Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida began the race for the Republican nomination with high expectations and a clear argument: that he was a political fighter with a solid record of conservative achievements in his state. Now, he appears to be in a downward spiral.

Shane Goldmacher, a national political reporter for The Times, explains why the DeSantis campaign is stumbling so badly.

Guest: Shane Goldmacher, a national political reporter for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

• Governor DeSantis, who has been losing ground in polls and dealing with staffing, spending and messaging issues, tweaks his messaging and tactics.
• Here are four major challenges facing his campaign.

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