Staff Reports
Ron DeSantis, the successful Republican governor of Florida, is looking to set himself apart from former President Donald Trump. While Trump has a larger-than-life persona and a love for extravagance, DeSantis aims to connect with voters through his unique background as a Navy JAG (Judge Advocate General). This position combines legal expertise with military service, and DeSantis’ experience in this field sets him apart from Trump.
DeSantis’ time as a Navy JAG holds even greater significance because he volunteered to go to Iraq, where he served as an adviser to SEAL Team 1. This firsthand experience gave him valuable knowledge of the challenges faced by military personnel in combat, showcasing his intelligence, bravery, and dedication to serving his country. Unlike Trump, who served as president, DeSantis served in a time of war for six years.
Trump already overshadowing DeSantis at the Iowa state fair, as the crowd turns away from DeSantis event to watch Trump’s plane encircle overhead pic.twitter.com/nsMo3WpKZO
— Joyce Koh (@JoyceKohTV) August 12, 2023
To effectively differentiate himself from Trump and connect with voters, DeSantis needs to translate his unique backstory into a current narrative. He can highlight his leadership, patriotism, and discipline, and also focus on issues related to veterans’ rights. By offering concrete solutions to improve access to healthcare, address mental health concerns, and advocate for job opportunities for veterans, DeSantis can position himself as a strong leader and champion for this crucial constituency.
DeSantis is not the first politician to successfully use their military background to connect with voters. Presidents John F. Kennedy and George H.W. Bush, as well as senators John McCain, John Kerry, and Bob Kerrey, all leveraged their military experiences to establish themselves as strong leaders. As a conservative governor, DeSantis needs to find a similarly unique aspect to set himself apart from Trump and the rest of the field.
Overall, DeSantis has a powerful story to tell with his background as a Navy JAG and combat adviser. By strategically incorporating this narrative into his campaign messaging and addressing issues important to veterans, he can firmly position himself as a strong leader who understands the complexities of military operations and is committed to serving his country both on and off the battlefield.
