The Great Congressional Debate and the Clown Show that Ensued
*** Apologies for The Juice being sent out so late. The team at The Floridian got home very late after the FL Republican CD 7 debate we hosted in Oviedo. Publisher Javier Manjarres had to catch up on his beauty sleep. Again, apologies
The highly anticipated final debate with the 8 Republican congressional candidates in District 7 came to pass Wednesday night, and it quickly turned into a circus.
Al Santos, who is polling at .5%, defined his dismal campaign by walking off the stage to a chorus of boos after he unsuccessfully tried to co-opt the debate when he showed everyone he was a petulant little boy.
Rep. Anthony Sabatini, who was angry-texting disrespectful vulgarities to one of the debate's hosts., backed out of the debate as did Erika Benfield, leaving the 5 only viable candidates to debate one another.
Sabatini is said to have been heard saying that no one was going to go to the debate because he was not going.
Well, 300 people showed up, and some 30 were turned away due to the Fire Marshal. RSVPs were also suspended 4 days prior to the event.
An impromptu poll of likely GOP voters was taken and guess who was crushed?
DeSantis and Bananas
Gov. Ron DeSantis has a very healthy appetite and may on occasion indulge in a yellow banana, but this week the popular governor tore into the Biden administration's unprecedented raid of former President Donald Trump's home in Palm Beach. Has America now turned into a "Banana Republic" under Biden? READ MORE
Donald Trump Jr.-REPORT: Judge Behind Mar A Lago Raid Is Epstein-Linked, Obama Donor.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz-To compare the serving of a search warrant authorized by a Federal judge and @TheJusticeDep to conduct by Nazi secret police who directed the deportation of Jews to ghettos, concentration camps & mass murder sites is not just factually errant and irresponsible, it is repulsive.
Matt Gaetz-.@RepScottPerry is an American Patriot. He has my total support. I wish we had 400 like him in Congress.
"Cory Mills Leads in new Poll, 'Absentini' Sabatini and Santos cry Foul," by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich
"DeSantis Says ‘We’re Turning into a Banana Republic’" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina
"Rick Scott Comments on July Inflation Report," by The Floridian's Daniel Molina
"Sabatini Demands Florida "Sever All Ties" with FBI and DOJ after Mar-a-Lago Raid," by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich
"Republicans Demand ‘Answers’ Over FBI’s Raid," by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Republicans continue to criticize the FBI over its raid at Mar-a-Lago at the beginning of the week. With some praising the raid, others questioning it and yet others vehemently criticizing it, Republicans are calling it “frightening” and demanding “answers.”
"Fried: 'Ron DeSantis is Defending Donald Trump Instead of the rule of law'" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D), who’s seeking the Democratic nomination in the gubernatorial race, held a press conference in front of the governor’s mansion. In the press conference, the gubernatorial hopeful chided Gov. Ron DeSantis over his support of President Donald Trump (R).
"Mar-a-Lago Raid Could ‘Undermine’ Jan 6 Investigation," by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—The raid at Mar-a-Lago continues to have an effect on the political landscape as it further divides lawmakers and voters. Former Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo (D) commented on the raid, t arguing that if answers are not provided soon regarding the reasoning for the raid, it could lead “undermine” the January 6thinvestigation.
FBI Raid of Mar-a-Lago Compared to Gestapo," by The Flordian's Grayson Bakich—All of Florida's congressional delegation has opened up about the recent FBI raid of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Republicans and conservatives have voiced immense criticism of the raid, and more continue to speak out. The Floridian has covered the reactions of Governor Ron DeSantis (R), Senator Rick Scott (R), and many others\
"Scott Demands Investigation into China's Influence on Federal Reserve," by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich
"FBI Raids Mar-a-Lago; Florida Officials React," by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—News organizations around the nation, including The Floridian, have reported that former President Donald Trump’s (R) private estate, Mar-a-Lago, has been raided by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents.
"DeSantis Says Trump Raid Example of Federal Agencies Being Weaponized," by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—The FBI's raid on President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home has sparked the ire of Republicans across the nation. While Democrats are praising the FBI, Republicans are calling it an attack against Democracy. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R), himself someone who's speculated to launch a 2024 presidential campaign, released a statement in support of the president. DeSantis called the raid an example of "the weaponization of federal agencies."
"FBI Raids Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Home," by The Floridian's Jim McCool—BREAKING - The Federal Bureau of Investigation has made the game-changing decision of conducting a raid on the Mar-a-Lago home of former US President Donald Trump (R). Trump has since responded to the incident in a written statement.
"Recreational Marijuana Initiative Could Land in Florida's Midterm Ballot," by The Floridian's Jim McCool—Marijuana legalization has increasingly become more normalized across states. Now, a new initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in 2024 has been launched in Florida.
"Retired Green Beret Jay Collins Tells His Story," by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Former U.S. Army Green Beret Jay Collins (R) sat down with The Floridianlast week and spoke about his past, and his story.
"Loomer Says Illegal Immigration Needs to be Addressed" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich
"Florida Hits New Gas Price Low, Continues to Beat National Average" by The Floridian's Jim McCool
"Florida Democrats Turn on pro-Life/pro-Abortion, Anti-LGBTQ Statewide Candidate Naomi Blemur" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Just when you thought the intraparty divide within the Florida Democratic Party couldn’t get any worse, the push by Progressives to purge any “moderate” or “centrist” Democrats from their ranks continues, including Naomi Blemur.
"Makki Accuses Opponents of Profiting off Illegal Immigration" by The Floridian's Grayson BakichWith the midterm elections approaching, candidates are going to war with each other and the barbs are flying. Last week, The Floridian spoke with congressional candidate Amanda Makki, who called out rival Anna Paulina Luna's previous support for former President Obama, and accuses one of her other opponents of "profiting off of illegal immigration."
"Taddeo Rescinds Naomi Blemur Endorsement," by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Since announcing her run for the U.S. Congress, Florida state Senator Annette Taddeo (D) has risen to the forefront of the Democratic primary race. Polls indicate that she is leading Commissioner Ken Russell (D) in the race, and Taddeo has expanded her influence by sharing a number of endorsements. However, Taddeo is now rescinding...
"DeSantis Says Biden’s U.S. is ‘Disastrous’ by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ (R) Team continues to criticize the “trajectory” of the country, calling it 'disastrous.' While Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D) and Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D) challenge each other for their political party's nomination, criticizing DeSantis, the Florida Governor has remained a vocal critic of the president.
"Suspended State Attorney Andrew Warren Fundraises off of his Suspension," by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Former Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren is campaigning for his job back and asking for donations.
'Dark Money' Rains Down on Florida Republican Primary Races," by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Candidates for elected office, particularly congressional and senatorial candidates, like to moan and groan about “Dark Money” being spent against them in their respective campaigns, but are quick to show their elation when an independent expenditure is spent to help them.
"Bilirakis Discusses Election Integrity Act with Rep. Davis and Local Leaders," by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich –The midterms are three months away. Election integrity is an issue under the current radar that will become more apparent the closer to November. Friday, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) met with Ranking Member of the House Administration Committee Rodney Davis (R-IL) about the American Confidence in Elections (ACE) Act.
"Scott Outlines Alternative Taiwan Strategy, Criticizes Biden's Approach in National Review Op-Ed," by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Tensions between the United States and China remain high after Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-CA) visit to Taiwan this past week. In retaliation, China has placed sanctions on the island and has conducted live-fire drills near its coasts. In an op-ed for National Review, Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) outlines his strategy for the region.
"Rubio and Others Pen Letter to Mayorkas Requesting Tighter Border Security," by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Republican Senators such as Marco Rubio (R-FL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ted Cruz (R-TX) and others, have penned a letter to notify the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about the dangers of an open southern border and the potential national security risks because of it. The letter argues that the United States has completely lost control of the border crisis, and that terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda could become a beneficiary to that circumstance.
"Donalds Introduces Bill Expanding Veteran's Assistance Beyond Education, Into Private Sector," by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—While many consider education to be priceless, some have already acquired the education they want or need in order to make a living and enjoy their life as an American. Rather than constrict the commonly known G.I. bill to just education, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) has taken a step to account for servicemen and servicewomen in more ways than just one.
"DeSantis Appoints new Florida Supreme Court Justice, Defends 'Rule of Law' by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres
"DeSantis-Endorsed Combat Veteran Jay Collins Vows to Stand for American Families," by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—The 2022 midterm election inches closer every day, and Florida has been a hotspot of activity, to say the least. Speaking with The Floridian this week, State Senate candidate Jay Collins (R) describes himself as "a big fan" of Governor Ron DeSantis (R) and of his own commitment to stand with American families. Collins, a former U.S. Army Green Beret who has received the Purple Heart, lost a leg in combat, is endorsed by DeSantis and is running against incumbent State Senator Janet Cruz (D)Florida's 14th District.
"DeSantis Says Florida's 'America's Beachhead of Freedom' by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Amidst criticism from Democrats for suspending Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) is directing criticism back to both Democrats and the Biden administration. DeSantis has not responded to Democrat's concerns, arguing instead that under his leadership Florida has remained "America's Beachhead of Freedom."
The JUICE is squeezed by Javier Manjarres, Jim McCool, and Daniel Molina
