Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has recently launched a new strategy in his presidential campaign by criticizing former President Donald Trump's stance on abortion. DeSantis argues that Trump's opposition to a six-week abortion ban disqualifies him from being considered pro-life and raises doubts about his reliability on conservative causes. In a recent interview, conservative columnist Matt Lewis weighs in on the matter.
Lewis, known for his true blue conservative views, agrees with DeSantis' assertion. He believes that Trump is not a movement conservative and lacks a true commitment to conservative ideology. Lewis points out that Trump's presidency saw some conservative victories, particularly in the appointment of Supreme Court justices aligned with conservative values. However, he casts doubt on whether Trump would continue to prioritize conservative judicial nominations in a potential second term, citing Trump's apparent dissatisfaction with some of the judges and his distancing from the recent Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.
Although Lewis acknowledges DeSantis' point, he questions whether the issue resonates beyond the governor's own concerns. He suggests that voters in early primary states, such as Iowa and New Hampshire, where distinct brands of conservatism exist, might pay more attention to this matter. The competition for the 'Reagan conservative mantle' is particularly relevant to candidates like Nikki Haley and Chris Christie, who are trying to position themselves as leaders on both domestic and foreign policy fronts.
Haley has faced criticism for not overtly criticizing Trump, and some voters have pressed her to address the potential dangers of a Trump presidency. However, Lewis believes that Haley's balancing act has been working in her favor. He recognizes the frustration among Republicans who wished more party members had been tougher on Trump, but notes that criticizing Trump might not currently be the most effective electoral strategy in the Republican Party. Lewis attributes Haley's current success to her strategic choices and suggests giving her leeway to navigate the next month or so.
The conversation then shifts to how Trump's record and plans contradict traditional conservative values. Lewis highlights the challenges posed by Trump's actions, particularly in areas such as his relationships with Russia, which have reshaped long-held assumptions of conservatism. He argues that this has led to a decline in the GOP's reputation for law and order, a stance they have historically championed. Lewis expresses concern that the Republican Party has squandered its high ground and foresees a need for significant cleanup once Trump exits the political stage.
In conclusion, DeSantis' criticism of Trump's abortion stance has struck a chord within conservative circles, with columnist Matt Lewis agreeing with the governor's assessment. However, the impact of this critique beyond DeSantis' campaign remains uncertain. The broader implications of Trump's presidency on conservative values and the GOP's reputation are also subjects of discussion among political commentators like Lewis.
