DeSantis Exit From 2024 GOP Primary Further Shortens Trump’s Odds

DeSantis' withdrawal from 2024 Republican primary further weakens Trump's chances

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the shutdown on Sunday. The man once considered the new leader of the Republican Party failed to take on former President Donald Trump in the early stages of the Republican primary because of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DeSantis received 21.2% of the vote in the Iowa caucuses, well behind Trump's 51%. DeSantis suspended his presidential campaign just two days before the New Hampshire primary when polls showed the governor was getting just 7.5% of likely voters.

It is clear to me that the majority of Republican primary voters want to give Donald Trump another chance," DeSantis said."I have signed a pledge to support the Republican nominee and I will keep that pledge. "

DeSantis said Nikki Haley, the only remaining major candidate in the primary, represents "yesterday's old Republican guard" and a "repackaged form of corporatism."

Trump welcomes DeSantis’ endorsement and pledges to stop using the nickname “DeSanctimonious.” DeSantis supports him, although the two have been locked in a bitter feud since the Florida governor announced his intention to seek the White House in May 2023.

The former president called DeSantis "a really great guy" and "very gracious."

Trump’s approval rating is declining

This is what "Never Trump" Republican voters want to see - Trump versus a single challenger. But Haley has been criticized for her "generous corporate donors" and unwavering financial support for Ukraine.

Whether Haley can win over DeSantis' supporters will become clear in the coming weeks. After New Hampshire on Tuesday, the Republican primary will move to Nevada, then South Carolina and finally Michigan.

When the election arrived in Idaho and Missouri in early March, political bettors expected Trump to be the last candidate standing. PredictIt bettors continue to buy shares of Trump, representing the Republican's third consecutive presidential election.

On the market: “Who will win the 2024 Republican presidential nomination?” As of Monday morning, Trump’s stock price had risen to 90 cents from 84 cents a week ago. Haley's stock is worth just 9 cents.

Peer-to-peer betting exchange Smarkets gives Trump a 90% chance of winning the Republican vote. Hailey only has 5%.

Will history repeat itself?

A rematch in 2020 between President Trump and President Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential election is increasingly likely. Trump (77) and Biden (81) are essentially tied in the general election.

Biden and Trump were trading at 45 cents each when asked "Who will win the 2024 US presidential election?" on PredictIt Markets. Haley, California's Democratic governor, has an approval rating of 6 cents. Gavin Newsom and Robert Kennedy Jr. are at 4 cents. Vice President Kamala Harris has her two cents on the dollar.

Some political experts still believe Biden will ultimately decide not to seek re-election and resign. But that's only likely to be the case if someone has high name recognition and support among Democrats.

Some Democrats hope that person is Michelle Obama. There are rumors in the political arena that the former first lady is considering running late. Longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone believes Mrs. Obama will announce her candidacy soon.