Leadership of a Party of Reform

The question of who is to lead the Republican party in an effort to adopt these reforms and
change the political paradigm is an important one. A leader for a significant movement of reform must
be able to see both the world as it is, and how it should be. They must also be able to not only map out a
path from one to the other, but express it clearly and effectively to the public. This must go along with
the qualities an effective politician already has to have on the national stage – personality, effective
communication, sound political sense, and leadership ability. Naturally, the candidacy for President is
the proper position for a person leading the movement to reshape a party and change the national
discourse.

In order to make the argument most effectively, the leader must be associated with a state
government that has shown effective governance under their leadership. They must have an established
national reputation, but without excessive partisanship; ability to work with Democrats when necessary
to achieve policy goals is valuable. Relative youth will also be important – not only for dealing with the
strain of the Presidency, but to represent a new dawn in politics. With the current leadership of both
parties being largely held by quite elderly politicians, this may have the same effect in energizing the
public as Kennedy achieved in the 1960s. Youth (and status as an outsider in Washington) will also allow
the candidate to look at the issues with fresh eyes, and will allow more flexibility in adapting to a new
way of doing things. Also important will be an ability to work well with advisors in a variety of fields as
well as members of the legislature – the planning and legislation needed for the reforms envisioned
must be extensive in order to be successful.

Of the likely Republican candidates for President in 2024, Ron DeSantis stands out as the one
best fitting the bill. His rise to national prominence as a Governor places him well for this, and his level
of success in governing Florida has been significant. The particular ability with which he handled COVID-
19 is a strong selling point in his favor. One concern may be that he has not needed much support from
Democrats to pass policies in the Florida legislature. Absent significant coattails in the 2024 election,
cooperation with Democrats may be vital to successful reform, particularly in the Senate. Other
governors and former governors may have more experience working with the other party, but do not
have the national profile.

Donald Trump, as always, is a political wildcard that must be addressed. His non-systematic
nature makes him a poor fit to implement an extensively systematic reform for which his outsider
nature would naturally suit him. His record of extreme partisanship and frequent battles with allies also
make him unlikely to be successful in moving necessary legislation through Congress. He will also be 78
years old at the time of the 2024 election, and his status as a previous national politician makes him
unsuitable for a real reforming leader. Trump, however, has the extreme loyalty of many Republican
voters, and should not be treated lightly. Many of these voters are personally loyal to him, and so his
support after the nomination is won will be vital.

Fortunately, adopting a platform of reform and shifting to a new political paradigm will have a
similar effect on Trump as a Presidential primary competitor as it will likely have on Democrats in the
general election. The candidate supporting reform will be able to reshape the discussion in their own
terms, giving them the advantage in debate. By keeping debate at the level of policy and not descending
to personal attacks, the reform candidate will be able to defeat Trump while remaining on good terms
with him. Many of Trump’s supporters – being mostly concerned about the same government excesses
that are the cause for this reform movement – can be won over during the primary by ideas. Those loyal
personally to Trump can be won over with Trump’s blessing after the nomination, as long as the
nominee has not alienated them (and him).

The election of 2024 may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Republicans to win enough
political power to make a significant improvement in the structure of the federal government. It may
also be our last chance to revitalize the United States and avoid permanent decline and eventual
collapse as the flaws in the system spin the debt out of control.