Trump was obviously unique in 2016 having that nationwide name recognition, outsider anti political establishment feel and a level of charisma. Both DeSantis and now Vance have been identified as the potential heir apparent and both have absolutely melted after coming into the wider public view, as they're unpleasant goons who only appeal to a minority of terminally online oddballs.
The worry has always been that a smarter, more aware, less openly polarising version of Trump appears, although you would expect the men in grey suits faction of the Republicans to mount a counter coup to regain control of the party again.