DeSantis shares federal government plans at NH event.

Talking to New Hampshire Voters: DeSantis Outlines Plans to “Reconstitutionalize” the Government

On June 27, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis engaged with New Hampshire voters, sharing his vision to “reconstitutionalize” the federal government and discussing constitutional amendments he believes should be passed.

As a Republican candidate seeking the party’s nomination for the 2024 presidential race, DeSantis faced tough questions from the state’s famously independent-minded voters. Some were curious about how his administration would differ from that of former President Donald Trump.

A 15-year-old boy named Mitchell posed a challenging question for any conservative candidate. Having heard DeSantis speak at a rally, Mitchell appreciated the governor’s emphasis on upholding the principles set forth by the Founding Fathers. He then asked whether DeSantis believed that Trump violated the peaceful transfer of power, a key principle of American democracy.

DeSantis thanked Mitchell for the question and responded thoughtfully. While he didn’t provide a simple yes or no answer, he also refrained from criticizing Trump, recognizing the importance of Trump’s supporters in the upcoming election.

DeSantis stated, “If this election is about Biden’s failures or our vision for the future, we are going to win. If it’s about litigating things that happened two or three years ago, we’re going to lose.”

He then referred to his own recent transition of power during his second term inauguration as Florida’s governor, emphasizing the need to move forward rather than dwell on the past.

Another attendee named Mark asked DeSantis why he was the right candidate to “drain the swamp” and bring about change in Washington. DeSantis empathized with Mark’s frustration, recalling the excitement and promises of Trump’s rallies in 2016.

DeSantis assured the audience, “One thing you’ll get from me, if I tell you I’m going to do something, I’m not just saying that for an election.” He emphasized his commitment to follow through on promises, even if they don’t necessarily benefit him politically.

DeSantis then outlined three Constitutional amendments he supports. One aims to require a balanced federal budget, another would grant the president a line-item veto to eliminate unnecessary spending, and the third proposes term limits for members of Congress.

He acknowledged concerns about term limits potentially empowering former legislators-turned-lobbyists. However, DeSantis argued that the current system already allows lobbyists to exert significant influence in Washington.

DeSantis shared his experience serving three terms in Congress and highlighted how term limits change incentives. With limited time in office, lawmakers are motivated to leave a lasting legacy and pursue meaningful change rather than simply staying in power.

He contrasted Florida’s requirement for a balanced budget with Congress’s tendency to accumulate debt. DeSantis also reiterated his commitment to relocate federal agencies outside of Washington, aiming to reduce the power of the administrative state and restore accountability.

DeSantis concluded by emphasizing the founders’ concerns about unchecked power and the need for checks and balances in government.