...the left, but you also have to look at it from the right. Being a Trump "lackey", in your words, is a plus, not a minus -- although obviously "lackey" isn't the word we'd use. When elections are based on turnout, base support is critical, and he'd have it.

DeSantis will come out smelling like roses from this COVID fiasco having kept his state's economy relatively free and growing. He's well-liked, whereas half-wit lockdown artists like Newsom are in the process of getting recalled.

DeSantis is well-spoken and pugnacious, but without the edge that Trump brings, which is a plus.

Also, my guess is that he will be a leader in a key emerging issue -- reining in the Silicon Valley monopolies -- which will play well with the right, middle and left. I think one of the trends you'll see over the next 12-24 months is states starting to take on these monopolies since the federal government obviously won't, and FL under DeSantis is likely to be at the forefront of that movement. It's a winning issue, IMO -- nobody like these tech giants.

Finally, remember that any Republican nominated is likely running against Harris, who is one of the worst candidates imaginable. She's got Hillary's likeability but without Hillary's (alleged) record and experience. Winning over moderates ain't going to be a problem in 2024.