Chuck Todd: The First Big Desantis, Trump Showdown Is Over Abortion

A Rollercoaster Ride for the Republican Field

Good Sunday morning! As we dive into yet another week in the presidential campaign, it's clear that things are heating up in the 2024 Republican field. With concerns among some Republicans that none of Donald Trump's current rivals will be able to beat him in a primary, the race is becoming more intense than ever.

One candidate who is making waves is Tim Scott, who will be announcing his campaign tomorrow in his hometown of North Charleston. And let's not forget about Ron DeSantis, who is expected to formally file paperwork for his presidential bid this week. But before his big campaign rally announcement later in the month, he has planned a soft launch with a donor retreat at the luxurious Four Seasons in Miami. Talk about starting off with a bang!

The Rise and Fall of Ron DeSantis

When this year began, Ron DeSantis seemed like a force to be reckoned with—a potential juggernaut in the making. However, the past few months have not been kind to him. Relentless attacks from Trump himself have taken their toll on DeSantis' image, causing him to flounder and struggle with donors who refuse to return his phone calls. This could spell trouble for him in a general election.

To make matters worse, there are concerns about DeSantis' charisma. Some worry that he lacks the charm and magnetism needed to win over voters on a larger scale. And let's not forget about his recent missteps. From an ill-advised comment about the Ukraine war being a mere territorial dispute to a messy fight with Disney that turned victory into a problem, DeSantis has had his fair share of setbacks.

The Search for an Alternative

With all these doubts surrounding DeSantis' candidacy, many Republicans believe that he simply cannot win a general election. Prominent figures like Sununu and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie have voiced their concerns. If no alternative candidate materializes soon, donors are likely to start looking elsewhere for Republicans with broader appeal.

Governor Ryan Kemp and Glen Youngkin are two such candidates who have already started making waves. Kemp recently rolled out a video in which he positioned himself as a vehicle to Ronald Reagan's legacy. It's clear that these candidates are trying to position themselves as the more electable options, focusing on issues like abortion rather than getting caught up in the legal baggage surrounding January 6th and Trump