Dealing with DeSantis Depression

He bowed out pretty quickly and I respect it.

On Sunday January 21st, 2024, Ron DeSantis announced that he was ending his campaign for president and calling all his supporters to unite behind Donald Trump in his bid for the presidency. A lot of people are saddened by this turn of events. It was disheartening, to say the least, to see DeSantis’ loss in Iowa. I didn’t believe the polls. I didn’t see Trump really campaigning there. Not nearly as much as Ron had. But it wasn’t enough, I guess. We can talk about media shenanigans and blizzards, but it was a loss nonetheless.

For most of his supporters, it seemed the fire was still there and they were looking to New Hampshire. I was not. I knew in my gut that if Ronny D didn’t win in Iowa, it was over. This is why I completely respect what looks to others like an extremely early concession of defeat. The truth of the matter is, that there was no message, no clever quip, no tv appearance, nothing that was gonna stop Trump’s momentum now that it was shown to actually exist. His unique charisma is perfectly suited to turning momentum into a loyal fanbase. And people are voting for him because of his charisma. They will ignore many many problems because they like him.

But you might be thinking Ron should’ve put up more of a fight. I disagree. First off, how do you fight someone who won’t actually fight you. The former president is not going to debate DeSantis. He’s not going to, and the only way Ron could force him to do so would be to win states. Which he couldn’t do at this point except by dismantling Trump in a debate. All the while, Trump would be lobbing insult after insult DeSantis’ way discrediting him in the eyes of the public.

Pursuing further attemtps to win the primary would only destroy the Ron DeSantis brand. It wouldn’t matter if the insults were true. It wouldn’t matter that Ron’s record was exemplary. That he is the best governor in the country and Florida is the state that everyone wants to live in these days, Donald Trump would use his extraordinary charisma and loyal sycophants to tear down Ron’s image in the eyes of the greater public. He’s already done so in the eyes of the MAGA faithful. “He’s a traitor!” As if, Trump is our king.

By bowing out early, he keeps his brand intact, and can go back to Florida and be an amazing governor for another 3 years and be in the running for the next go around. Plus, by endorsing Trump he potentially repairs his reputation with the MAGA faithful because Trump said he is a good governor, again. I think this decision was yet another example of the wisdom that Ron DeSantis shows us on a regular basis. He makes the right moves at the right times.

Which is why it’s sad that he didn’t get the votes. It’s depressing. As the Iron King would say, Ron didn’t win because we don’t deserve a DeSantis presidency. He may be right and that’s the kind of idea that leads to despair. But despair not! DeSantis has shown himself to be a great leader and a principled man, but he was not the cure to all of America’s problems. Neither is Donald Trump. No matter what is said, he is not the “only guy that can save America.” There is only one man that can save America. The God-man, Christ Jesus. America will only be saved when America aligns itself with the kingdom of God. Repent of your sin and profess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and you will be made right with the Father. This is the path to salvation.

Don’t get me wrong, DeSantis would’ve been a great president. I believe that. He would’ve advanced conservative principles and fought the leftist dogma at every turn. We would’ve gotten tired of all the winning. But would all that winning have saved America. Not in the way that truly matters. Truly matters for all eternity. Changing the hearts and minds of the people is the real win. America needs Jesus. And no matter what happens, (I don’t think Trump will win the general election) we must not despair, because God is on his throne. He still reigns supreme and none of these events are a surprise to him. He has either directed them to be or allowed them to be. All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28.