A red wave was expected to sweep across America; however, republicans only scraped a victory during the midterm election allowing for control of the House of Representatives.
The party finally won its crucial 218th seat in the lower chamber of Congress and thereby ending the tie of Nancy Pelosi’s time as House speaker. Her likely replacement is Kevin McCarthy who has made known his intention to fill the role.
Control of the House ensures that republicans can launch an array of congressional investigations into the Democrat’s history. For example, Biden’s botched withdrawal from Afghanistan to more obviously politicised matters like Hunter Biden’s business activity.
Naturally, this will be used as political ammunition for the 2024 political election which is already leading to conversations about nominees. Republican attention has shifted towards two names in particular: Trump and DeSantis.
Trump’s opening words are not only reflective of his goal but automatically highlight the personality that has gotten him into trouble one too many times.
"In order to make American great and glorious again, I am tonight announcing my candidacy for President of the United States"
He also claimed the party cannot afford to nominate “a politician or conventional candidate” if it wants to win back the White House. This statement almost stands as a justification for behaviour and language which is contrary to ordinary.
His long-awaited campaign, however, comes as he tries to reclaim the attention after the underwhelming midterm elections performance. This included the losses of several Trump-endorsed election deniers – and the subsequent blame game that has unfolded since Election Day.
As for DeSantis, a presidential future is rather uncertain at the minute. However, speculation is rampant that he is considering a presidential bid as he confidently won Florida. This very well could be used as a springboard for a national campaign. Trump has already poked DeSantis’s character stating: “I would tell you things about him that won’t be very flattering – I know more about him than anybody – other than, perhaps, his wife,” Trump said on Election Day.
Lara Trump also provided a warning to DeSantis that 2024 is Trump’s year: “I can tell you, those primaries get very messy and very raw,” she said. “So wouldn’t it be nicer for him, and I think he knows this, to wait until 2028?”
Politics is all about timing. Accordingly, DeSantis will be faced with the difficult decision regarding whether to run in 2024 and potentially have an ugly face-off with Trump or wait till 2028 and potentially be faced with a popular leaning towards the Democrats – assuming Trump wins.
However, the preoccupation the Republicans have with DeSantis may end up leading to underwhelming results. It is a chance the party has to take.
To keep up with the latest finance, tech, crypto and geopolitical news, subscribe to our mailing list.
[Disclaimer: The material across our site is provided for informative purposes only and does not contain investment advice.]