Both Republican and Democratic voters are telling pollsters that they want a politician to fight for them — fight against the other side, for the most part. Being a “strong leader” is now being defined as how cutting your attacks against your opponents are.

Ron DeSantis went after the Walt Disney Company, much to the delight of the Republican right. He has also taken on the education establishment in a big way, causing much angst among teachers and their radical supporters.

This has elevated him to the number one choice of Republicans for president in 2024 if Donald Trump doesn’t run. Conservatives like a fighter, and DeSantis gives them that in spades.

The Democrats are dealing with the dilemma of a failing president who has exhibited signs of dementia and whose energy — and perhaps his heart — isn’t in the battle. There’s no shortage of Democrats who want to replace him in 2024. The question is, who has the moxie to go toe-to-toe with Trump — or DeSantis?