Trump’s PAC aims to shame DeSantis in Florida with billboard campaign
A Super PAC Shifts Focus to Nikki Haley in Florida
A super PAC supporting former President Donald Trump’s potential 2024 election bid has taken a new approach in their negative attacks, moving away from targeting Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) in early states and instead focusing on the Sunshine State. According to data from research director for the California Target Book Rob Pyers, MAGA Inc. recently spent $1.5 million on negative ads aimed at former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, a departure from their previous emphasis on DeSantis. This shift comes as Haley gains momentum in primary polls while DeSantis experiences declines in early states and national polling measures.
Billboards Take Aim at DeSantis in Florida
In addition to their focus on Haley, the political action committee also invested $11,634 in negative billboards targeting DeSantis in his home state of Florida. Placed near the governor’s mansion in Tallahassee, these billboards deliver strong messages. One reads, “How’s the donor-funded gold simulator, Ron? Get to work lowering our insurance costs, not your handicap!” Another boldly states, “Welcome home, Ron! The only thing worse than your poll numbers is our insurance rates! Quit the campaign and get back to work!” Yet another takes a jab at DeSantis’ private jet usage, saying, “Flying high, Ron? So are our insurance rates. Ditch the private jet and get back to work!”
Trump’s Motive and DeSantis’ Response
According to Trump ally and Republican strategist Roger Stone, Trump wants to defeat DeSantis by a significant margin as payback for what he perceives as treachery during his candidacy. Stone also notes that regardless of the outcome in Iowa or subsequent events, there will be a presidential primary in Florida in March, with both DeSantis and Trump on the ballot. On the eve of the deadline for DeSantis to remove his name from the Florida ballot, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung warned that failure to do so would result in being “crushed into oblivion” by President Trump. The Florida Republican primary is scheduled for March 19, following the early state competitions.
Implications and Skepticism
Stone suggests that the billboards not only bring negative attention to DeSantis in his home state but also serve as a warning to others who may consider opposing the former president. However, DeSantis’s campaign remains skeptical that Trump’s political machine is truly finished attacking the candidate. The campaign points to the $40 million spent on negative independent expenditures against DeSantis, with over $23 million of it coming from MAGA Inc. They also highlight Trump’s previous shifts in focus from primary opponents to the general election before returning to attacking primary candidates.
As Trump continues to solidify Republican support and openly vows “retribution” against those who don’t endorse him, the attack on DeSantis in his home state reflects the former president’s determination to maintain control and loyalty within the party.
How do the negative ad campaigns targeting Nikki Haley and the billboards targeting Ron DeSantis reflect the intense competition within the Republican Party for the 2024 presidential race
Er displays a picture of DeSantis with the caption, “Floridians deserve better than Ron DeSantis.”
The decision to shift their attention to Nikki Haley is noteworthy, as it demonstrates a recognition of her growing popularity among Republican voters. Haley, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations during the Trump administration, has been positioning herself as a potential candidate for the 2024 presidential election. Her strong conservative stance and her experience in international relations make her a credible contender within the party.
On the other hand, Ron DeSantis has been facing challenges in both early state polls and national polling. Despite his initial success in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida, his handling of recent issues such as the controversial voting bill and the impact of climate change on the state’s coastline have attracted criticism. These setbacks have resulted in a decline in his popularity and have provided an opportunity for Haley and other potential contenders to gain ground.
The negative ad campaign against Haley launched by the super PAC MAGA Inc. aims to tarnish her image and diminish her chances of securing the Republican nomination. The ads highlight her past disagreements with former President Trump, with one of them stating, “Nikki Haley turned her back on Trump when he needed her the most.” By capitalizing on Haley’s moments of divergence from Trump’s agenda, the super PAC seeks to cast doubt among conservative voters regarding her loyalty and commitment to the party’s values.
Furthermore, the billboards targeting DeSantis reveal growing discontent among some Florida residents. While DeSantis has promoted a pro-business environment and has implemented policies favored by conservative supporters, critics argue that he has prioritized personal interests over the needs of the state. The billboards emphasize promises made by the governor but unfulfilled, particularly in regard to lowering insurance costs. As Florida residents continue to face rising insurance fees, the billboards act as a visual reminder of DeSantis’ alleged failure to deliver on his campaign commitments.
It is important to note that negative campaign strategies are not limited to one party or individual. Super PACs on both sides of the political spectrum have used similar tactics to undermine the credibility of their opponents. In this case, however, the shift in focus from DeSantis to Haley indicates the changing dynamics within the Republican Party and the acknowledgment of Haley’s potential as a strong contender in the 2024 presidential race.
As the 2024 election approaches, it will be interesting to observe how candidates navigate the political landscape in Florida and beyond. The negative ad campaigns and billboards targeting DeSantis and Haley reflect the intense competition within the party and the strategies employed to secure the Republican nomination. Ultimately, it is up to the voters to decide which candidate aligns best with their values and aspirations for the future of the United States.
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