I agree with you in theory just think it’s much deeper than that. They weren’t letting Desantis win either unless they knew he’s controllable and will submit to the deep state and globalist agendas. As soon as he went against the grain, he’d start getting the Trump treatment too.
They'd battle for sure. Would just be tougher because they don't have the rich fertile ground of activity that trump provided.
The best overall bet was trump withdrawing and throwing desantis his support. Desantis wins and drains the swamp