DeSantis intensifies criticism of Newsom’s California in Anaheim, while making slight adjustments to Trump.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Takes Center Stage at California GOP Convention
Speaking at the California GOP’s convention in Anaheim, just a stone’s throw from the Magic Kingdom, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis could be forgiven for cracking a few Disney jokes.
“I’m a little close to Disneyland. I don’t know if they’d let me come to that,” he said, drawing laughter.
The Florida governor sounded more relaxed in Anaheim than he did earlier in the day at the Los Angeles Grain Terminal in Long Beach; he had to hustle through SoCal sprawl to film a segment with Bill Maher. Amid a long-range decline in poll numbers and talk of big donors potentially deserting him for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, the looser tone was welcome.
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His evening remarks also came hours and hours after the convention’s main event—a speech by former President Donald J. Trump, so far in front that he could soon reach escape velocity in the 2024 contest. His speech alone sold 1,500 tickets, according to a convention staffer who spoke with The Epoch Times. Meanwhile, many Trump supporters gathered outside the hotel where their candidate of choice made his appearance.
Although Mr. DeSantis has sometimes hesitated to criticize his top competition for the Republicans’ 2024 slot, he tweaked a moment in former President Trump’s speech when he said that he and not Mr. DeSantis had “turned Florida red.”
“All I will say is, Ronald Reagan made the point [that] there is no limit to what you can do when you don’t care who gets the credit. I just wish, if he was the one who turned Florida red, that he wouldn’t have turned Georgia and Arizona blue, because that’s not been good for us,” the governor said.
The comments follow the governor’s condemnation of former President Trump for not attending the second presidential debate on Sept. 27, which took place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
“Donald Trump is missing in action,” he said on stage at the debate in Simi Valley.
DeSantis Vs. Newsom Redux
Turnabout may be fair play in this case. Just days ago, both before and after the Simi Valley showdown, California’s executive roamed the media-choked “spin room,” taking shots at his rival to a variety of journalists.
“What Biden is doing are things that California was doing many years ago. What California is doing now is likely what a second Biden term would do, or, God forbid, Kamala Harris, or, God forbid, Newsom himself. Who knows, right?” Mr. DeSantis said, before reiterating his frequent calls to fight what he characterized as a state of national decline.
At the moment, the U.S. military is currently facing a recruiting shortage. A recent publication from the U.S. Army War College projects that a confrontation between the United States and China could result in 3,600 casualties per day.
“The 1970s concept of an all-volunteer force has outlived its shelf life and does not align with the current operating environment,” the authors argued before suggesting a move toward “partial conscription” could become necessary.
What are some of the issues that Governor Ron DeSantis believes are crucial for the nation?
Ion,” DeSantis said during an interview on Fox News. “I think it’s important that he be there and engage in the debate because there’s a lot at stake. This is a crucial time for our country and we need to hear from our leaders.”
However, despite these minor jabs, DeSantis made it clear that he still has a deep admiration and respect for Donald Trump. “I think the president did a lot of great things for our country and for the state of Florida,” he said. “He brought a new energy and enthusiasm to the Republican Party and inspired millions of Americans.”
DeSantis also took the opportunity to highlight his own accomplishments as governor of Florida. He touted his state’s strong economy, low taxes, and support for law enforcement. He emphasized the need for conservative leadership to address the issues facing the nation, such as the crisis at the border, rising crime rates, and the threat of socialism.
Furthermore, DeSantis addressed the controversy surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and his approach to handling the crisis in Florida. He defended his decision to prioritize the economy and individual freedom while still taking necessary precautions to protect vulnerable populations.
“We can’t have a one-size-fits-all approach to this pandemic,” DeSantis stated. “Florida has proven that we can balance public health with economic prosperity. We can protect the most vulnerable while allowing businesses to stay open and people to live their lives.”
As the 2024 presidential election looms in the distance, Ron DeSantis remains a prominent figure within the Republican Party. With his strong conservative record and bold leadership style, he has emerged as a potential contender for the party’s nomination.
However, DeSantis still faces challenges and competition from other prominent Republicans, such as former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. The upcoming months will be crucial for DeSantis as he seeks to solidify his position and gain support from key donors and party members.
Overall, Governor Ron DeSantis delivered a confident and engaging speech at the California GOP convention. While cracking a few jokes about Disneyland, he presented himself as a strong leader and defender of conservative values. With his rising popularity among Republicans and his successful track record as governor of Florida, he is certainly a politician to watch in the coming years.
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