What Would a Ron DeSantis and Elon Musk Presidential Ticket Look Like?

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Set to Announce 2024 Presidential Run with Elon Musk on Twitter

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is planning to announce his 2024 presidential campaign on Twitter with Elon Musk on Wednesday, according to knowledgeable sources. The event, which will take place on Twitter Spaces at 6 p.m. Eastern time, will be moderated by David Sacks, a Republican donor who supports the governor and is a close ally of Musk. The news of DeSantis’s presidential campaign isn’t surprising, but his decision to host the announcement with Musk adds an unexpected twist. It is also not sure how this will impact his presidential campaign.

Challenges with Mr. Trump’s Return

One of the significant obstacles for Mr. DeSantis as he enters the 2024 race will be catching attention with Mr. Trump, who has a knack for pulling the attention of the media towards him. Mr. Trump’s aides have suggested for months that he plans to return to Twitter soon. Mr. Musk has already lifted the ban on the former president that was imposed when Twitter was a public company.

Unpredictable Beginning with Twitter Spaces

In selecting Spaces, Mr. DeSantis is depending on an audio-only streaming tool with a history of mistakes and failures. The event on Twitter Spaces will add a layer of unpredictability to the campaign launch. The feature is favored by Musk, who has used it repeatedly in the six months since he acquired Twitter for $44 billion in October 2022. He has appeared on Spaces to speak about the state of his different organizations and give interviews, which draws tens of thousands of listeners.

Musk’s Influence and Support

Musk’s influence on social media is significant, and his backing of a political candidate can mobilize his followers behind them. Under Mr. Musk, Twitter has cultivated a more Republican audience. This month, Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News guru, promulgated that he would host his popular show on Twitter. This development got people’s attention, which shows the significant influence that Musk has with this particular audience.

Last July, Musk tweeted his support for DeSantis, and in November, he replied positively when asked by a Twitter user if he would support Mr. DeSantis in that year’s election. On November 16, 2022, Mr. Musk retweeted a video of the presidential kickoff event for Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, another Republican contender.

Challenges with DeSantis’s Conservative Agenda

DeSantis’s candidacy has gained him a considerable following among Republicans who believe he represents a challenge to the status quo. He has embraced a very conservative agenda, such as supporting legislation intended, in his words, to protect people against “Silicon Valley elites.” He has also criticized tech companies for their efforts to remove misinformation from their platforms, which he has likened to an assault on free speech and truth undertaken in concert with government officials.

Editorial: A Republican Divide?

DeSantis’s announcement potentially sets up a path for the Republican party with two candidates who both command a base of followers to contest the same primary. It is unclear how this will impact the vote and if it could divide the party. Trump supporters might remain loyal to him and not shift to DeSantis. On the contrary, Musk’s backing of DeSantis might change some of the votes. Nonetheless, these candidates’ decision should create an exciting and unpredictable contest between two powerhouses within the Republican Party.

Advice: Prioritizing Online Presence and Innovative Strategies

DeSantis’s decision to host his announcement with Musk is one example of how he has prioritized his online presence. It suggests that DeSantis’s team is using innovative strategies to find ways to make his candidacy gain the necessary attention. With the current pandemic eliminating many opportunities for in-person campaigns, the use of social media and live engagements might become increasingly popular. DeSantis’s decision gives an edge to those who can develop creative strategies and won’t stick to traditional vehicles of political campaigning.