Campaign Launch: DeSantis started with confidence, promising "the Great American Comeback."

Trump's Shadow: Faced "Trump 2.0" label, but lacked a path to beat the frontrunner.

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Charisma Challenge: Struggled with voter connection and campaign charisma.

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Trump's Dominance: Couldn't match Trump's strong follower base and political identity.

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Poll Position: Began strong against Trump, but saw a significant dip in polls over time.

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Late Campaign Start: Delayed official launch allowed Trump to regain political strength.

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Strategy Missteps: Focused on culture wars, overlooking key economic voter concerns.

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DeSantis vs. Trump: His more reserved style contrasted sharply with Trump's dynamism.

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Iowa and New Hampshire: His robotic demeanor didn't resonate in key early states.

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Looking to 2028: Despite the setback, supporters and DeSantis eye future prospects.

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