“DeSantis Is Underperforming” – Murdoch Reportedly Losing Confidence In DeSantis’s Ability To Beat Trump

Title: Murdoch Reportedly Losing Confidence in DeSantis’s Ability to Beat Trump

Introduction

There have been recent reports suggesting that media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan Murdoch are losing confidence in Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican primary. Murdoch, known for his influence through Fox News and other media outlets, has reportedly expressed concern over DeSantis’s underperformance and his focus on cultural issues. This article will delve into these allegations and explore the implications for DeSantis’s political future.

The Growing Doubts

According to Rolling Stone magazine, a senior insider at Fox News revealed that the Murdochs “are transactional and can smell a loser a mile away.” This sentiment reflects their reported concerns about DeSantis’s ability to secure victory against Trump, which they view as a likely scenario if he were to run again. One source cited in the article claims that “DeSantis is underperforming. Anybody can see that… [and the Murdochs], they’re seeing it, too.”

One of the main reasons behind Murdoch’s loss of confidence in DeSantis appears to be his strategy of focusing on cultural grievances and embracing a more extreme persona than Trump. Murdoch reportedly characterizes this approach as sloppy and unsavvy, questioning whether it resonates with the American voters. In fact, DeSantis’s attempts to win over the right wing of the Republican base have attracted criticism from fellow Republicans who view it as too “online” and disconnected from the median voter.

DeSantis’s Awkward Image

Additionally, Rupert Murdoch has allegedly taken issue with DeSantis’s public presentation and his ability to effectively connect with voters. Murdoch is said to believe that DeSantis often appears awkward, which could pose challenges on the campaign trail. As an astute observer of political dynamics, Murdoch is aware of the importance of charisma and relatability in winning over voters.

DeSantis’s Polling Woes

Polling data also highlights DeSantis’s struggles in catching up to Donald Trump’s popularity within the Republican Party. Despite the anticipation surrounding DeSantis’s entry into the race, the former president consistently holds substantial leads over him. This disparity has raised concerns among the Murdoch family, who expected a significant shift in momentum following DeSantis’s declaration.

News Corp’s Media Properties Speak Out

There have been indications that Murdoch’s discontent with DeSantis has seeped into News Corp’s media properties. Over the past few weeks, various outlets have published articles critical of the Florida governor. Although these claims of bias cannot be proven, two sources familiar with the matter insist that it is “not by accident” and “not a coincidence.”

Implications for DeSantis’s Political Future

If the reports of Murdoch’s waning confidence in DeSantis are accurate, they could have significant implications for the governor’s political future. Losing the support of a prominent media mogul with substantial influence could hinder DeSantis’s ability to gain wider recognition and support within the Republican Party.

However, it is worth noting that such allegations may be premature, as the 2024 Republican primary is still a couple of years away. DeSantis has managed to build a strong base of supporters and has consistently polled among the top potential contenders. The Florida governor’s actions and response to these reports will likely shape the trajectory of his campaign moving forward.

Conclusion

Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan’s reported loss of confidence in Governor Ron DeSantis’s ability to defeat Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican primary has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about the future of DeSantis’s political career. Murdoch’s alleged concerns about cultural issues and DeSantis’s performance, as well as his public presentation, could potentially impact his chances of securing the nomination. However, it remains to be seen how DeSantis will respond to these allegations and whether he can regain the support he once had from the media mogul.