Without ever using the term, Politico co-founder John Harris argues that Donald Trump is sui generis. That is, one of a kind, someone whose feats cannot be duplicated by others who would try to be his successor.
If you've followed the political part of Trump's career with interest, you will likely find Harris' arguments interesting. As you read them, however, ask yourself if Harris really makes the sale?
He mentions DeSantis and Lake as possibles, but finds both lacking. DeSantis may be deficient in the platform charisma department, but Kari Lake has spent more years on-camera than even Trump and she has the show biz chops.
Should Trump for whatever reason decide not to run in 2024, I'd guess DeSantis has built in FL a track record of doing Trump-style populist shtick and trolling Democrats that could get him elected.
We don't yet know a lot about Lake's performance in office, but her on-camera skills are first-rate. I am of the opinion we won't know for certain until someone tries to be Trump 2.0 and either succeeds or fails.
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My Take: Oddly enough, the public person who seems to be following the Trump developmental path is Elon Musk,. His next step would be as star of a popular TV show to hone show biz skills. Musk is still maybe a decade away from being ready to step into Trump-sized shoes.
