When Trump announced he is running, he also announced a major national security threat.

[sop]

9. I dont think MAGAs want someone smarter, better educated and more focused...they want Trump.

For some inexplicable reason, perhaps it's his "charisma," they are still in thrall to Trump. His schtick might be wearing thin right about now, but his followers don't seem to care. You have to give Trump his due; the guy is a consummate bullshit artist and a highly skilled con man. DeSantis has positioned himself as the most likely Trump substitute; he's meaner, nastier, crueler, more arrogant, a bigger bully and a more virulent racist, but he's not Trump.

I watched DeSantis address a crowd in Miami; he said all the right things, but he failed to stir up the same emotions and passions. The man is dull, boring, humorless, far too earnest and "sanctimonious." The Republican establishment and rightwing media believe DeSantis will appeal to the same crowd, but I don't think he'll be able to replace Trump in their hearts. They'll vote for him, but they won't love him.