There have been suggestions that a Trump-DeSantis ticket would be unbeatable in the 2024 elections. However, despite their shared conservative views, the idea of them joining forces has seemed unlikely so far.
The ongoing feud between Trump and DeSantis has garnered significant media attention, although political exaggeration is not uncommon in modern politics. In an effort to explore the possibility of them teaming up to confront a common adversary, the former President was asked about considering DeSantis as his vice presidential candidate.
Conservative podcaster Todd Starnes directly posed this question during his Monday broadcast of the Todd Starnes Show. Florida’s Voice reported on this intriguing exchange and highlighted that Trump regarded an alliance with his primary political rival as a remote possibility.
“I don’t like saying anything is like, impossible,” the former President said, “but it’s pretty unlikely, I would think.”
President Trump tells Todd Starnes Show it is highly unlikely that he will pick DeSantis as his running mate.
— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) June 5, 2023
“I don’t like saying anything is like, impossible, but it’s pretty unlikely I would think,” Trump said.
It is worth noting that Trump implied that DeSantis, who has been the subject of his numerous criticisms, may have eliminated the possibility of being chosen as his running mate by choosing to challenge his publicly announced intention to run again in 2024.
“I was very surprised that he did [decide to run],” said Trump. “Without that, it [running with me on the ticket] would have been a distinct possibility.”
Detractors highlight the negative perception created by initially approaching the idea of praising and promoting DeSantis, only to portray him as unworthy once he announced his candidacy.
Certain individuals speculate that DeSantis chose to enter the race after it became apparent that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, leading a Grand Jury, would press charges against Trump.
In spring of 2022, #DeSantis had the chance to join #Trump on a 2024 ticket together. Instead, in summer of 2022, upon promise of Trump indictment, he reversed course & decided to contest Trump instead. It will go down as one of the dumbest political decisions in recent history.
— Robert Barnes (@barnes_law) June 5, 2023
In an attempt to downplay the achievements of the emerging political figure, Trump has not hesitated to claim credit for DeSantis’ victory in the gubernatorial race and subsequent political accomplishments.
In a post on the Truth Social platform in May, Trump wrote: “Listen, Rob DeSanctimonious came to me seeking assistance. He was losing badly, trailing popular Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam by 31 points.”
Trump continued: “After holding three MASSIVE TRUMP RALLIES, he managed to pull off an upset victory in the general election. DISLOYAL!!!”
For the most part, DeSantis has chosen not to engage in mudslinging and has brushed off Trump’s posts as “background noise.”
However, last Thursday, DeSantis provided a rare response to Trump’s criticisms. During a campaign event in New Hampshire, as reported by Florida’s Voice, DeSantis stated: “I find it to be so petty. I find it to be so childish.”
DeSantis added: “I don’t think that’s what voters want, and honestly, I believe his behavior, which he has exhibited for years now, is one of the reasons why he is not in the White House today.”
Political analysts point out a potential issue with a Trump-DeSantis ticket, as the Constitution prohibits Electoral College voters from casting their ballots for candidates from the same state. Since both Trump and DeSantis reside in Florida, this constitutional provision could pose a challenge.
As per historical records, Article II of the Constitution mandates electors to vote for a candidate who does not reside in their home state.
