It would be comforting to think DeSantis is not as likely to behave in unhinged ways as Trump has and is. However, we don't know yet because DeSantis hasn't had quite the opportunity. He has spoken of pardoning Trump and other insurrectionists, which indicates to me an insouciance about that extraordinarily serious threat to our country that I find alarming. Saying that when there really is not urgent need to go there says to me that DeSantis can be pretty transactional and focused on his success, just like the person he so admires.
To say one is worse than the other is saying you would rather die from one disease instead of the other. They are equally bad for this country because they lack the character to do what is right for the country. Both would rather fight a culture war than actually solve a problem. This is the existential difference between the Republican party and the Democratic party at this moment in history. Culture wars do not solve problems they only create different problems. We need someone who will tell the truth and not divide us further with culture wars. Republicans look to blame others instead of solving the differences that divide us. We need someone who will stand up to the NRA and pass an assult weapons ban and a ban on high capacity magazines.
No DeSantis hasn't staged an insurrection... yet. But look what he's done in Florida, getting laws changed to suit his personal convenience or to get back at his perceived enemies, creating his own "election police," putting the lives at others at risk to show that HE'S the boss. Your point that Trump and DeSantis are different is valid, but that doesn't make either would-be dictator less dangerous than the other.
I don't agree. We know exactly what Trump is capable of. I don't think the majority of the people know how dangerous DeSantis is. Although, God knows he has given us plenty of examples. I believe he is as much as an Authoritarian as Trump if he is given the chance as President. I don't believe this Country can survive either one and, hopefully, Trump will be in prison where he has proven he belongs.
I respectfully disagree, Mr. Cillizza. I put them on the same level--like several other commenters, I see the fact that he hasn't screeched about elections being fixed is that he hasn't "had to"*. His actions as Governor in Florida suggest very strongly that he has is every bit the authoritarian that the Former Guy is, because I can definitely see him actively using the federal government against any and all political enemies (so would the Former Guy if given another term, of course). "What's that, Mr. Schiff? You want to investigate me? Fine. The IRS is now auditing you." "You want to investigate me, Senator Schumer? Sure, and just by coincidence, you're now the subject of an FBI probe." "Hey, Governor Whitmer in Michigan, you want to pass laws allowing women the right to choose whether they want to get an abortion? Your state is now no longer receiving any federal funds. PERIOD."
All of this would be blatantly unconstitutional, of course, but the Il Duce-wannabe in Florida doesn't care. He will do it anyway. And, it will create hell and havoc for anyone who stands in his way.
A woman; minority, teacher,LBGT living in Florida today will tell you why his is more dangerous. Look at his background in the military; how he handles COVID this guy is right up there with Putin, Erdogan,Orban
DeSantis doesn’t have and couldn’t have a cult. That makes him less dangerous. Trump not on the straight line. He’s on the curved line at the heels with all the other authoritarians.
DeSantis would probably be a terrible president. Trump, WE KNOW FOR SURE has already tried to overthrow a legitimately elected government. Trump is a unique danger to the country and the world.
Apples and oranges is right. A couple other analogies:
(i) Poison is bad for you. But if you have an otherwise terminal cancer, it makes rational sense to get poisoned a little in order to kill the cancer.
(ii) Stalin is a bad, bad guy who may threaten the whole world. Hitler is for sure conquering other countries left and right, and trying to exterminate while groups of people. Better to ally temporarily with Stalin than let Hitler win.
RE: "transactionality — not a word but you get my point."
Chris,
Our American language is a variation of English. It's not French. There is no academe determining our words.
Considering I was taught oh so last century that "Ain't, ain't in the dictionary" (although it was), the issue is with dictionaries unable until late to keep up with our continually growing language.
IMO, we know what Trump will do and can do far worse for a 2nd term. DeSantis, on the other hand, hasn’t been fully tested yet. I believe that it is perception as to why DeSantis doesn’t come across as bad as Trump to some. You have Trump who is orange, wears a combover with ridiculously colored hair, wears ill fitting suits & ties, looks boorish. DeSantis may be considered fairly good looking, no orange skin, decent hair, suits & ties that fit and comes across as a politician. So people may believe that DeSantis would be far better than Trump. Trump can’t put 2 sentences together and has no clue how the government works, DeSantis has been in government and does know how government works. Now, that does not mean he isn’t authoritative, just a perception of the 2 men. People not closely following may not get what they think they may get with DeSantis.
It would be comforting to think DeSantis is not as likely to behave in unhinged ways as Trump has and is. However, we don't know yet because DeSantis hasn't had quite the opportunity. He has spoken of pardoning Trump and other insurrectionists, which indicates to me an insouciance about that extraordinarily serious threat to our country that I find alarming. Saying that when there really is not urgent need to go there says to me that DeSantis can be pretty transactional and focused on his success, just like the person he so admires.
"...behave in unhinged ways as Trump has and is. However, we don't know yet because DeSantis hasn't had quite the opportunity."
Really? Take a look at a short list of his Florida agenda:
~ Book bans (anything that smacks of gay pride)
~ Replacing some of a university's administration and faculty (New School)
~ Attacks on minority cultures in the classroom (less content on slavery and immigration)
~ Attacks on corporate America (Disney)
I agree that Trump is more of a danger...the Wannabe Mussolini is as dangerous.
I agree with any comment that employs the word “insouciance” so effortlessly.
THANK you....I appreciate your appreciation of vocabulary!
To say one is worse than the other is saying you would rather die from one disease instead of the other. They are equally bad for this country because they lack the character to do what is right for the country. Both would rather fight a culture war than actually solve a problem. This is the existential difference between the Republican party and the Democratic party at this moment in history. Culture wars do not solve problems they only create different problems. We need someone who will tell the truth and not divide us further with culture wars. Republicans look to blame others instead of solving the differences that divide us. We need someone who will stand up to the NRA and pass an assult weapons ban and a ban on high capacity magazines.
No DeSantis hasn't staged an insurrection... yet. But look what he's done in Florida, getting laws changed to suit his personal convenience or to get back at his perceived enemies, creating his own "election police," putting the lives at others at risk to show that HE'S the boss. Your point that Trump and DeSantis are different is valid, but that doesn't make either would-be dictator less dangerous than the other.
I don't agree. We know exactly what Trump is capable of. I don't think the majority of the people know how dangerous DeSantis is. Although, God knows he has given us plenty of examples. I believe he is as much as an Authoritarian as Trump if he is given the chance as President. I don't believe this Country can survive either one and, hopefully, Trump will be in prison where he has proven he belongs.
I remember Hillary's team was more concerned about Cruz than Trump because Cruz was an arch conservative whose team knew how government worked.
I respectfully disagree, Mr. Cillizza. I put them on the same level--like several other commenters, I see the fact that he hasn't screeched about elections being fixed is that he hasn't "had to"*. His actions as Governor in Florida suggest very strongly that he has is every bit the authoritarian that the Former Guy is, because I can definitely see him actively using the federal government against any and all political enemies (so would the Former Guy if given another term, of course). "What's that, Mr. Schiff? You want to investigate me? Fine. The IRS is now auditing you." "You want to investigate me, Senator Schumer? Sure, and just by coincidence, you're now the subject of an FBI probe." "Hey, Governor Whitmer in Michigan, you want to pass laws allowing women the right to choose whether they want to get an abortion? Your state is now no longer receiving any federal funds. PERIOD."
All of this would be blatantly unconstitutional, of course, but the Il Duce-wannabe in Florida doesn't care. He will do it anyway. And, it will create hell and havoc for anyone who stands in his way.
*YET
Trump is a narcissist and a demagogue. DeSantis is a fascist. Which is more dangerous??
I disagree with you and agree with Jolly
A woman; minority, teacher,LBGT living in Florida today will tell you why his is more dangerous. Look at his background in the military; how he handles COVID this guy is right up there with Putin, Erdogan,Orban
DeSantis doesn’t have and couldn’t have a cult. That makes him less dangerous. Trump not on the straight line. He’s on the curved line at the heels with all the other authoritarians.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horseshoe_theory
Well said, Chris. I completely agree.
DeSantis would probably be a terrible president. Trump, WE KNOW FOR SURE has already tried to overthrow a legitimately elected government. Trump is a unique danger to the country and the world.
Apples and oranges is right. A couple other analogies:
(i) Poison is bad for you. But if you have an otherwise terminal cancer, it makes rational sense to get poisoned a little in order to kill the cancer.
(ii) Stalin is a bad, bad guy who may threaten the whole world. Hitler is for sure conquering other countries left and right, and trying to exterminate while groups of people. Better to ally temporarily with Stalin than let Hitler win.
RE: "transactionality — not a word but you get my point."
Chris,
Our American language is a variation of English. It's not French. There is no academe determining our words.
Considering I was taught oh so last century that "Ain't, ain't in the dictionary" (although it was), the issue is with dictionaries unable until late to keep up with our continually growing language.
IMO, we know what Trump will do and can do far worse for a 2nd term. DeSantis, on the other hand, hasn’t been fully tested yet. I believe that it is perception as to why DeSantis doesn’t come across as bad as Trump to some. You have Trump who is orange, wears a combover with ridiculously colored hair, wears ill fitting suits & ties, looks boorish. DeSantis may be considered fairly good looking, no orange skin, decent hair, suits & ties that fit and comes across as a politician. So people may believe that DeSantis would be far better than Trump. Trump can’t put 2 sentences together and has no clue how the government works, DeSantis has been in government and does know how government works. Now, that does not mean he isn’t authoritative, just a perception of the 2 men. People not closely following may not get what they think they may get with DeSantis.