Waltz: Florida 'Playbook' is the Future of the GOP

With Democrats moving full steam ahead to convict President Donald Trump (R), Republicans have been involved in infighting that has only increased in recent weeks. Tension has heightened within the party as GOP members who voted to impeach the President fundamentally disagree with GOP members that are siding with the President. This has even resulted in those siding with the President to launch verbal jabs at their Republican colleagues. However, Florida Rep. Michael Waltz (R) penned an op-ed over the weekend, affirming that the future of the GOP is the Sunshine State's "playbook." And, for him, this is indicated by the changing of the political landscape in the 2020 Presidential election.

“Florida is a state made famous to most Americans by its sunny beaches, Disney and visiting retired grandparents,” Waltz described, noting that “Florida’s place in America’s elections has also made the state famous – or infamous depending on the year – as its most impactful swing state.”

In last year’s election, “not only did Florida deliver an astounding one million more votes for President Trump than he won in 2016, but the GOP also picked up two additional Congressional seats and expanded long held majorities in the state legislature.”

The state decidedly went to the GOP, and the Congressman commented that this “attracted a coalition and candidates more closely resembling modern America.”

As the political arena experiences changes with a Democratic majority in the House and the Senate, Waltz asserted that “the 74 million Americans who voted for Donald Trump should be emboldened by the prospects of the new, emerging voter, not deterred.”

And, if Republicans across the country want to ensure that their states go red, then “the playbook has been set.” Waltz specified that "the playbook" included economic improvements for Floridians, advances when it comes to environmental concerns, and closely working with the Trump administration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the rest of the country to gain the same outcome that Florida gained in the election, Waltz affirmed that all they have to do is “just follow Florida’s guide.”