>

If the race was ran today it would be close, but I can't see most Independents backing DeSantis over Biden. DeSantis has not really moderated his message at all since he was reelected and I wonder if anyone outside of FL conservatives even likes him?
But if he went up against Trump first, he would be severely damaged just from all of Trump's constant attacks. Plus he may launch some low balls of his own, which would further turn independents against him.
There’s lots of smart democrats who I would love to see as President.  Tammy Duckworth. Katie Porter.  Adam Schiff (which Reddit refused to allow me to spell correctly for 4 tries). >

A reasonable moderate would be good from either party for the country but I don’t see that happening. My bets for the outcome are Desantis vs Newsome. >

This isn't a perfect replacement IMO, but
PAUL RYAN VS STACEY ABRAMS 
YOU HEARD IT HERE FOLKS >

Ron Desantis ,  Nicki Haley 
On the left ……
Michelle Obama, maybe Buttigieg
I’m depressed writing this out, our country is fucked >

Yes, it’s depressing but I don’t know why you say that after writing Michelle. She’d be awesome but I doubt she’ll run. 
Otherwise, in no particular order, there’s Warnock, Newsom and half of those who ran in 2020. >

Buttigieg would probably be a very strong contender for Democrats. With Republicans, I don't see how anyone has as much clout right now as DeSantis, so we'd probably be looking at a Buttigieg vs. DeStantis matchup in 2024. >

Yeah - I don’t think someone whose resume reads Mayor and Transportation Secretary is going to give much confidence to independent voters.
Who do the Democrats have that actually appeals to Independents? >

Why wouldn't Buttigieg appeal to independents? He's more moderate than many candidates who ran in 2020 and he's a frequent presence on national TV arguing on behalf of the Biden administration which raises his credibility. >

Either you have to have political experience or charisma… he has neither >

Charisma is subjective, lots of people think Trump has charisma for example but I certainly don't, so that's not particularly relevant.
He's the current Transportation secretary, which is a top federal position. If that doesn't give him political experience in your eyes, I honestly don't know what will. If you want to name another valid Democratic candidate, feel free. >

That’s my point - Trump’s “charisma” appealed to a lot of voters… and Biden won solely because he isn’t Trump. So maybe that’ll be the plan again in 2024 >

Ideally Biden will run again in 2024 and defeat whoever emerges from the DeSantis/Trump mudslinging contest. >

I don’t see how Biden could beat Desantis at this point. But we’ll see if the Republicans are dumb enough to roll with Trump again.