Since 2022 Trump has rebounded steadily. What happened?
Not that long ago, many Republican voters were uncertain about former President Donald Trump.
In interviews and surveys, even self-identified Trump fans expressed interest in finding a “fresh face” – someone who could carry his policies into the future. Someone untainted by the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Someone without all the legal troubles and the unfiltered mouth.
“Trumpism without Trump,” the mantra went.
For a time, Ron DeSantis looked like he might fit the bill. In the wake of the 2022 midterms, in which the Florida governor won reelection by 19 points even as many Trump-promoted candidates lost, he briefly led in GOP presidential primary polls.
Today, however, the Floridian is out of the race, having endorsed Mr. Trump after a dismal campaign that never could. A majority of Republicans say they support another Trump nomination, despite – or, for many supporters, because of – the .
