Donald Trump 2016 edition vs. Donald Trump 2024 edition

It's painfully obvious that Gov. Ron DeSantis is living rent-free in Donald Trump's mind. That doesn't automatically translate into Gov. DeSantis winning the GOP presidential nomination. It's just proof that Gov. DeSantis isn't on the defensive like the top candidates were in 2016. 

Speaking of 2016, this year's Donald Trump is different than the 2016 edition of Trump. Again, that isn't proof that he's better or worse, just different but difficult to quantify. In Ed Morrissey's latest HotAir post, Ed wrote "Trump is arguing that DeSantis is committing 'election interference' by interfering with Trump’s attempt to win another GOP nomination. In other words, competitive elections are now 'election interference' for Trump." That's a warped explanation.

I just got a Trump announcement from a friend and loyal reader of this blog. The opening paragraph of the email says "This is one of the most out-of-touch campaign launches in modern history. The only thing less relatable than a niche campaign launch on Twitter, is DeSantis' after party at the uber elite Four Seasons resort in Miami." That's breathtakingly tone-deaf. First, let's remember that Trump announced his candidacy in 2015 by coming down the golden escalator at Trump Towers:

Next, let's remember that Trump has properties all over the world, including at Mar-a-Lago. I don't begrudge him that. I'm just highlighting the fact that people who live in glass houses shouldn't criticize others for celebrating the way that Trump celebrates.

The 2016 Trump truly was a blue collar billionaire. The 2016 Trump was mostly a counterpuncher. The 2024 Trump is a mean-spirited candidate who hits Gov. DeSantis again-and-again. Trump isn't waiting to counterpunch. Trump's hitting first in the hopes of crippling Gov. DeSantis early. Frankly, it's getting tiresome and it isn't working. Whatever Trump's talked about policy-wise is getting drowned out by his mean-spirited criticisms of Gov. DeSantis.

I don't know how this plays with voters but I'm betting it isn't playing well. Meanwhile, it's fun (from time-to-time) to watch Trump desperately criticize DeSantis. I can't wait to watch these top-2 contenders start going after each other in Milwaukeee's debte stage. I'm getting the popcorn popped already. (Orville Redenbacher's with butter, of course.)

The 2016 Trump wasn't afraid of saying what's on his mind. The 2024 Trump isn't much like that. From the Trump Campaign email:

Everyday more and more Americans are realizing just how out of step Ron DeSantis is with their values and how unelectable he really is. From his votes to cut Social Security and Medicare, to his support of a national sales tax that would raise taxes on 90% of families, to his vote in support of Obama's TPP which sent jobs to China, to his vote against funding for President Trump's wall, Ron DeSantis just isn't ready to be President. President Trump is ready on day one to turn our country around, reverse Biden's disasterous policies and make America great again."
People must really hate DeSantis. They're moving into the 'State that Ron Built' in increasing numbers. They're moving from California to Florida to ditch Gov. Gavin Newsom's poorly-run state. They're leaving NY State to get rid of the high crime and the super-high taxes. Whoever this spokesperson is, Trump missed it in hiring her. She's part of the Not-Yet-Ready for-Primetime-Players.' Comparing this lady with Christine Pushaw is like comparing KJP with Kayleigh McEnany or Sarah Huckabee-Sanders. That isn't fair to Trump's campaign spokesperson.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kendall Quall's big mistake

Image
A loyal reader of this blog just sent me a screenshot touting Kendall Qualls. The screenshot is short on truth. What it lacks in truth, it makes up for in fiction. Here's Kendall's fiction: Kendall Qualls should be ashamed for spewing this BS. First, Qualls knows better than this. Jeff Johnson and Lisa Demuth have both confirmed that they're abiding by the Convention's endorsement. This appears to be Qualls attempting to be something he isn't. While I'm not disputing whether Mr. Qualls will abide by the endorsement, I'm calling BS that he's THE ONLY GOP CANDIDATE who will abide by the endorsement. This brings into question whether Mr. Qualls is willing to say anything to win. We don't need another candidate who'll put together fiction to win. We've had too many candidates who fit that description throughout the years. Next, we need people who fit J.C. Watts' description of character. Watts said that "the definition of character is d...
Read more

Johnson family statement (unedited)

We are heartbroken beyond words by the tragic and senseless loss of our beloved daughter, Hallie Marie. Hallie was a bright light in our lives and in the lives of so many others. She was kind, compassionate, and full of promise. The pain of losing her in this way is something no family should ever have to endure, and we are still struggling to comprehend this unimaginable reality. We want to express our deepest gratitude to our family, friends, and even strangers for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, and support. Your messages, tributes, and acts of kindness have brought us comfort and your prayers are sustaining us as we navigate this difficult journey. We are also thankful to law enforcement for their ongoing efforts. As we grieve and begin the difficult process of laying our daughter to rest, we respectfully ask for privacy from the media during this incredibly painful time. In the midst of this tragedy, we also want to acknowledge the importance of mental health suppor...
Read more

Minnesota loses another major business opportunity

Image
If I wsa advising Lisa Demuth's campaign, one of the first things I'd do at Friday night's debate is highlight how "a Minnesota-based company belonging to the Indian conglomerate Essar Group" is building "a major steel plant" in "southeast Iowa's Lee County." According to this Iowa Public Radio article , "President Donald Trump on Monday announced an $18 billion investment in a fully integrated American steel system, including a major steel plant coming to southeast Iowa's Lee County. The $15 billion plant will be built by Mesabi Metallics, a Minnesota-based company belonging to the Indian conglomerate Essar Group. The other $3 billion will help complete Mesabi’s new mine in Minnesota’s Iron Range, which will supply iron ore to the Iowa steel plant. Gov. Tim Walz insists that Minnesota is one of the best places to build a business or raise a family. This isn't Minnesota's initial embarrassment. In Sept, 2025, KARE11 repor...
Read more