Top Three Takeaways – March 2nd, 2021
- CPAC aftermath. After watching Donald Trump’s CPAC speech on Sunday, I was interested to see what the reaction would be outside of the CPAC faithful, who most, 55% in the straw poll, want him to run for President again in 2024. Sometimes what isn’t discussed is as effectual as what is. For example, what isn’t being discussed is Trump’s age or his ability to effectively run for president again. What is, is his desire and the likelihood that if he runs again, he’d be the Republican candidate for president. That’s because, unlike our current president, Donald Trump was vintage Trump on Sunday. Actually, I’d make the case that he was the most energetic and effective he’s been yet. He looked well rested and years younger than he did when last we saw him returning home to Mar-a-Lago on Inauguration Day. If Trump is to be the front-runner in 2024 – taking the age question off the table – early is huge. And ironically Joe Biden might help Trump avoid scrutiny over that question provided he continues to be anywhere near as sharp as he was at CPAC. It’s not possible to bring up the age question without it reflecting on the older current president who regularly invites concerns over his acuity and vitality.
- Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside. Felix “Doc” Blanchard and Glenn Davis teamed up for the Army Football team and dominated for three years during the 40’s - with each winning a Heisman and leading Army to three consecutive national championships across three undefeated seasons. Dubbed “Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside”, because Blanchard was used as the inside runner, while Davis ruled the outside – they proved unstoppable during their reign as their offense lacked a weakness. Donald Trump is the political equivalent. There are many dynamics about Trump which are unique to him, however one of the most unique is how he’s still the outsider. I can’t recall any politician having both advantages of having a political track record but also viewed as a complete outsider. That’s a powerful combination which could make him the most formidable candidate he’s been yet. It’s not just the CPAC faithful who already missed him. As I recently identified within Gallup’s monthly party ID, Democrats have suffered the largest one-month loss of support in Gallup’s history of monthly party ID outside of an election year. In fact, the political landscape already looks better for Trump today than it did on Election Day when Democrats held an advantage over Republicans. This has no chance of being acknowledged in most news media, however it’s already clear many Americans, including some who voted for Biden, miss Trump too. With Trump having a great track record on policy as president, combined with the benefit of still being a political outsider – his profile is as solid as ever should he choose to run again.
- Florida holds the key. Whatever happens in 2024 – there's a really good chance a Floridian will be involved. In the CPAC straw poll Donald Trump was the front-runner. Behind him, it’s Governor DeSantis and while the support for Florida’s senators was comparably low, only Governor Kristi Noem fared meaningfully better than Senator’s Rubio and Scott. I’m encouraged for multiple reasons. I’ve long said that one day Florida and specifically South Florida, would save this country from itself. That’s due to so many immigrants having first-hand perspective of how evil socialism is – unlike what’s taught to native-born Americans. The time for Florida to play its role is here. From the way elections are run to exporting freedom. It started with CPAC being held in Florida and it’ll culminate in the 2024 Presidential election. It’s also reason for optimism.
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