Former President Donald Trump scored a big win over his rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, in a new report from Rolling Stone. The report says Fox News boss Rupert Murdoch is turning on DeSantis and is looking for a new candidate to back because he smells a loser with Ron.
Murdoch has noticed that DeSantis is too awkward in public and can’t connect with the voters in a way that could put a dent in Trump’s lead in the polls. Without Fox News in the tank for him, DeSantis will have a hard time in the primary.
But if Rupert backs another candidate, DeSantis is doomed because Rupert will have to take Ron out. And The New York Times is reporting that Murdoch “has privately told people” he wants Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) enter the race because of DeSantis’ poor performance.
According to Rolling Stone:
“Rupert’s understandable worry is that we may end up being stuck with Trump anyway,” a senior Fox source tells Rolling Stone.
“And DeSantis is underperforming. Anybody can see that…[and the Murdochs], they’re seeing it, too.”
This reporting is based on conversations with two people who speak to the Murdochs, three well-placed sources at Fox, and three others briefed on the situation.
“The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to divulge the contents of private discussions.
Rupert Murdoch did not respond to messages seeking comment on this story. A spokesperson for the DeSantis campaign did not immediately respond to a comment request. A Fox representative declined to comment on Tuesday.
“According to two of the sources, Murdoch has privately winced at DeSantis’ nonstop cultural-grievance strategy, arguing that it is being executed sloppily.
“Another Fox source told the magazine, “They are transactional and can smell a loser a mile away.”
Rupert Murdoch tells people he hopes Gov Glenn Youngkin will enter the presidential race. @NickNehamas and me on Murdoch empire not quite so supportive of DeSantis anymore. https://t.co/s8Azm87Gle
— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) July 12, 2023
