Real-life Ron DeSantis made an appearance in New Hampshire, among other states, interacting with real people instead of existing as a potential or idealized version on Twitter. DeSantis, along with his wife Casey, worked a quick rope line, with Casey being better suited for the task than her husband. DeSantis has been performing in-person campaign duties recently after announcing his presidential campaign on Twitter Spaces. Although DeSantis excels at demonstrating outrage and “kneecapping” various woke abuses, he struggles with the actual in-person performance of politics. He spoke extensively on the dangers of the “woke movement” at his campaign events, mentioning the death penalty for pedophiles and migrants being sent to “beautiful Martha’s Vineyard”. He also promised to end the “Faucian dystopia” and expressed his concern for his two daughters if they were to compete against a transgender athlete. While this played well with committed Republicans and likely primary voters, DeSantis focused solely on the culture war and ignored other issues that affect children, like gun violence. Although his persona can feel contrived to some, DeSantis’s willingness to get in the media’s face is seen as a positive by his supporters. DeSantis’s unwillingness to mention Trump unless prompted draws a clear contrast between their styles of leadership, with DeSantis emphasizing competence and conviction over charisma.
The Atlantic’s Article on Ron DeSantis’ Unspirited Journey
