New Hampshire Votes: DeSantis in South Carolina
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - As New Hampshire gears up for its pivotal Republican presidential primary, the first of its kind in the nation, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis chose an unconventional route. This past weekend, as New Hampshire voters wrapped up in warm clothing to brave the cold, DeSantis was notably absent. Instead, he embarked on a day-long campaign in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
DeSantis humorously remarked upon his arrival, "When I got off the plane, I wasn't sure if I was in South Carolina or New Hampshire, given the 30-degree temperature." This unexpected cold in Myrtle Beach paralleled the unusual decision for a major candidate to campaign in South Carolina just days before New Hampshire's contest.
Following a second-place finish in the Iowa caucus, DeSantis's standing in New Hampshire is tenuous, polling in single digits – significantly trailing behind former President Donald Trump and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. This leaves him at risk of not securing any delegates necessary for the Republican nomination.
DeSantis, however, has placed his bets on the upcoming primary in the south at the end of February. He sees a strong alignment between his policies and the demographic in South Carolina, noting its conservative leaning, and significant veteran and military presence.
In a strategic move, DeSantis aims to outperform Haley in her home state, potentially forcing her out of the race. This would set the stage for a direct contest against Trump before the pivotal Super Tuesday. Amidst Trump's legal challenges and concerns about his ability to defeat President Biden again, DeSantis views success in South Carolina as crucial to positioning himself as a more viable option for Republican voters.
Yet, similar to New Hampshire, DeSantis is currently third in South Carolina polls, facing the possibility of another setback.
DeSantis’s ideology resonates with many Republican voters, sharing common ground with Trump's base. Jim Bolig, a Myrtle Beach local, expressed support for the top three candidates, including DeSantis, but highlighted the need for unity within the party. Many attendees of DeSantis's South Carolina events admired his presidential potential, yet felt overshadowed by Trump's candidacy.
Ken Coleman, another attendee, acknowledged DeSantis's strengths but felt that "it's just a little premature" for him this election cycle. Throughout the day, DeSantis received enthusiastic responses for his stances on government spending, combating illegal immigration, and his broader vision for America.
Despite DeSantis’s efforts, Trump continues to lead significantly in national and state-level primary polls. In a contrasting move, prominent South Carolina Republicans, like Senator Tim Scott, spent the weekend in New Hampshire supporting Trump. Scott, who had previously doubted Trump's chances in the 2024 general election, openly endorsed him.
Acknowledging the challenges, DeSantis remains committed to his long-term campaign strategy. Yet, he seems aware that South Carolina may not be the immediate key to his nomination hopes. After a day of campaigning across South Carolina, DeSantis unexpectedly canceled TV appearances to return to New Hampshire, focusing on the imminent primary vote.