Florida Governor Ron DeSantis emerged as a noteworthy Republican contender for the 2024 US presidential election. Once seen as a full-swing, XL-sized candidate, he’s now often likened to a medium-sized version of Donald Trump. This article explores DeSantis’s campaign, policies, and performance in comparison to Trump and analyzes the dynamics within the Republican party and the current state of US-China relations.
The Rise and Decline of DeSantis:
In May, when DeSantis announced his candidacy for the 2024 US elections, he seemed a potent force, even described as “Trump with a brain.” However, this initial promise has dwindled, and his popularity has now shrunk to a Trump-like figure but on a smaller scale.
DeSantis’s failure to emerge from Trump’s shadow isn’t because Trump offered more specific policies, but rather DeSantis’s strategies weren’t compelling enough to attract more voters. Even Trump’s potential legal troubles have not shaken his position as a leading Republican presidential nominee.
DeSantis Vs. Trump: A Snapshot of the Polls:
In mid-February, DeSantis lost to Trump by a mere two points in a poll (39% to 41%). As of July 31, the average polls from FiveThirtyEight showed Trump with a commanding 37-point lead (53%) over DeSantis. Other candidates trailed, with at most 6% of the vote.
DeSantis’s 10-Point Economic Plan:
DeSantis’s campaign relied heavily on a “10-point economic plan” to woo the right wing. He advocated for tax cuts, energy independence, restricting “unskilled” immigration, and staunchly conservative stances on hot-button issues like abortion rights and gender.
This policy preference also extended to his approach toward China. DeSantis prioritized ending China’s “most favored nation” trade status and preventing companies from sharing critical technologies with China.
The “China Card” and Its Limitations:
Utilizing the “China card” has been a recurring theme in DeSantis’s campaign. While emphasizing the need to combat China, dubbed “the No. 1 geopolitical threat,” he also sought to regain “economic control” from the Asian powerhouse.
However, DeSantis’s proposals are far from innovative. His strategies are a repeat of what Trump has executed and align with the Biden administration’s current policy.
From Trump to Biden, the U.S. has waged a “trade war” and “science and tech war” against China. Though these initially seemed powerful, China’s response, grounded in the principle of “softness conquers strength” in Tai Chi, has left the U.S. weary. Now, China appears ready to counterattack.
DeSantis’s attempt to leverage the “China card” is outdated and ineffective. While it might worsen the already negative perception of China in the U.S., it no longer resonates with voters.
Increasingly, Americans realize that domestic problems must be solved internally, without scapegoating China. The polarization within U.S. politics further complicates any effort to stabilize U.S.-China relations. This continual erosion of the American foundation undermines the ambitious goal of making America great again, a legacy passed from Trump to Biden, rendering it vague and unattainable.
Trump’s Unwavering Popularity:
Despite his controversial image, Trump’s approval ratings remain solid. His persona and political chaos are becoming normalized within the U.S. political landscape.
Conclusion: The Implications of Smaller Trumps:
In the grand scheme of international relations, particularly with China, DeSantis’s stance as an M-sized Trump does not cause significant concern. His proposals echo his predecessors without adding anything new, and his reliance on worn-out tactics like the “China card” only adds more noise without any substantial impact.
If the large-sized Trump did not bring about a significant change in China’s position, the smaller-sized Trumps like DeSantis are unlikely to cause a stir.
The 2024 elections, therefore, provide a glimpse of a Republican party still grappling with Trump’s legacy, where newer candidates struggle to differentiate themselves and resonate with the electorate. The broader implications on U.S. foreign policy, particularly with China, highlight the recurring and unproductive strategies that contribute to a broader stagnation in the country’s global stance.
DeSantis’s campaign and the current political climate thus reflect the complex interplay of domestic and international dynamics in an era where polarization, stagnation, and repetition seem to be defining features.
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