I think the big winner of the 1/6 hearings is Ron DeSantis

It certainly seems obvious that Trump is a criminal but I don’t think the Department of Justice will charge him. They’re concerned about dividing the country but that’s irrelevant for two reasons:

1. The country is already polarized.
2. Republicans don’t care about dividing the country. Look at the abortion decision which is very unpopular.

I do think the hearings weaken Trump’s standing within the GOP which helps potential rivals. Look at this poll:

A new poll of likely Republican primary voters in New Hampshire signals weakening support for Donald Trump as the party's presidential nominee in 2024 — and growing strength for Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida. https://t.co/hr9mWlvQ3h

— The New York Times (@nytimes) June 23, 2022

Republicans can get Trump policies without Trump’s personal baggage by nominating DeSantis or someone similar. I do think DeSantis could win the 2024 presidential election as long as the economy has problems such as inflation. Democrats aren’t in love with Biden and there could be a nasty primary fight if he doesn’t run for re-election. I hate to say it but I think Ron DeSantis will be the next president. I despise him but I don’t think he’s a criminal. I think the only thing that could derail him is if Trump runs as an independent or does something else to sabotage DeSantis.

“Sarah Longwell, an anti-Trump Republican strategist, has been conducting focus groups of Trump voters since Jan. 6. In her last two, none of the participants wanted Trump to run again — something that hadn’t happened before.” https://t.co/wOR1Z6t9Le

— Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) June 25, 2022

From @WSJopinion: Donald Trump and Joe Biden both face rejection, writes @Peggynoonannyc. The Jan. 6 hearings are helping Republicans solve their problem. It’s unclear what Democrats will do. https://t.co/RMoZNDe56E

— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) June 25, 2022

DeSantis will be the big winner of the hearings. Republicans will realize they can get the same extremist policies without Trump’s personal baggage.

— Harris Levy (@HarrisL585) June 28, 2022