It has been interesting watching the contest going on between Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis for the Republican nomination to run for President in 2024. DeSantis wants to distinguish himself as being an alternative to Trump, but he also wants the Trump base to follow him. Trump isn’t buying it and neither is his base.

The problem DeSantis has is that “dyed in the wool” Trump supporters still want Trump. They don’t want a “watered-down,” or “Trump-lite” candidate… they want the real thing.

The Democrats have been accused of trying to sow division through the Manhattan DA who has been investigating the old story of Trump’s relationship with Stormy Daniels, the porn star who was paid hush-money not to speak about her association with Mr. Trump. A Grand Jury subsequently has indicted the former President for wrong-doing in the matter–the first time in American history that a former President has been charged in such a way as a criminal. Trump took advantage of that and made his first court appearance into a prime-time media event.

I think it is now clear that Donald Trump is a wholly different type of character or phenomenon in American politics. There is no one who can replicate him. Even his sons, who sometimes try to sound as tough, can’t mimic their old man. He is one-of-a-kind. It is no wonder that DeSantis (called “DeSanctimonious” by Trump) can’t be another Donald Trump. Only Trump can be Trump.

The only real way out for the Republicans, if they want to move beyond Trump, is to dump him. But that is easier said than done. The “base” of the former President still seems solidly behind him.

The country itself seems to be getting “numb” to the whole controversy. Yet, it plays well on cable news and, you have to hand it to him… the former President is very good at getting his name in the headlines. So, the beat goes on.

What should the Republicans do? Thus far, one of the most recognizable names that has officially announced for the Presidency is Nikki Haley, former Governor of South Carolina. In my view, she is head-and-shoulders above Donald Trump in both experience and temperament. However, I thought the “roll-out” of her candidacy was weak, and, even she, tried to sound sort of like a warmed-over Trumper.

As a Vietnam veteran, my gut reaction has been “where is John McCain when we need him?” Unfortunately, that former patriot is no longer with us. His friend from the Senate, Lindsey Graham, has, since Mr. McCain’s departure from the scene, wilted away and become a sycophant for Trump.

Now, I expect some readers will complain that I haven’t, as yet, brought up the name of Joe Biden. In all honesty, I am hoping that the Democrats can find a younger candidate. (Remember, I am in my 80’s and so have some perspective on what age means.) It is still a long way until November 2024…so maybe they will. But, I expect that President Biden is thinking that Donald Trump will likely again be the Republican nominee; and, if he has beaten him once, why shouldn’t he be able to beat him again?

Which brings us back to the Republicans. If they want the Presidency back, they had better find a candidate other than Donald Trump.

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident and a former New York state Assemblyman.