A date has finally been set for the much anticipated debate between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
"THE DATE IS SET! Ron DeSantis' record of success and vision for American revival vs. the Gavin Newsom/Joe Biden recipe for decline. A battle for the future of our country. 11.30.23," posted DeSantis campaign spokesman Bryan Griffin.
NEW: THE DATE IS SET!@RonDeSantis' record of success and vision for American revival vs. the @GavinNewsom/@JoeBiden recipe for decline. A battle for the future of our country.
11.30.23
Press release here:https://t.co/XoiVuxjueK pic.twitter.com/HIlxUEb7on
— Bryan Griffin (@BryanDGriffin) September 25, 2023
"Decline is a choice," posted DeSantis Rapid Response Director Christina Pushaw. "This debate will be about two competing visions for America's future: Left-wing dystopia or conservative revival."
Decline is a choice. This debate will be about two competing visions for America's future: Left-wing dystopia or conservative revival. https://t.co/w7GHGnAEag
— Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) September 25, 2023
"FOX News Channel’s Sean Hannity will moderate a red vs. blue state debate between Florida Governor and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis and Democrat California Governor Gavin Newsom on November 30th," according to a statement from Fox News.
Minutes after the announcement, DeSantis posted a new ad to his campaign X account page.
"Decline is a choice and success is attainable," posted DeSantis. "As President, I will lead America's revival. I look forward to the opportunity to debate Gavin Newsom over our very different visions for the future of our country."
In the video DeSantis touts Florida's $22 Billion budget surplus, CNBC's rating of Florida as the "Best State Economy in the US," and Florida's crime rate dropping to a 5o year low. The video goes on to highlight California's $32 Billion deficit and surge in violent crimes in places like Los Angeles, near where the GOP presidential debate will be held on Wednesday. Newsom is expected to attend as a surrogate for President Biden. Watch the video below.
Decline is a choice and success is attainable. As President, I will lead America's revival.
I look forward to the opportunity to debate Gavin Newsom over our very different visions for the future of our country. pic.twitter.com/wuh0jRXFdg
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) September 25, 2023
DeSantis and Newsom have traded barbs for the last few years, choosing nearly opposite responses to the Covid pandemic, LGBTQ issues and crime. Newsom challenged DeSantis to a debate last year.
"Hey @GovRonDeSantis, clearly you're struggling, distracted, and busy playing politics with people’s lives," said Newsom in response to a post by Dan Rather. "Since you have only one overriding need -- attention --let's take this up & debate. I’ll bring my hair gel. You bring your hairspray. Name the time before Election Day."
DeSantis and Newsom took different approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic. Florida focusing on personal choice and freedom for businesses to operate, California relying on mandates and prolonged school and business closures.
Hey @GovRonDeSantis, clearly you're struggling, distracted, and busy playing politics with people’s lives. Since you have only one overriding need -- attention --let's take this up & debate. I’ll bring my hair gel. You bring your hairspray. Name the time before Election Day. @CNN https://t.co/vTJHQxfArW
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) September 16, 2022
DeSantis accepted Newsom's challenge on an episode of Hannity.
"Absolutely! I'm game! Let's get it done. Just tell me when and where," DeSantis told Hannity in an August 2 interview. "The debate between California and Florida has already been had. People have been voting on it with their feet. They have fled California in record numbers. Florida has been the number one state for net in-migration. We have the number one ranked economy, number one in education, and crime rate now at a 50-year low."
DeSantis warned that Biden may not be the Democratic nominee for President. A recent Washington Post poll shows Biden losing 51-42 in a head to head matchup with former President Donald Trump.
"You could have Gavin Newsom. You could have Kamala Harris," DeSantis told Hannity. "I think if we go down that direction that is going to accelerate American decline. We cannot see America decline anymore. We need to reverse it."
BREAKING: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) accepts California Governor Gavin Newsom's (D) debate challenge. pic.twitter.com/dhZiJBCG9e
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) August 3, 2023
"Governor DeSantis vs Governor Newsom. I cannot wait to watch this on November 30th!" posed former Trump Press Secretary Kayleigh McEneny.
Governor DeSantis vs Governor Newsom
I cannot wait to watch this on @seanhannity @FoxNews on November 30th!https://t.co/HTbIQshim7
— Kayleigh McEnany (@kayleighmcenany) September 25, 2023
The 90-minute debate between DeSantis and Newsom will take place at location to be determined in Georgia and will air on Fox News Channel's Hannity at 9 PM/ET, according to a statement from Fox News.
"Hannity first raised the prospect of a debate with Governor Newsom during his exclusive sit-down this past June, following which, Governor DeSantis officially signed on to participate in July," Fox News said in a statement. "This will mark the first time the two prominent governors will face off in a debate."
“I’m looking forward to providing viewers with an informative debate about the everyday issues and governing philosophies that impact the lives of every American,” said Hannity in a statement.
Newsom has not posted about the debate at the time of this article's publishing.
