I have wondered in print whether Gov. Ron DeSantis has the charisma to win the hearts and minds of former Trump voters. Salena Zito, whose writing I like a lot, claims DeSantis is a good "retail" politician. Her quote, "He walks in, hugs are given, hands are shaken, and any myth he is aloof easily evaporates."
On the other hand, A. B. Stoddard of The Hill and RealClearPolitics has a different view of DeSantis. She writes,"DeSantis is not naturally charming, and often appears grumpy in public. Behind closed doors, he isn’t a good schmoozer either."
I have to admit my own reaction to DeSantis' public persona more closely resembles that of Stoddard. And Stoddard adds about Trump, "Trump is a showman, craving adoration and loving the stage. Trump is also a brawler whose attacks aren’t limited by decency or dignity."
In Zito's favor is the fact of DeSantis' reelection margin which was huge in a state that sometimes votes for Democrats. Ineffective politicians seldom win big unless their state is "owned" by one party, which is not true of Florida.
Afterthought: Conservatives can make "grumpy" work for them because many of their voters feel that exact emotion much of the time. Maybe Ron uses "I share your pain" shtick.
