New York, United States - In a recent interview with NBC News, Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis unequivocally stated that former President Donald Trump lost the 2020 election. This is a significant shift in DeSantis' previously evasive responses on the matter.

DeSantis had previously avoided taking a firm stance on the legitimacy of the 2020 election results. However, he has now started publicly challenging the baseless claims made by Trump and his allies regarding election fraud. Both federal and state election officials, as well as Trump's own attorney general, have affirmed that there was no credible evidence to suggest that the outcome of the election was affected by fraud. These claims were repeatedly rejected by courts, even those presided over by judges appointed by Trump himself.

The recent charges filed against Trump by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith further emphasize the gravity of the former president's attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Trump is facing four felony charges related to his role in inciting the violent riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

DeSantis' change in rhetoric coincides with his efforts to rejuvenate his stagnant 2024 White House campaign. While Trump continues to enjoy widespread popularity among the Republican Party base, he is widely perceived as the frontrunner in next year's GOP presidential primary.

Initially, when asked whether Trump lost the election, DeSantis provided a vague response, stating that the winner is determined by who takes the oath of office on January 20 every four years. However, when pressed further, he gave a more definitive answer affirming Biden's presidency.

DeSantis did express concerns about certain voting methods employed during the 2020 election, specifically criticizing mail voting and "ballot harvesting." Interestingly, he also mentioned that, like other Republicans, he would be open to utilizing these methods, stating that they would not "fight with one hand tied behind our backs."

As DeSantis strives to position himself as a formidable contender in the upcoming elections, his alignment with the truth regarding Trump's defeat marks a significant departure from his previous equivocation.

Academic Research Shows Mail Voting's Impact on Turnout

Recent academic research has shed light on the impact of mail voting on voter turnout. While it has been found to increase overall voter participation, it does not provide any significant advantage to either political party. In light of this knowledge, political campaigns have often embraced mail voting as a strategy to secure early votes and focus their efforts on Election Day to motivate remaining supporters.

DeSantis' Views on Trump's Politics

During his campaign, DeSantis positioned himself as a candidate who can effectively implement Trump's policies. However, he has adopted a nuanced approach when it comes to criticizing the former president's actions.

In a recent statement, DeSantis acknowledged that Trump could have issued a more forceful condemnation of the January 6th attack on the Capitol. However, he also emphasized that the events of that day were not an insurrection but rather a "protest" that took an unfortunate turn.

Shifting Focus for Republicans

DeSantis has been vocal about the need for Republicans to shift their focus away from the past election and the legal issues surrounding Trump. He asserts that dwelling on these matters will only serve to hinder the party's chances in the 2024 election.

According to DeSantis, if Republicans present a positive vision for the future and make the upcoming election a referendum on Joe Biden's policies and perceived failures, they stand a strong chance of winning the presidency. On the contrary, if the election becomes centered around January 6th, 2021, or trivial matters like documents found at Mar-a-Lago, victory may be elusive.