Staff Reports
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is facing a tough battle in the Republican presidential primary, with a crowded field of opponents including former President Donald Trump. Despite this, DeSantis decided to have a little fun at the expense of the Colorado Republican Party when he announced his candidacy for the state’s primary ballot.
In a social media post, DeSantis mocked the requirement set by the Colorado Republican Party that candidates must post something on social media announcing their excitement and encouraging followers to follow the state party’s social media accounts. DeSantis played along, writing, “I’m excited to officially be on the ballot for the Colorado primary!”
DeSantis Announces He’s on State Ballot with a Strange Message Targeting His Own Party pic.twitter.com/SGfnhkWU7F
— The Liberty Loft (@thelibertyloft) December 3, 2023
This was not only a joke aimed at the party’s requirement, but it also allowed DeSantis to one-up his rival Vivek Ramaswamy, who had followed the rules without mentioning them in his post. DeSantis managed to announce his candidacy while making fun of party rules and showing off his wit in a single post.
It may seem strange for DeSantis to kick off his campaign by targeting his own party, especially in a state like Colorado, which has voted Democrat in recent elections. However, DeSantis may be displaying the confidence of a candidate comfortable in his own skin or the mindset of someone who has nothing to lose.
Despite being in second place behind Trump at the moment, DeSantis has the positives of his overwhelming victory in Florida’s 2022 re-election and his recent performance in a debate against California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Whether this gamble will connect with voters in Colorado or elsewhere remains to be seen.
While some social media users didn’t get the joke or pretended not to, it’s clear that DeSantis’ announcement sets the stage for even more drama if and when Trump decides to make a similar announcement. The Colorado Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments on a court case aimed at keeping Trump off the ballot due to his alleged role in the Capitol incursion of January 6, 2021. If Trump prevails, there will be plenty of excitement naturally occurring in Colorado without the need for any additional social media fanfare.
