Chuck Todd Questions Whether Ron DeSantis’ Criticism of Trump as a Loser Will Work in a 2024 Republican Primary Challenge

NBC’s Chuck Todd appeared on Sunday Today to discuss Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ “indirect criticism” of former President Donald Trump. During a GOP fundraiser in Iowa, DeSantis called on voters to reject the GOP’s “culture of losing” as he gears up for a possible 2024 presidential run.

Todd questioned whether DeSantis’ criticism of Trump as a loser would work in a 2024 Republican primary challenge. He noted that Trump has convinced his supporters that they have been winning, not losing.

“Well, Donald Trump has convinced his supporters they haven’t been losing, they’ve been winning,” Todd said. “He claims the deep state and Democrats and the media have been in cahoots to sort of rig it against them, and that’s the problem here. It’s ultimately about winning and not losing.”

DeSantis echoed this sentiment during his speech in Iowa, saying, “Governing is not about entertaining.” He added that the GOP needs to focus on winning elections and not just entertaining their base.

Todd noted that it is uncertain whether Trump supporters will accept the premise that they’ve been losing. He added that it remains to be seen whether DeSantis’ criticism of Trump will be successful in a 2024 Republican primary challenge.