Commentators portray Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a more organized and calculating Donald Trump. In reality, DeSantis most resembles Richard Nixon — disciplined, stiff and intense. Both lack Trump’s charisma and ease before voters. Also unlike Trump — but very much like Nixon — DeSantis effectively deploys powers of the state for political gain. And DeSantis also mimics Nixon’s cruelty, his willingness to place constituents in harm’s way in the pursuit of political gain.
These traits are why DeSantis is unlikable, with nonpartisan independents judging him too extreme. That is also why — despite being quite popular with Republicans — DeSantis is barely above water nationwide as evidenced by his 38%-35% favorable/unfavorable rating in December.
Extremism: Anti-science and anti-abortion
