasco, and he does very well as Trump's right hand man.

I'm still trying to decide if he has the alpha in him to be the one making the decisions.

There is nothing really to push back on. I think DeSantis was great! But your statement regarding him been the only person pushing back just doesn't import with reality.


The only scenario in which the person that gets the Trump nomination does not go on to win the endorsement is if the economy completely crashes in the country goes to pot. Of course, in that scenario, it won't matter who the Republican nominee is!


The more likely scenario is that Trump remains as popular as he is now among Republicans. ( and I mean real popularity, not the liars on Twitter claiming that no one likes him anymore.)


And then this likely scenario, no one is going to beat the Trump endorsed candidate for the nomination

R's have a deep bench as far as POTUS candidates . Dems don't even have a starter. They are so fractured by the far lefts total disdain for America . Having said all of that it'll probably be close because of the electorate.

Jmo Desantis is likely the best guy for the job based on what he's been able to do in Florida but he doesn't have the cult of personality that draws from the center.

Can we just get there first? It's 2.5 years away.

We all listened to your bleeding for months about how Trump could never win again all the way up until the day he did.

Im Gipper said:

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(a) The more likely scenario is that Trump remains as popular as he is now among Republicans. ( and I mean real popularity, not the liars on Twitter claiming that no one likes him anymore.)

(b) And then this likely scenario, no one is going to beat the Trump endorsed candidate for the nomination

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I agree with you completely on (a)

On (b), I'm not 100% sure that this is correct. I think that the Trump endorsed candidate is likely the frontrunner. But, I don't think it will be a rubber stamp.

I can also see a situation where Trump decides not to pick sides between Rubio or Vance, since they have both been so great in the Trump administration. It's like picking your favorite child.

Again, we'll see. A long way away. But I think we can all agree that there are no losers among the frontrunners.

Rubio has grown on me a lot. He's very bright and offers a calming presence that would be a great contrast to Trump and whoever the Dems have chosen to run with over the years.

DeSantis with his executive experience stands out though, even if his voice and personality come off a bit awkward compared to Rubio.

I'm hoping Trump steps down and lets Vance take over and run again in 2028. Rubio or Desantis would be great too.

IMO Vance is always the smartest man in the room. He's Trump but with political savvy.

YouBet said:

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Jack Squat 83 said:

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It is pretty incredible to have at least 3 very well-qualified Republican candidates when you contrast that with the absolute political hacks for Dems who work AGAINST Americans interests in every way, 24/7.

Their only solution to our problems is "we're not Trump". There is an incredible divide there.

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It's an embarrassment of riches and yet one of them ultimately winning could be a long shot because that's how stupid our populace is now.

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No kidding. We had a number of college educated people on this very forum championing how great Tim W and Kamala were. Unreal people bought into those two idiocy.

The fickle whims of the people will change drastically from this point until late 2027 when this heats up and starts to matter.

However Rubio has always, and will always, be one of the most qualified people in the country to be president.

It would be a shame if the stupid stuff people seem to care about, like his height, sink him in the end.

Unforgiven94 said:

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What was Trump's net popularity 2.5 years before the 2024 election? Way too early to draw any conclusions.

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Yeah, I remember the election night where Hillary was polling to win.

K2-HMFIC said:

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LMCane said:

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yes it is CNN, but it is undeniable that electorally JD Vance will lose (it is very hard to win a third term from the same party in the first place)

and that Marco is SUBSTANTIVELY a superior candidate and more experienced to be POTUS

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I'd love to see Lil Marco nominated, I think JD plays way too much footsie with the woke right, but I can't see a scenario in which Trump leads with Marco over JD.

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I disagree with that-

Trump has literally told the media that at a Mar A Lago fundraiser all the bigwigs wanted Marco.

Trump did not have to appoint Marco as the SecState

and Trump certainly did not have to also appoint Marco as head of USAID

and Trump certainly did not have to also appoint Marco as National Security Advisor

I bet that Trump may be agnostic in the 2028 race.

Economy needs to improve greatly by the end of 2027. IF it does than the Republicans will win easily

Right now, the Dem nominee will be one of Newsome, Harris or the gay guy.

All three of those are beatable and should honestly give us an easy win. Wonder what their ratings are?

If the economy turns around, the R wins easily no matter who the nominee is, it is that simple.

Rubio probably would have the best chance. He is good looking and speaks Spanish. Hispanics will be an advantage for Rs. Women vote would be split or in favor of Rubio.

Maga will turnout for any of them, as Trump will likely be campaigning with the R

Hoyt Ag said:

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YouBet said:

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Jack Squat 83 said:

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It is pretty incredible to have at least 3 very well-qualified Republican candidates when you contrast that with the absolute political hacks for Dems who work AGAINST Americans interests in every way, 24/7.

Their only solution to our problems is "we're not Trump". There is an incredible divide there.

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It's an embarrassment of riches and yet one of them ultimately winning could be a long shot because that's how stupid our populace is now.

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No kidding. We had a number of college educated people on this very forum championing how great Tim W and Kamala were. Unreal people bought into those two idiocy.

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I saw that Rudder was full of people standing and applauding Talarico...and the twitter post was full of people giddy that A&M was supporting him.

Talarico...the fakest charlatan in politics today.

Far too many people cannot look beyond the surface, or use any critical reasoning skills.

Much discussion about nothing. You have to go a really long ways back to find a sitting VP who sought the nomination and didn't get it. Unless things just totally collapse in the country, it's Vance's if he wants it.

Gigem314 said:

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Rubio has grown on me a lot. He's very bright and offers a calming presence that would be a great contrast to Trump and whoever the Dems have chosen to run with over the years.

DeSantis with his executive experience stands out though, even if his voice and personality come off a bit awkward compared to Rubio.

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Every time Rubio opens his mouth, I am more impressed with him.

He was the only person in the White House who gave an articulate reason why we got involved with bombing Iran.

Yesterday said:

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I'm hoping Trump steps down and lets Vance take over and run again in 2028. Rubio or Desantis would be great too.

IMO Vance is always the smartest man in the room. He's Trump but with political savvy.

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I have never seen anyone so good at Grin****ing the press.

He can look you straight in the eye, talk in a calm and respectful manner, and be absolutely rubbing his junk all over your face with what he says.

I've seen him make at least 5 or 6 reporters look like a toddler being scolded by a Catholic nun for asking him such stupid questions, and Vance politely pointing out why the question was stupid in a devastating way while smiling kindly.

northeastag said:

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Much discussion about nothing. You have to go a really long ways back to find a sitting VP who sought the nomination and didn't get it. Unless things just totally collapse in the country, it's Vance's if he wants it.

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The only thing that would keep Vance down is if he completely fumbles the "Fraud Czar" job.

That's his for better or worse.

Marco will attract the Hispanic vote in a big way. He'll be the Hispanic Obama!

Yesterday said:

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I'm hoping Trump steps down and lets Vance take over and run again in 2028. Rubio or Desantis would be great too.

IMO Vance is always the smartest man in the room. He's Trump but with political savvy.

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Well, he doesn't really have a choice unless we really are going to have a king.

BusterAg said:

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Gigem314 said:

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Rubio has grown on me a lot. He's very bright and offers a calming presence that would be a great contrast to Trump and whoever the Dems have chosen to run with over the years.

DeSantis with his executive experience stands out though, even if his voice and personality come off a bit awkward compared to Rubio.

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Every time Rubio opens his mouth, I am more impressed with him.

He was the only person in the White House who gave an articulate reason why we got involved with bombing Iran.

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He's been the best "Trump translator" by far. Which is quite a job.

My preference would be, in order DeSantis, Vance, Rubio.

It takes a different guy to be a leader as opposed to a smart and capable staff officer. Both are necessary for the success of the enterprise, but Rubio has never governed or led others. DeSantis might be the best governor of any state in US history.