The Jacksonians.

Published on Medium, July 4, 2023 | Also published on Real Clear Politics July 6, 2023

It didn’t get much coverage, but last week’s Fox News Poll perfectly captured the state of the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination with one remarkable data point. To wit: “Only 13% of GOP primary voters say they would never vote for Donald Trump.”

The Republican Party remains the Donald Trump Party, ceaseless purge attempts by “party elders,” major donors and mainstream media to the contrary. Lest anyone doubt the assertion, look no further than Mr. Trump’s rally in Pickens, South Carolina on Saturday. Fifty thousand people showed up; twice the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden. How big a crowd do you suppose Gov. Ron DeSantis could attract in Pickens, South Carolina on a sweltering hot Saturday afternoon of a holiday weekend? The question is the answer.