Donald Trump has responded to being ordered to pay E. Jean Carroll $83 million.
Absolutely ridiculous! I fully disagree with both verdicts, and will be appealing this whole Biden Directed Witch Hunt focused on me and the Republican Party. Our Legal System is out of control, and being used as a Political Weapon. They have taken away all First Amendment…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) January 27, 2024
BREAKING: Jury orders Trump to pay $83.3 million in damages for defaming E. Jean Carroll pic.twitter.com/W0mSs6WHIq
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) January 26, 2024
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, despite recently aligning himself with Donald Trump, expressed concerns about the former president’s electability and warned of a potential erosion in his voter base. DeSantis, a former Republican presidential candidate, highlighted the need for Trump to address an enthusiasm problem within the party and reach out to voters who may have supported him once but are hesitant to do so again.
In an interview with conservative podcaster Steve Deace, DeSantis acknowledged encounters with voters who have been lifelong conservatives but express reluctance to vote for Trump again. He emphasized the importance of solving this issue, characterizing it as a “huge warning sign for Republicans.” DeSantis urged Trump to find a way to reengage voters who have checked out of the political process.
DeSantis specifically noted concerns about an enthusiasm problem and suggested that some voters may have become disenchanted with the political landscape. He predicted that the New Hampshire primary would not see the record turnout that had been anticipated, except among more liberal voters.
In the days leading up to his decision to suspend his presidential campaign and endorse Trump, DeSantis criticized the media for creating a perception that Trump’s nomination was inevitable. He argued that such coverage may have contributed to low voter turnout in the Iowa caucus, with voters feeling that supporting him would be futile due to Trump’s perceived dominance.
DeSantis’s comments highlight the delicate dynamics within the Republican Party, with considerations about Trump’s appeal to a broad spectrum of voters and the need to energize the party’s base. The governor’s observations about potential challenges for Trump in garnering support from diverse conservative factions underscore the complex landscape of Republican politics leading up to the 2024 election.
