Simon Ateba is Chief White House Correspondent for Today News Africa covering President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. government, UN, IMF, World Bank and other financial and international institutions in Washington and New York.
In Africa, there is a saying that goes, “The eyes that will last you for a long time do not start giving you problems on day one.” Unfortunately, this saying seemed to ring true when Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) announced his presidential bid on Twitter. Many of his supporters were hopeful for a smooth start, but the launch encountered technical issues right from the beginning during a conversation with Elon Musk.
The stumbling at the starting line was evident as the technical glitches persisted for several minutes before eventually subsiding. This announcement came shortly after Mr. DeSantis, the 44-year-old governor of Florida, filed paperwork to challenge other Republican contenders, including former President Donald J. Trump, who currently holds a substantial lead of 30 to 40 points in various polls.
Despite receiving endorsements from mainstream media outlets, including Fox News, DeSantis has faced a recent stagnation in his support. He hopes to rally Republicans who are looking to move on from Trump and garner their backing.
DeSantis, who is known for his conservative agenda and successful transformation of Florida’s political landscape faces many challenges, including being his own person rather than trying to be Trump without Trump.
His presidential bid announcement on Twitter sparked a flurry of reactions from my followers when I asked them to share their thoughts, and here’s what they had to say:
“I don’t really care about DeSantis’s political future, but he’s certainly going to come out of this damaged by taking on Trump. Destroyed? IDK. No amount of disgrace seems to stick to Republicans for long anymore. Dems, too. But he will lose to Trump, and he will be damaged.” – Jo Christiansen
“He already has the book deal & I reckon the Murdochs would hire him at Fox.” – Isable Jones
“You are nowhere near wrong; you are spot on!” – 🍊🍊❌ Ⓑυƈƙαɾσσ Ⓑαɳȥαι ❌🍊🍊
“I think you nailed it 💯 Simon 👍🏻” – JuStWaNtThEtRuTh💯
“This is EXACTLY correct! Period.” – Carole B. Smith
“I like DeSantis. He should stay in Florida. 2028.” – Texas Rebel
“I agree!! Hope you are well. I haven’t seen you for a long time!” – Susan Cleary Rittger
“You’re right Simon, a very long shot.” – Brian Brewer
“I totally agree with you. It’s a long shot for him and will likely destroy his future chances of running.” – Melissa
“True.” – JennySue1776🇺🇸
“Well said!! Spot on.” – LaShonLuv ❤️🇺🇸
“I think you are exactly right!!!! He could have had a chance in 2028, but he let them get to his head. Now he gets zero chances. That was probably the establishment’s plan all along so DeSantis never gets a chance. It’s all a game. #Trump2024TheOnlyChoice” – Mrs Doubtpfizer 🇺🇸
“I actually agree.” – I Love Peetza
“I agree. I was really hoping he would sit this one out. I’m afraid the 2024 run may hurt his chances in 2028.” – Jeff Briggs
“I think the gap will close rapidly once he announces, once he starts advertising and campaigning, and for certain when the debates arrive. All while Trump continues to fight court battles and whine about anyone challenging him for the nomination. But I could be wrong too!” – USA Trump Man 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
“I don’t trust him nor do I respect him.” – rhea
“The choice may not be his. 🤔 Think about it, IF he does have free will, why would he risk EVERYTHING & I mean everything. Just this one action alone shows people that we can’t even trust him to continue to secure the people of Florida; he doesn’t finish what he starts.” – Wrainn
“He’s a winner.” – HANS
“As a Florida resident, I’d like him to stay on as governor BUT maybe Ron feels 2028 would be too late 👀” – Billy Roach
“I want to see him as VP. He is too green. He needs to work under Trump and learn all about how bad and corrupt the deep state of that DC cesspool is.” – tamara
“I wish he would stay in Florida and put a nice tight MAGA bow on the state and run in ’28… but that’s me.” – JC Howell
“Great assessment! DeSantis is betting on the DOJ taking Trump out of the election. That’s the only reason he’s running!” – Salmon La Sac Sue
The diverse opinions reflected a range of perspectives on DeSantis’s chances, his political future, and the dynamics surrounding his decision to enter the presidential race.
Great article. Interesting take. Probably very true, and DeSantis will function to both his and Trump’s detriment in the election.