Trump’s Attacks Take a Toll on DeSantis

Washington Post: “Some of his political aides as well as at least one executive appointee close to the governor, among others in his circles, have adjusted their thinking about the contest, according to the people with knowledge of the discussions, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private talks. Whereas some allies had been anticipating a ‘coronation,’ as one person described the thinking of people close to the governor, more are now stressing that a DeSantis victory will require a lengthy, 50-state delegate fight…”

“Concern is mounting among some on DeSantis’s team about the toll of Trump’s attacks, according to two people familiar with the discussions, with one saying Trump was ‘trying to kill him in the crib.’ The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private discussions.”

“DeSantis aides have not settled on an approach to the aspersions cast on him by Trump. His wife and closest adviser, Casey DeSantis, has opposed responding in kind, according to people familiar with her perspective, with one saying, ‘She’s not a down-in-the-dirt person…’”

“Some of DeSantis’s critics in Tallahassee have taken to calling him ‘JebSantis,’ according to lobbyists and former lawmakers familiar with the comments.”