First, remind us to get a new picture of David French to use with our posts. Second, let us remind you that French was Bill Kristol’s independent candidate for president in 2016, when you could still be Never Trump but also not eagerly vote for the Democratic candidate. French is among the Principled Conservatives™ who’s Never Trump, but also might not be cheering for Biden in 2024 — not after former Vice President Mike Pence gave a speech in which he said calling to defund the FBI was just as wrong as calling to defund the police. Pence also opened the door to testifying before the January 6 select committee.
That got French’s ears to perk up: Gov. Ron DeSantis, a likely 2024 candidate, has cozied up to the MAGA wing of the party, so he’s out. But Pence … here’s a clear alternative for Republicans in 2024.
The more DeSantis cozies up to the MAGA wing of the party the harder it is to see the logic of a run *against* Trump (as opposed to positioning himself as a Trump heir).
Meanwhile, the post Jan 6 version of Pence is presenting a clear alternative: https://t.co/Nn1ly6BYel
— David French (@DavidAFrench) August 17, 2022
The road to post-Trump is incrementalist, especially while Trump is still around. If your only palatable choice is someone who runs on being anti-Trump, you’ll wait forever.
— Noam Blum (@neontaster) August 17, 2022
Liz Cheney ran pretty exclusively on being anti-Trump, and how’d that turn out for her?
There is no "MAGA wing" it doesn't sort like it does on your Twitter timeline in real life. It's just most Republicans agree on most issues and whoever proves they can achieve on those issues the best will win. You know, governance? Public policy?
— Zaid Jilani (@ZaidJilani) August 17, 2022
Are you officially #NeverDeSantis now, David?
— Cobra Commander 15 (@cobracommandr15) August 17, 2022
No doubt the answer is yes. Because DeSantis has a great and provable record of conservative successes, Mr. French is more comfortable writing nostrums that *sound conservative* but don’t actually achieve anything.
— SheilaW (@SheLa9876) August 17, 2022
Recommended
Who on earth thinks that Pence would be a good nominee?
— Moves Product (@tomabella) August 17, 2022
Gosh, my friends have said mean things about him. I guess Ron D must be bad, look at the Atlantic articles! But today, they said something nice about Pence, he must be the guy. Don’t worry I won’t change my mind if the Atlantic says something bad about Pence tomorrow
— William Eggleston (@weggleston) August 17, 2022
DeSantis made one statement on the raid. How is that cozying up to the MAGA wing?
— Jeff (@jeffcampbell64) August 17, 2022
Pence faces an uphill battle against Evan McMullin.
— Derk (@Paytpup) August 17, 2022
As a conservative who has had numerous opportunities in my life to vote for Mike Pence, I can proudly say I never have.
And never will.— MR. PLOW That’s my name (@water4323) August 17, 2022
Of course this is your take 😂
— GODZILLA SUSHI 🦖🍣 (@Godzilla_Sushi) August 17, 2022
DeSantis led the world by example through Covid. He should’ve been Time’s person of the year. Amazing and courageous leadership. Stop trying to make Pence happen because it won’t.
— Dandy Truman (@DandyTruman) August 17, 2022
Maybe, just maybe, you should focus on DeSantis as the premier successful Republican governor in the country. I realize you see everything through a Trumpian lens, but come on. Try it, it's not that hard!
— CronyCap Buzzkiller, persona non grata (@jdftgadsden) August 17, 2022
You are so lost. pic.twitter.com/H8Op4DzJf6
— Live Free Or Deb🦦 🌅 (@livefreeordeb) August 17, 2022
You’re absolutely just a broken person.
Do you understand you have to garner votes to win an election? I know this surprises you, but some Rs actually want to win; not merely get back-pats from the Left for being a good boy.
— MJBengals (@SeahawksMj) August 17, 2022
Elections won't be run by ignoring the MAGA wing, but they can be lost by obsessing over the MAGA wing, as your friend Liz showed last night.
— NR (@royhutchins) August 17, 2022
I don't think DeSantis is cozying up to the MAGA wing. I think he's showing he best represents what Republicans need and want now. I get that you filter everything through the prism of "TRUMP IS MY LIFE!" But some things aren't Trump. Truly.
— Jake (@UCCowboy) August 17, 2022
I know you'll never understand, but Republicans are tired of getting out asses handed to us by running milquetoast nobodies like Pence. We want someone who will stand up and actually fight the left on their vicious terms, not appease them. Trump did that, and you'll never get it.
— Bonk (@BonkPolitics) August 17, 2022
The expected "DeSantis is worse than Trump" metamorphosis is right on schedule.
— The Government sucks at everything (@backtobasicsplz) August 17, 2022
Is Jen Rubin wearing you as a skin suit now?
— Airish1 (@airish1) August 17, 2022
Pence is a clear alternative … to the Republicans winning in 2024.
Related:
Dana Loesch eviscerates Mike Pence for saying calls to defund the FBI ‘are just as wrong a calls to defund the police’ https://t.co/ta94R5whIX
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) August 17, 2022
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