The "Legacy Media" had a Twitter spasm after Governor Ron DeSantis joked with a The Floridian reporter at a press conference in Rochester, New Hampshire. Gov. DeSantis presented his economic policy proposal for saving America's economy from intense inflation, high cost of living, and Chinese influence.
After wrapping up the presser, DeSantis looked toward the row of over twenty reporters in the back of the room and said, "Okay, we'll take some questions back there." This reporter was the first one called on and said, "Governor, Chris Nelson, good to see you..". DeSantis chimed in, "All the way from Florida!"
After this an aide walked over with a microphone but refused to allow this reporter to take it from his hand, requiring him to step off the media platform.
During the silence, DeSantis quipped, "You better ask an on-topic question because I'm not answering anything that's not about the economy." DeSantis's proposal includes "Reversing Biden’s job-crippling and ideological regulations and executive orders on Day One".
‼️ WATCH! Governor DeSantis calls ME out in New Hampshire!
Says I’d better stay on topic! 😄
DeSantis says he’s GAME for a Constitutional Amendment to ABOLISH the IRS!! 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/kKGSYjDh4j
— Chris Nelson 🇺🇸 🏝 (@ReOpenChris) July 31, 2023
Next, this reporter pointed to the wealth transfer that happened in 2020 due to the lockdowns from "billionaires like Bezos and Gates and political figures like Newsom and Whitmer", while punishing middle class business owners. The question was if DeSantis would support a Constitutional amendment to prevent any more shutdowns and also to abolish the IRS.
DeSantis's policy proposal includes the phrase, "DeSantis will eliminate the fourth branch of government. The days of attempting to regulate the American economy into oblivion by ideological extremism will be done." Government Institutions that issue regulations without elected representatives voting for them, like the Internal Revenue Service and the CDC, have been nicknamed the "fourth branch of government" by Conservative pundits.
DeSantis responded, "I'm game for that. You send me that and we'll sign. I think if you look at the end of the day, they already violated the Constitution: The Fifth Amendment. Because if you take someone's property you've got to provide just compensation. This was a major transfer of wealth from middle class people and small businesses to a handful, maybe six or seven major corporations."
Twitter reacted with disapproval, focusing on DeSantis's joke about asking an on-topic question. DeSantis took all the questions he was asked, including the off topic ones.
The ReCount started by posting the out of context clip.
“You better ask an on-topic question, because I'm not answering anything that’s not about the economy.”
— Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) takes questions after outlining his economic policy plan in New Hampshire pic.twitter.com/q0PFVk6Yhv
— The Recount (@therecount) July 31, 2023
Steve People's, chief political reporter for AP wrote, DeSantis opens “press conference” after economic speech in NH with this: “You better ask an on-topic question because I'm not answering anything that’s not about the economy.”
DeSantis opens “press conference” after economic speech in NH with this: “You better ask an on-topic question because I'm not answering anything that’s not about the economy.”
— Steve Peoples (@sppeoples) July 31, 2023
DeSantis frequently jokes with familiar Florida reporters, but Twitter users did not catch on to this one.
"He needs to get a refund on his charm school tuition," wrote Twitter user Sean O'Neill.
He needs to get a refund on his charm school tuition https://t.co/XArbV4eUh0
— Sean O'Neill (@SeanOhhhh) July 31, 2023
"DeSantis is an incredibly unpleasant, authoritarian man," wrote David Darmofal.
DeSantis is an incredibly unpleasant, authoritarian man. https://t.co/jKXBwKgYuQ
— David Darmofal (@david_darmofal) July 31, 2023
DeSantis Rapid Response Director Christina Pushaw suggested other reporters were jealous they did not receive the same attention.
"You are just jealous that he recognized @ReOpenChris," comment Pushaw under Peoples' post.
You are just jealous that he recognized @ReOpenChris 🤣
— Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) July 31, 2023
Floridian Publisher Javier Manjarres, who DeSantis frequently jokes with, chimed in.
"This is DeSantis joking around. He does this all the time with me as well," commented Manjarres.
This is DeSantis joking around. He does this all the time with me as well.
— Javier Manjarres (@JavManjarres) July 31, 2023
During his campaign kick-off in Iowa, DeSantis poked fun at his old friend Manjarres, joking with him about traveling to Iowa. DeSantis also spoke privately to Manjarres about his weight loss secret.
As always, @GovRonDeSantis finds time to poke fun at his friend, Publisher @JavManjarres #FlPol #florida #desantis2024 pic.twitter.com/H03QtCmpZ5
— The Floridian (@Floridianpress) May 31, 2023
