While the final gubernatorial debate between Democrat Andrew Gillum and Republican Ron DeSantis brought out many theatrical moments, nothing compared to the exchange their surrogates had in the post-debate spin room.
Former Mayor of Miami Beach and one of Gillum’s gubernatorial primary opponents, Philip Levine, and Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz, tried to outduel one another.
Levine began by joking about the FBI ticket-gate Gillum is mixed up in, telling Gaetz that “out of all the problems” Floridians have, Alexander Hamilton is not one of them.
Gaetz countered by pointing out to Levine that if he would have known what they know now about the Hamilton tickets, that he would be the Democratic nominee for governor, not Gillum.
“If Philip Levine had the information about the FBI tickets. If Philip would have had the information that we have today, Philip would be the Democratic nominee. You would have one, Philip.”- Rep. Matt Gaetz
Because Gillum is being labeled as anti-Israel, Levine had to inject his two cents about Gillum wanting to model Florida after Israel.
“Israel has healthcare for everybody. Israel has the best education in the entire country. Israel has developed the most high tech community you’ll ever see in your entire life. Israel is a 21st century economy. You know what Andrew Gillum wants to do? He wants to model our state after Israel.”
How will Floridians pay for Israeli-like healthcare?
According to a 2014 overview study of Israel’s healthcare system by the University of Pennsylvania, Israelis must pay a “health tax” to receive healthcare. This healthcare is also subsidized by the government.
“Funded by a health tax and other government funding, the Israeli national system is administered through four different health plans. It guarantees a basic basket of health services to everyone and has established a transparent national Finance Ministry committee that governs what, if any, new services can be added to the basic basket each year.”-UPenn
Gaetz calls out Gillum for playing race card.