They would also demonize DeSantis, let’s not get lost in the trees entirely here.
That said, Trump uniquely motivates the Dem base as much as the GOP base. DeSantis fights back just as aggressively without letting it get under his skin as badly.
I'm in the camp that will energetically support whomever emerges as the GOP nom, be it Trump or DeSantis. That said, DeSantis (Yale grad then Harvard Law, US Navy Veteran and Bronze Star awardee, and proven track record as a US Congressman then Fl Gov) has more to offer GOP and Indie voters. (Even some Dems).
A few things that the Dems fear about DeSantis.
1. He is likeable and trustworthy, in the mold of Ronald Regan. DeSantis is diplomatic yet strong.
2. He possesses a broad knowledge of issues, from local to state to federal to international, and he can express himself in a convincing-but-not off-putting way. Just imagine DeSantis in the debates, both GOP and national and you can see why the Dems are worried about him.
3. And, the best that I can infer, DeSantis is organized and not given to off-the-cuff smack-downs of nobodies who just want to get his goat.