The Self-Defenestration of Ron DeSantis

 

It gives me no pleasure to announce the end of the Ron DeSantis (unannounced) presidential campaign. Vivek Ramaswamy called for DeSantis and Haley to condemn possible Trump indictment. Crickets.

Now Jenna Ellis, who was on the Trump campaign in 2020, is quoted as saying it is smart for DeSantis to remain silent:

However, Ellis, who worked as a legal adviser to Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign, defended DeSantis in a response to his tweet, reiterating that the Florida governor has not formally announced a presidential bid.

“Ron DeSantis isn’t a candidate though,” Ellis wrote. “The Trump PAC just slapped him with an ethics violation for (supposedly) acting like a candidate when he isn’t one, and now the base wants him to act like one? Can’t have it both ways.”

There is only one problem. DeSantis is Trump’s governor. If Trump does not voluntarily surrender to a NYC prosecutor on a charged misdemeanor offense, then DeSantis can and should protect a Florida citizen from a New York state beef that is blatantly political.

I may have missed it, but as of my pushing the “publish” button, DeSantis has been silent for over 24 hours. Too long.

Conservative Tree House has been posting for some months that DeSantis is the GOPe candidate, not the Trumpism candidate. I have been skeptical of that claim. I am no longer.

Rich Baris of People’s Pundit is saying, credibly, that the New York indictment is part of the DeSantis team strategy. That privately DeSantis’ people have been saying that when (not if) the indictment comes down, support will shift dramatically to DeSantis. According to Baris, that was never going to happen because the indictment was already baked in to Trump support because they have always known this was coming. Not the specific charge and timing, but something sometime to stop Trump.

For me, this is a phenomenal disappointment. DeSantis is a great governor and, I thought, would be a great president. Not this time, but in the future. Now, it’s not going to be now, for sure, and who knows about the future.

Why not? Because this is really important. Prosecuting political opposition is a big, big red line that we are about to cross in this country. Vivek understands this. Elon Musk understands this. MAGA understands this. And to remain silent when you are not just a big voice but actually have the power to prevent it, is an incredible fail. And to fiddle or test your positions for a day or two tells me that DeSantis is not who I thought he was.

DeSantis for President — requiescat in pace.

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  1. Misthiocracy has never Member
    Misthiocracy has never
    @Misthiocracy

    It would be foolish to denounce a theoretical indictment that one hasn’t actually read.

    • #1
  2. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    I’d like to see something actually happen and then DeSantis say something. I am hoping he is getting ready.

    • #2
  3. Brian Wyneken Member
    Brian Wyneken
    @BrianWyneken

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    I’d like to see something actually happen and then DeSantis say something. I am hoping he is getting ready.

    Yes – the more traditional executive temperament suggests this approach (to include being ready to respond very promptly).

    • #3
  4. Rodin Member
    Rodin
    @Rodin

    Misthiocracy has never (View Comment):

    It would be foolish to denounce a theoretical indictment that one hasn’t actually read.

    Fair, but. The indictment information has been leaked. It involves the payment to Stormy Daniels. It’s not real secret (anymore) what’s coming down. But I take your point.

    DeSantis could have said something like the following —

    “Reports of an imminent indictment of a Florida citizen, former President Donald Trump, are circulating in the media. The indictment is being issued by a New York grand jury under the direction of Soros-backed New York City prosecutor Alvin Bragg. Mr Bragg campaigned for office in part with a promise to indict President Trump of some then unspecified crime. These circumstances make such an indictment suspect.

    “President Trump is entitled to the protection of the laws of Florida. And if New York seeks his arrest in this state, I am going to examine very carefully the evidence of any alleged crime and satisfy myself that it is a proper case. I will not allow a political show trial in New York or any other state of a Florida citizen who is entitled to the protections of our laws.”

    That didn’t take me 24 hours to think up. It would have sounded like the DeSantis who stood up to Disney, instead of someone who secretly hopes that New York will take Trump off the board.

    • #4
  5. Rodin Member
    Rodin
    @Rodin

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    I’d like to see something actually happen and then DeSantis say something. I am hoping he is getting ready.

    Brian Wyneken (View Comment):
    Yes – the more traditional executive temperament suggests this approach (to include being ready to respond very promptly).

    Hate to break it to you, but something actually has happened. Vivek recognized it and spoke accurately and decisively. DeSantis did not — either immediately or shortly after Vivek’s challenge. McCarthy has already spoken. McConnell? (Well, we know he wants Trump out of the way.)

    • #5
  6. Brian Wyneken Member
    Brian Wyneken
    @BrianWyneken

    Rodin (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    I’d like to see something actually happen and then DeSantis say something. I am hoping he is getting ready.

    Brian Wyneken (View Comment):
    Yes – the more traditional executive temperament suggests this approach (to include being ready to respond very promptly).

    Hate to break it to you, but something actually has happened. Vivek recognized it and spoke accurately and decisively. DeSantis did not — either immediately or shortly after Vivek’s challenge. McCarthy has already spoken. McConnell? (Well, we know he wants Trump out of the way.)

    Certainly, DeSantis could have spoken up already, but as a governor in state that may find itself involved there’s an aspect of prudence that suggests that he should avoid (as much as feasible) an appearance of pre-judging the situation. On the other hand, this thing is so bizarre that maybe these traditional notions of prudence don’t really serve his situation.

    • #6
  7. MWD B612 "Dawg" Member
    MWD B612 "Dawg"
    @danok1

    Rodin: If Trump does not voluntarily surrender to a NYC prosecutor on a charged misdemeanor offense, then DeSantis can and should protect a Florida citizen from a New York state beef that is blatantly political. 

    All the reporting I’ve seen, both MSM and alternatives, states that DJT’s team has said that Trump will surrender voluntarily. So there’s no need for RDS to make a statement such as the second part of your comment at #4. So holding off on that is smart, IMO.

    I’ve also read that the Secret Service will not allow the former President to be handcuffed nor will they allow him to be “perp-walked.” So those Lefties drool at the prospect of Trump being paraded in handcuffs will suffer a major disappointment. If there even is an indictment, of course.

    • #7
  8. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Rodin: Why not? Because this is really important. Prosecuting political opposition is a big big red line that we are about to cross in this country.

    But what’s your more specific definition?  Are you saying that Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden should not be/have been prosecuted for their “mishandling of classified information” etc, because doing it to THEM – as opposed to some Navy schlub who gets locked up for years for far less – would be “political?”

    • #8
  9. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    I’m afraid I have to disagree. I think condemning DeSantis sounds like a step the Left would take. First, I have a hard time believing that DeSantis is just waiting for them to slam Trump so he can take the lead; that sounds like something the Trump camp would spread to defame DeSantis. Second, it’s unclear whether they will act on Tuesday or not. In other words, nothing has happened yet. I think Vivek is getting ahead of himself, too; you can be sure he’ll capitalize on anything that would take DeSantis down.

    DeSantis is his own man; just because people demand that he act, he acts according to his own rhythm. I think he’ll wait until the indictment comes out and then do just what he needs to do. If he doesn’t, then I’ll be down on him, too.

    • #9
  10. Annefy Member
    Annefy
    @Annefy

    Brian Wyneken (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    I’d like to see something actually happen and then DeSantis say something. I am hoping he is getting ready.

    Yes – the more traditional executive temperament suggests this approach (to include being ready to respond very promptly).

    True. That said, this is no moment for “traditional executive” temperaments. 

    As usual, the GOP(e) is fighting the war before, trying to win the election before …

    • #10
  11. Rodin Member
    Rodin
    @Rodin

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    I’m afraid I have to disagree. I think condemning DeSantis sounds like a step the Left would take. First, I have a hard time believing that DeSantis is just waiting for them to slam Trump so he can take the lead; that sounds like something the Trump camp would spread to defame DeSantis. Second, it’s unclear whether they will act on Tuesday or not. In other words, nothing has happened yet. I think Vivek is getting ahead of himself, too; you can be sure he’ll capitalize on anything that would take DeSantis down.

    DeSantis is his own man; just because people demand that he act, he acts according to his own rhythm. I think he’ll wait until the indictment comes out and then do just what he needs to do. If he doesn’t, then I’ll be down on him, too.

    I hope your assessment is correct. Time will tell. But CTH and Baris are not the Trump camp, per se, nor the Left. In general, I don’t think your average conservative wants to think in these Machiavellian terms. That, sadly, does not mean they are unreal.

    • #11
  12. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Annefy (View Comment):
    As usual, the GOP(e) is fighting the war before, trying to win the election before …

    I also don’t think the circumstances suggest his ranting about the potential action before it even happens. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see them postpone action, just to tick off a bunch of people. Meanwhile, DeSantis would like weird for condemning something that doesn’t happen. That’s not GOPe behavior; it’s common sense.

    • #12
  13. Hoyacon Member
    Hoyacon
    @Hoyacon

    I’m having trouble figuring out why DeSantis would disregard Trump’s premature attacks on his candidacy and issue a premature statement on Trump’s indictment.

    • #13
  14. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Rodin (View Comment):
    I hope your assessment is correct. Time will tell. But CTH and Baris are not the Trump camp, per se, nor the Left. In general, I don’t think your average conservative wants to think in these Machiavellian terms. That, sadly, does not mean they are unreal.

    True. But I heard Baris speak at a Hillsdale conference and although he uses admirable polling techniques, he’s a Trump fan. And from what I’ve heard, CTH hates DeSantis. People can do with that what they will . . . 

    • #14
  15. Annefy Member
    Annefy
    @Annefy

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Annefy (View Comment):
    As usual, the GOP(e) is fighting the war before, trying to win the election before …

    I also don’t think the circumstances suggest his ranting about the potential action before it even happens. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see them postpone action, just to tick off a bunch of people. Meanwhile, DeSantis would like weird for condemning something that doesn’t happen. That’s not GOPe behavior; it’s common sense.

    Or … for once members of the GOP(e) would send a message: Don’t. You. Dare. (and maybe inspire a rethink?)

    Not saying it would be the correct, or the effective response. But we on the right get the “Don’t. You. Dare” message often and I would love to see it pointed in the opposite direction for a change.

    • #15
  16. Rodin Member
    Rodin
    @Rodin

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Rodin: Why not? Because this is really important. Prosecuting political opposition is a big big red line that we are about to cross in this country.

    But what’s your more specific definition? Are you saying that Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden should not be/have been prosecuted for their “mishandling of classified information” etc, because doing it to THEM – as opposed to some Navy schlub who gets locked up for years for far less – would be “political?”

    There has always been a recognition that prosecution of political figures is always a different category. They are not exempt, and should not be exempt. But the indictment is for a campaign finance offense, as I understand it, for which a financial penalty is assessed. And Hillary (her campaign) has actually been assessed and paid fines.

    This is not the mishandling classified case — a federal, not state, beef. While I am fairly confident that both Biden and Hillary are guilty of influence peddling even there I would go slow and carefully because you need to do everything you can to convince a broad swath of the public that these are legitimate criminal cases and not politically useful prosecutions. When you have a highly divided country it may be very difficult to pursue legitimate cases when so many will doubt their propriety no matter how good the case might be. This is very dangerous territory and the Left very badly wants us to go there. It is a game of chicken with the highest stakes — our democratic republic. Chaos may not be avoidable, but we should do everything we can to convince the Left not to bring it.

    • #16
  17. Brian Wyneken Member
    Brian Wyneken
    @BrianWyneken

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xJkUyotSc4

    Kind of where I stand (not that where I stand matters).

    • #17
  18. Annefy Member
    Annefy
    @Annefy

    Everyone is talking about this in “strategery” terms. 

    My boss (a lovely gentleman) skulked into my office after Roe V Wade was overturned. (we agree on most things) And asked me if we on the Right would pay for it in the midterms; whether this was a good idea; while he agreed with the ruling: was it smart?

    And I replied that I had had it up to my back teeth with doing everything with the next election in mind, how it’s polling, what effect it would have on a candidate, etc.

    Sometimes it’s just the right thing to do. And if it is, then do it.

    • #18
  19. Rodin Member
    Rodin
    @Rodin

    MWD B612 "Dawg" (View Comment):

    Rodin: If Trump does not voluntarily surrender to a NYC prosecutor on a charged misdemeanor offense, then DeSantis can and should protect a Florida citizen from a New York state beef that is blatantly political.

    All the reporting I’ve seen, both MSM and alternatives, states that DJT’s team has said that Trump will surrender voluntarily. So there’s no need for RDS to make a statement such as the second part of your comment at #4. So holding off on that is smart, IMO.

    I’ve also read that the Secret Service will not allow the former President to be handcuffed nor will they allow him to be “perp-walked.” So those Lefties drool at the prospect of Trump being paraded in handcuffs will suffer a major disappointment. If there even is an indictment, of course.

    If you read comment #4 I think that it would have been useful for DeSantis to say that there would be no arrest in his state. If DJT wants to travel to NYC that’s fine. But if DJT wants the protection of the State of Florida he has it. It would cost DeSantis nothing, and would have enhanced his image (IMO).

    • #19
  20. Rodin Member
    Rodin
    @Rodin

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Annefy (View Comment):
    As usual, the GOP(e) is fighting the war before, trying to win the election before …

    I also don’t think the circumstances suggest his ranting about the potential action before it even happens. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see them postpone action, just to tick off a bunch of people. Meanwhile, DeSantis would like weird for condemning something that doesn’t happen. That’s not GOPe behavior; it’s common sense.

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    I’m having trouble figuring out why DeSantis would disregard Trump’s premature attacks on his candidacy and issue a premature statement on Trump’s indictment.

    See #4. It was a free throw. Even if the indictment were delayed, and particularly since Trump’s team had attacked DeSantis. What can be more DeSantis than explaining to NYC that Florida respects the rights of its citizens. And his generosity (albeit his sworn duty to do so) would have made him look like the bigger man.

    • #20
  21. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Rodin (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Rodin: Why not? Because this is really important. Prosecuting political opposition is a big big red line that we are about to cross in this country.

    But what’s your more specific definition? Are you saying that Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden should not be/have been prosecuted for their “mishandling of classified information” etc, because doing it to THEM – as opposed to some Navy schlub who gets locked up for years for far less – would be “political?”

    There has always been a recognition that prosecution of political figures is always a different category. They are not exempt, and should not be exempt. But the indictment is for a campaign finance offense, as I understand it, for which a financial penalty is assessed. And Hillary (her campaign) has actually been assessed and paid fines.

    From what I’ve read, it’s difficult to see how they push the case beyond Trump lawyer Michael Cohen who has already been prosecuted, disbarred, etc.

     

    This is not the mishandling classified case — a federal, not state, beef. While I am fairly confident that both Biden and Hillary are guilty of influence peddling even there I would go slow and carefully because you need to do everything you can to convince a broad swath of the public that these are legitimate criminal cases and not politically useful prosecutions. When you have a highly divided country it may be very difficult to pursue legitimate cases when so many will doubt their propriety no matter how good the case might be. This is very dangerous territory and the Left very badly wants us to go there. It is a game of chicken with the highest stakes — our democratic republic. Chaos may not be avoidable, but we should do everything we can to convince the Left not to bring it.

    That sounds like the left/prosecutors/whatever in New York acting like they can’t prosecute muggers/car thieves/etc because THEN the criminals might get MAD and do something REALLY bad.  And what do they get?  More crime.

    • #21
  22. Rodin Member
    Rodin
    @Rodin

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    I heard Baris speak at a Hillsdale conference and although he uses admirable polling techniques, he’s a Trump fan. And from what I’ve heard, CTH hates DeSantis. People can do with that what they will . . . 

    I would put it slightly differently: Baris is a Trumpism fan and really hates it when Trump does something that hurts the agenda or the ability to carry out the agenda. And he does not hate DeSantis. CTH hates the Deep State and the uni-Party that supports it. He sees DeSantis as a uni-Party candidate and not an existential enemy of the Deep State. That is why have been skeptical of CTH’s take on DeSantis. But now I am unsure that he has been wrong.

    One thing I do know: Never fall in love with a politician. They will break your heart every time.

    • #22
  23. Bob Thompson Member
    Bob Thompson
    @BobThompson

    Since DeSantis could be called on to take an official action as Governor of Florida where Trump resides I think it makes sense not to act on a rumor and wait until he is dealing with a fact.

    • #23
  24. Flicker Coolidge
    Flicker
    @Flicker

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Annefy (View Comment):
    As usual, the GOP(e) is fighting the war before, trying to win the election before …

    I also don’t think the circumstances suggest his ranting about the potential action before it even happens. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see them postpone action, just to tick off a bunch of people. Meanwhile, DeSantis would like weird for condemning something that doesn’t happen. That’s not GOPe behavior; it’s common sense.

    Then again, raising a stink before the false indictment may be a way of preventing it and any further prosecution.

    • #24
  25. Flicker Coolidge
    Flicker
    @Flicker

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    I’m having trouble figuring out why DeSantis would disregard Trump’s premature attacks on his candidacy and issue a premature statement on Trump’s indictment.

    Trump’s attacks are only premature if DeSantis’ decision has not yet been made, or if he’s waiting to see how the wind blows.  But apparently those in the know, know.  And Trump is responding to an actual but undeclared candidacy.

    • #25
  26. Hoyacon Member
    Hoyacon
    @Hoyacon

    Rodin (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Annefy (View Comment):
    As usual, the GOP(e) is fighting the war before, trying to win the election before …

    I also don’t think the circumstances suggest his ranting about the potential action before it even happens. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see them postpone action, just to tick off a bunch of people. Meanwhile, DeSantis would like weird for condemning something that doesn’t happen. That’s not GOPe behavior; it’s common sense.

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    I’m having trouble figuring out why DeSantis would disregard Trump’s premature attacks on his candidacy and issue a premature statement on Trump’s indictment.

    See #4. It was a free throw. Even if the indictment were delayed, and particularly since Trump’s team had attacked DeSantis. What can be more DeSantis than explaining to NYC that Florida respects the rights of its citizens. And his generosity (albeit his sworn duty to do so) would have made him look like the bigger man.

    Perhaps I’m more vengeful, but, if someone called me “Hoyaconsanctimonious,” he would be waiting awhile before I said anything on his behalf.

    My guess is that DeSantis will wait for the dust to settle and then say something about the political nature of the prosecution. We are still waiting and hoping that any “protests” don’t turn bad.  DeSantis is smart not to say anything that could be seen as lending to a riot if one were to occur.

    • #26
  27. Flicker Coolidge
    Flicker
    @Flicker

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Rodin (View Comment):
    I hope your assessment is correct. Time will tell. But CTH and Baris are not the Trump camp, per se, nor the Left. In general, I don’t think your average conservative wants to think in these Machiavellian terms. That, sadly, does not mean they are unreal.

    True. But I heard Baris speak at a Hillsdale conference and although he uses admirable polling techniques, he’s a Trump fan. And from what I’ve heard, CTH hates DeSantis. People can do with that what they will . . .

    No, I’ve been reading CHT consistently for years and it does not hate DeSantis.  It has laid out for months the particular maneuvering that goes on before a candidacy is formally declared and what DeSantis has been engaged in for months now.

    • #27
  28. GlenEisenhardt Member
    GlenEisenhardt
    @

    Yup. If DeSantis can’t speak out against this and deal with the continued abuse of GOP voters he just lost the image he took years to create. 

    • #28
  29. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Flicker (View Comment):
    Then again, raising a stink before the false indictment may be a way of preventing it and any further prosecution.

    I don’t think that’s going to happen. Bragg is an idiot, and remember the Feds turned down the case. He’s on a mission.

    • #29
  30. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Flicker (View Comment):
    No, I’ve been reading CHT consistently for years and it does not hate DeSantis. 

    Sorry. I can’t remember who told me that and if I was wrong, I apologize.

    • #30
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