Somewhat, yet no. What I am pointing out is an inflection point. DeSantis is being managed now. He's shifted into the Pence, Jeb, Haley, professional wing of the club. Things change. He's accepting GOPe grooming. Risks are distanced (Pushaw departs). It's a mgmt/branding effort
I've been watching it evolve all year. When the Trump raid happened, it was a very key moment. DeSantis went silent upon instruction from the handlers.
Everything now is about club branding and club management. That's why I knew days ago that Pushaw would depart.
I don't take such a severe position, as I did on Monday, without overlaying all of the data-points I have assembled. I know it sometimes shocks people, they get mad at me, but as you wait you see it unfold. This is how the club operates.
It's not DeSantis fault per se'. He doesn't have many options. He holds no independent wealth to keep the club away from influence.
Now he will begin a national tour. A book (written for him) is looming. The pattern never changes.
The "professionals" will now enter the picture. The orbit of DeSantis will be controlled. Representatives will come from the professional political class. Speeches and remarks will be filtered and approved. Risks will be mitigated. Control mechanisms in place.
At first, whenever he reemerges, you will notice an subtle awkwardness... a slight change in the authenticity you used to love. A more careful and deliberate speech pattern. Longer thoughts before responses. More appearances on Fox News.
Brett Baier et al, w/ the assist.
Norman Rockwell (optics), Ward Cleaver (tones), soft hues and gentlemanly pastels.
Club branding is subtle on the image front, but very clear on the substantive messaging side. Social issues selected to maximize camp coalition, and influence base.
Consistently present political messaging where people can say "yes." Keep the "yes" messaging at the forefront (social emphasis). Focus on values.
Multinational & corporate economics, hard lines, foreign policy, all these things avoided. Stay social. Build emotional connection.
The "Dear Ron DeSantis" commercial immediately proceeded his hide in the bunker time.
It's the emotional stuff. The emotional messaging. Building out the largest coalition. Ward Cleaver.
Atwater's old notebooks are still the primary chapters in the GOPe election book.
Cutting to the chase, the club ticket is:
DeSantis and Noem 2024
Either order. D/N or N/D matters not.
That's it. Everything from here to there is shaping, branding, messaging, modifying rules [(primary dates, WTA/Proportionate) done in Dec '22], and mapping.
The #1 skillset of the professional republican party (GOPe), the right wing of the UniParty, is presenting members with the illusion of choice.
The illusion of choice.
/END
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