Trump and DeSantis take on drastically different strategies as 2024 cycle looms

OOn paper, ex-President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R.FL) is remarkably similar. They could not be more opposite on the campaign trail.

Republicans are making strides to make a difference in the crowded field of candidates for 2024 and to win over GOP voters. Trump and DeSantis, which are generally considered to be two of the top-two Republican candidates in the primary, have chosen vastly differing strategies.

FIRE OFFICIAL PUSHING FOR TOP TRUMPS TO GET INTO RACE AND BEAT HIS FORMER BOOSS

As he pursues a presidential run, the second-term governor used a more formal strategy. He visited key states and avoided personal contact with supporters or journalists. DeSantis opted to avoid making spontaneous visits to local businesses and answering questions from voters during his Iowa trip last week.

Instead, he is sticking to his strategy that led to his historic win in the midterm election in which 19 points of support were given to him. Others have criticised his go-it alone approach and said it wasn’t enough to win a national electoral election.

“No one’s gotten to know him the way they need to get to know him. I don’t know if they ever will,” Gov. Chris Sununu, R-NH, told the Associated Press. “Do you think Ron DeSantis has ever sat down for a cup of coffee with a reporter? No. It’s like physically not in him. He can’t do it. He doesn’t have that social connection with folks.”

Trump is, however, embracing his personality as well as his headline-grabbing demeanor while he walks the campaign trail.

Trump has been active on the campaign trail since November when he announced his candidacy. He has traveled to key states in order to meet voters. Trump has visited local restaurants and shops to meet supporters and sign autographs, in addition to hosting rallies or campaign events.

Trump’s strategy for the visit has changed slightly from previous campaigns. His advisers note that this is a way for voters see him. “in a different light.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION FROM THE WASHINGTON XAMINER

“Usually, they see him on camera or at a rally or in an interview. They don’t necessarily get to see him up close,” Steven Cheung, campaign spokesperson told the outlet. “And this is one way to bridge that gap. And it’s also one way to make this campaign more distinct.”

DeSantis’s team refutes the idea that the governor is adopting an isolated approach. It also points out that he’s not a presidential candidate. DeSantis will likely revert to his midterm strategy which saw the governor visit all of Florida’s counties to meet with voters and to reevaluate his presidential bid.