Problem is, Desantis is every bit as well liked as Trump - in some cases, even more so. Ridiculing him makes Trump look mean, petty and small to a large segment of the Republican base .
True, don’t want a mean President. Only nice people prevent wars and have booming economies without any political experience
Kari Lake quite famously included Ron DeSantis when she was talking about “Big D energy” during her campaign. I think there are a TON of women (way more than most) who would believe that DeSantis has Big D energy much more easily than they would believe the same about Donald Trump. This crap is so childish on Trump’s part and you’re right, it will backfire on him.
Trump will make him disliked
Blah blah blah
Trump’s political brand is built on insults like this. No one is going to be upset. It’s all part of the fun.
President Trump is making a mistake belittling DeSantis with his petulant nicknames for several reasons:
President Trump needs a better approach to managing a DeSantis challenge. His 2016 tactics are out-of-date in 2024. Americans have been through a pandemic, mandatory experimental vaccinations, a war in Ukraine, Chinese spying on our mainland, and an antagonistic Democrat administration that is targeting parents, workers, and religious organizations.
President Trump needs to find ways to embrace the few shining examples of Republican competence this time. I'm positive that DeSantis won't backstab Trump the way Lindsey Graham and Mitch McConnell did once they didn't need him anymore. DeSantis would be a friend to Trump; Trump needs to reciprocate and make DeSantis an offer he can't refuse to clear the field. Bullying him out won't work.
-PJ