Scott Drops Out of GOP Race; Is DeSantis Next?

Last night, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott suspended his presidential campaign to the surprise of his own staff. 

However, given that Scott barely qualified for last week's GOP debate, the writing was on the wall. 

Scott had nothing compelling to say and when he did say something, it made him look small like when he claimed President Biden had "blood on his hands" concerning Hamas' invasion of Israel. President Biden certainly isn't viewed this way in Israel.

As to the future, Scott denies wanting to be Trump's VP, I viewed his presidential campaign as little more than a bid to be Trump's number two:

While it is more likely than not that Trump will pick a woman to be his running mate (i.e. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Kari Lake, Kristi Noem or perhaps even someone like Marsha Blackburn) I don't think it is beyond the realm of possibility that Trump could pick an African-American male like Scott to be his running mate. Aside from the fact that his profile will be increased considerably, should Trump pick Scott it could offset accusations of racism which have often been leveled at Trump. I think Haley is out of the picture because Trump does not perceive her as being loyal. At this point, Trump does not have such a problem with Scott. 

Following January 6th, Haley briefly broke with Trump. By contrast, Scott said that Trump "is the one person I don't blame" for the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Who do you think Trump would rather have as his running mate?

Let me put it this way. If Trump asked Scott to be his running mate, I don't think he would say no even with the chance Trump supporters would prepare a noose for him if he ever went astray. Yes, I understand the racial connotations and so do Trump supporters.

So where does this leave the rest of the GOP field?

Prior to the first GOP debate back in August, I stated point blank that they don't matter.  

Indeed, one must ask will any of them make it to Iowa?

Well, Chris Christie's focus is New Hampshire so he'll stick around. Nikki Haley has gained ground. Not nearly enough to supplant Trump, but she won't drop out until before South Carolina. Haley can ill afford to lose to Trump by 30 points on her home turf. But as long as Haley is around, Vivek Ramaswamy (or Ramaslimy depending upon your point of view) will nip at her heels and continue to be a pest. Ramaswamy will only exit when it is down to him and Trump. 

This leaves Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as the most likely GOP presidential aspirant to drop out. He might stick around for Iowa as their GOP Governor Kim Reynolds recently endorsed him. But Reynolds word has less standing in Iowa than that of Trump so that likely to put him ahead of Trump much less Haley or Ramaswamy. 

If I were to venture to guess, I think DeSantis drops out before NH. After all, DeSantis is best known in the Granite State for sicking his security on a 15-year old boy asking him questions. If DeSantis can't handle questions from a 15-year-old boy, then how can he handle Trump's barbs much less saber rattling from Russia and China?