2024 Presidential Election

Newsom Brings out the Best of DeSantis in Debate

Share

Governors Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and Gavin Newsom (D-CA) squared off in the Fox News “Great State Debate,” hosted by Sean Hannity. Gov. DeSantis might’ve turned some heads as the event allowed for the discussion of economic policy, immigration, the California exodus, and of course, COVID.

All areas in which Gov. DeSantis thrives.

However, Gov. Newsom deserves some credit. He walked into the lion’s den that is Fox News and did his best with the questions that were not necessarily in his favor.

Yes, most would consider the questions asked fair game. But in all fairness, there wasn’t a single question asked by Hannity that put California in a positive light.

That’s not DeSantis’ fault though. He did a very good job in responding to the questions that were asked of him. He kept Newsom on his toes in a Trump fashion. Similar to the former President’s simple “Wrong” rebuttal against Hillary Clinton in 2016, DeSantis continuously called Newsom’s claims “false.” Or “not true.”

At one point, Newsom said that a report from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) surrounding COVID death rates showcased by Hannity was “factually untrue.”

In the background, you can hear DeSantis laughingly question Newsom by saying “The CDC?” This can be found at the 2:05 mark in the video above.

It seems as though DeSantis’ performance was what people were expecting before he jumped into the race.

Before announcing his candidacy, and more specifically during COVID, Gov. DeSantis made his name known for going on what people consider “opposition media” or left-leaning outlets. He was constantly in the news for not being afraid to take on reporters. He “never backed down” to use the words of the DeSantis Super PAC.

However, since announcing his candidacy and then going against Gov. Newsom, it appears Gov. DeSantis is much more comfortable in an ideological and philosophical debate against a liberal rather than a debate against other conservatives that have to split hairs from each other. As we’ve seen in the Republican debates this cycle, candidates have the unique challenge to not only separate themselves from each other but also separate themselves from the front-runner, Donald Trump, while simultaneously attempting to win over the large voting bloc that is the MAGA base.

It's a very strange (but unique) situation in American politics.

But longtime DeSantis fans finally got to see what they’ve been expecting all along on a debate stage: Closer to the cleverness, brashness, and personality of Trump, but with a proven record and a polished demeanor.

It seems it just took a Democrat to bring it out of him.

Jackson Bakich

Born in Orlando but raised in Lake County, Florida, Jackson Bakich is currently a senior at Florida State University. Growing up in the sunshine state, Bakich co-hosted the political talk radio show "Lake County Roundtable" (WLBE) and was a frequent guest for "Lake County Sports Show" (WQBQ). Currently, he is the Sports Editor of the FSView and the co-host of "Tomahawk Talk" (WVFS), a sports talk radio program covering Florida State athletics in Tallahassee.

Recent Posts

'Filthy Secrets': Florida's Voice CEO Brendon Leslie Accused of Workplace Sexual Harassment, Intimidation

Brendon Leslie, CEO of the right-wing Florida’s Voice, has been accused of workplace sexual harassment,…

1 hour ago

Lara Trump Withdraws Name From Senate Consideration

Lara Trump has announced that she is withdrawing her name from consideration to serve in…

19 hours ago

America First: A Roadmap for Restoring Order in Haiti

President Trump’s historic reelection was driven by issues important to voters—inflation, crime, border security, energy…

1 day ago

Mills Breaks Down CR Effort to Avoid a Government Shutdown

Assessing the vote to avoid a government shutdown, Florida Rep. Cory Mills (R) urged lawmakers…

2 days ago

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava details her work on improving affordable housing

MIAMI—On Thursday, in response to a resident's question on affordable housing, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella…

2 days ago

Bean, Ernst Introduce Bill to 'Drain the Swamp,' Relocate 30% of Washington Bureaucrats

Representative Aaron Bean (R-FL) and Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), founders of the Department of Government…

2 days ago