WASHINGTON, D.C. — A photo making the rounds on social media this week features a smiling Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida, accompanied by bold, unapologetic text: “Dear GOP politicians, we’re really not asking you for very much, just be more like this guy.”
To some, it’s a meme. To others, it’s a message. But to many conservatives, it’s a rallying cry.
As the 2024 election cycle approaches with rapid momentum, Ron DeSantis has become more than just Florida’s governor — he’s a symbol of a style of leadership that resonates with a significant portion of the Republican base. The viral image encapsulates a growing sentiment within conservative circles: frustration with establishment Republicans and a desire for bold, uncompromising, and results-oriented leadership.
The Rise of the DeSantis Doctrine
Ron DeSantis’s meteoric rise to national prominence has been shaped by a combination of policy stances, public defiance of federal mandates, and media confrontations that have earned him both fierce loyalty and equally fierce criticism. From his COVID-19 response to his battles over education, immigration, and corporate influence, DeSantis has carved out a brand of conservatism that’s assertive, confrontational, and unapologetically combative.
Supporters argue that his approach is not only principled but effective.
“He doesn’t wait for permission, and he doesn’t cave under pressure,” says conservative commentator Laura Jensen. “He fights for what he believes, even when it’s unpopular with the media or the elites. That’s why people respect him.”
What the Meme Represents
The meme — like many political memes — is more than just internet fodder. It encapsulates a longing among the GOP base for unity, strength, and direction. The caption implies that Republican politicians have lost touch with their constituents and need to realign themselves with the assertive, results-driven model DeSantis represents.
The message is simple but loaded: “Be more like this guy.”
It doesn’t specify policy. It doesn’t outline a platform. Instead, it appeals to attitude — the posture of defiance and confidence many on the right see lacking in other GOP leaders.
Not Without Controversy
Despite the popularity, DeSantis’s political style is not without its critics — even within his own party.
Some Republicans argue that his aggressive approach could alienate moderate voters and independents. Others suggest that his leadership, though decisive, often fuels unnecessary culture wars. His clashes with Disney, the College Board, and school boards have drawn praise and condemnation in equal measure.
Former GOP strategist Rick Wilson, now a vocal critic of Trumpism, warns that mimicking DeSantis could backfire.
“Authoritarian vibes play well in right-wing media bubbles,” Wilson said. “But in a general election, it’s a gamble. The country is more complex than base-driven politics.”
Still, DeSantis’s approval ratings in Florida remain strong, and his influence within the party is undeniable.
DeSantis vs. Trump?
The image also subtly reflects the ongoing tension within the Republican Party — particularly the shadow of Donald Trump. For some, “be more like DeSantis” is a coded call to move beyond Trump-style populism while retaining the anti-establishment edge.
“He’s like Trump without the chaos,” one DeSantis supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Same policies, less drama.”
Others, however, see little difference.
“DeSantis is just Trump in a better-fitting suit,” said Amanda Rivera, an independent voter in Pennsylvania. “He’s polished, sure. But the divisiveness is the same.”
The party remains divided between those who want to turn the page and those who want to double down. And in that vacuum, images like this meme gain momentum — not because they provide solutions, but because they tap into raw emotion and political fatigue.
What’s Next for the GOP?
As the 2024 election looms, the GOP is at a crossroads. Does it return to its pre-Trump identity of fiscal conservatism and foreign policy hawkishness? Or does it embrace the combative, culture-driven politics of figures like DeSantis?
The meme doesn’t offer answers. But it does offer clarity: the base is watching, and it has preferences.
“You can’t ignore how powerful a simple image can be,” says political analyst Marcus Hall. “This isn’t just about DeSantis. It’s about what he symbolizes to frustrated voters who feel ignored or betrayed.”
Final Thoughts
In an era where memes can mobilize movements and a single image can shape national discourse, the rise of the “DeSantis meme” is telling. It reflects not just a political preference but a broader cultural desire for clarity, courage, and conviction — whether you agree with the policies or not.
For Republican politicians eyeing their futures, the message is clear. Whether they choose to follow it remains to be seen.
