GOP primary candidates embrace optimism over doom and gloom.

While Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis are betting on an apocalyptic message to win the Republican presidential primary, some of their competitors are attempting to gain a foothold in the primary by carving out a less dystopian lane. Candidates like former Vice President Mike Pence, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott are betting on a more upbeat, optimistic message to offer at least a modicum of contrast as they attempt to move up in the field. However, it remains to be seen whether this strategy will work in a party where Trump perfected grievance politics and where GOP voters have soured on the direction of the country.