Jonathan Last: “When the history of 2024 is written, DeSantis will earn the distinction of having run the single worst presidential campaign of the modern era. He had all of the money and all of the institutional support, yet he bungled every strategic and tactical decision. He could not manage his organization. He did not display a single moment of competence. He chose expediency over principle and lost anyway.”
“One of the truisms of American politics is that it never hurts to run for president. Even if you don’t win the nomination, you raise your profile or champion an issue. And in 2024 you could make the case that just about every Republican who ran emerged better off or at least got something out of it.”
“Mike Pence got his postscript. Doug Burgum taught people his name. Tim Scott auditioned for vice president. Nikki Haley reminded corporate boards looking for Good Republicans that she’s alive. Chris Christie regained his honor. Vivek Ramaswamy became American’s most-hated troll. And Asa Hutchinson taught America a lesson by showing what Republican voters really want.”
“DeSantis ends his campaign not just diminished, but destroyed. His political career is over. He has demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt that he is both foolish and dishonorable.”
