This isn't really about what I can analyze, believe, separate, perceive, etc. That's what I always keep in mind when thinking about politics. Like with everything else it is your perception, narrative, reputation, appearance that follows you through masses and media. I am hoping DeSantis declares and he has got my vote. It's his time in my opinion... there won't be a better time to capitalize on your political clout. Let me explain...
On DeSantis... it's not about his age. Certainly he's young and has time. But political popularity can be very short lived. You can be the hot new thing one year and by the next year people have moved on. The time for DeSantis is now... he's governed Fl like a boss, he's known as "America's" governor, he stood up for education, stood up against COVID BS, has done great with emergency situations like hurricanes, and is just overall an effective leader. You have to be a good leader and you also have to be presentable. Looking good, sounding good, having a nice looking family... that stuff matters. DeSantis has the entire package. It's like having most of the good policy of Trump without having... Trump. The media of course will attack him as they do all conservatives but DeSantis right now has become one of the most popular politicians in the country and has dominated Florida all while showing the blueprint for what GOP could do. The midterms tell the story.... GOP floundered everywhere except in a few areas and dominated Florida. Florida used to be the ultimate swing state... it's now solid red.
Trump on the other hand is completely tainted by his first term in office and the 2020 election. This is not a debate about election integrity or what happened with Jan 6th. I don't give a **** and that has been argued by both sides for years. The narrative however is against Trump on this one... right, wrong, or indifferent he is damaged goods by this. HE will never get enough independent vote at this point or even a lot of moderate republicans. He is 76 years old and will be 78 by the election. Biden is up there too. I'm tired of geriatrics for president and I'll bet most of America is as well. Trump and Biden both have the image of old crusty perverted demented individuals. If Trump runs again people will vote against him more than they did Biden or democrats. Why? Proof is in pudding. We have the data. Trump won big in 2016 when no one thought he could. Every election thereafter the GOP has lost. Now they did regain the house in 2022... but given the state of the country and how unpopular Biden and dems are that was a pathetic performance. The dems actually gained in the senate.
Long post sorry. Final thought. I want to win. If you're a GOP/ conservative person... do you want to win? Ask yourself honestly... analyze the map, look at the past results. Can Trump really win? How's he winning AZ, NV, GA, PA, MI, WI? How are you getting to 270? Who has a better shot at uniting voters to usher in change in 2024... Trump or DeSantis? To me it's clear.