The Unsettling Memes and Controversies Surrounding Ron DeSantis' Presidential Campaign

Ron DeSantis' recent campaign video has sparked controversy due to its use of memes and imagery associated with the online right. The video features memes such as GigaChad, Patrick Bateman, Yes Chad, Thomas Shelby, and Achilles, which symbolize various aspects of hypermasculinity and far-right ideologies. While these memes have been relatively fringe in the online right, their inclusion in DeSantis' video suggests their potential seepage into the conservative mainstream. Some experts argue that this strategy aims to appeal to Trump voters by demonstrating that DeSantis embodies the ideals associated with Trump.