The perfect Democratic running mate for DeSantis?

As we all know, the fickleness of fate can change life and politics in an instant. This week, the nation learned that Florida’s first lady Casey DeSantis was diagnosed with breast cancer. Suddenly, any thoughts that Gov. Ron DeSantisRon DeSantisThe perfect Democratic running mate for DeSantis? Trump heads to Iowa as 2024 chatter grows Democratic anxiety rises as Trump bid appears more likely MORE may have had regarding a run for higher office understandably would be cloaked by a fog of personal grieving. 

One would hope that, given her diagnosis, even the most partisan Democrats would show grace and compassion. Sadly, but predictably, that has not been the case. Twitter trolls used the news to attack the governor and his family.

To her credit, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a Democrat who is running against DeSantis in the 2022 gubernatorial election, tweeted: “Our hearts are with Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis and her family. We are all praying for you!” To those who might read her compassionate tweet, Fried added: “If you choose to reply to this tweet, please show some empathy. Casey is a mother of three and deserves our support in this difficult fight.”

Like Fried, we can assume that millions of Americans are praying for Casey DeSantis’s complete recovery. If we believe that to be the eventual positive outcome, then what?

Life and politics will go on.

Operating from that belief, Ron DeSantis remains one of the two most viable Republicans to win the nomination for president in 2024. The other is another “Nikki” — former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

“But, what about former President TrumpDonald TrumpNIH director pleads with evangelicals to ‘look at the evidence’ on vaccines Trump says Grassley has his ‘complete and total endorsement’ Blinken to hold meetings next week with UAE, Israeli foreign ministers MORE?” some might ask. “Doesn’t he lead most straw polls for the Republicans?”

Indeed he does. That said, I don’t believe he’ll run in 2024.

My hope is that Trump’s massive ego will allow enough room for him to contemplate that his name is so toxic to tens of millions of Americans that his nomination might instigate massive civil unrest. If Trump does believe in our nation, as he says he does, then he should know it would be much better to sit out the election and try to use his influence to help the party’s nominee.

Which brings us back to Ron DeSantis and Nikki HaleyNikki HaleyThe perfect Democratic running mate for DeSantis? Haley says stopping ‘national self-loathing’ is ‘most important mission of our time’ Pat Robertson steps down as ‘700 Club’ host after 60 years MORE. Assuming one is nominated, would the other join the ticket as the vice presidential running mate? Maybe, but not likely. Vice President Kamala HarrisKamala HarrisEmhoff shares photo with Harris highlighting Dodgers-Giants rivalry amid playoffs The perfect Democratic running mate for DeSantis? Drugs, guns and money: US,…