Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has taken up the gauntlet thrown down by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, accepting his challenge for a debate. Could that be a major mistake or an opportunity to shine?
While no date for the event has been announced, a spokesman for Newsom told NBC that the Golden State’s Governor had suggested a day between Nov. 8-10.
DeSantis confirmed his readiness during an exclusive interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, who is set to host the anticipated debate.
Ron DeSantis Is Game
“Absolutely, I’m game,” Ron DeSantis stressed during his Wednesday conversation with Hannity, sparking applause from the audience. The Floridian leader’s willingness to engage in a debate reflects his commitment to addressing the crucial issues facing the nation.
“Let’s get it done. Just tell me when and where we’ll do it,” DeSantis asserted energetically. He underlined that the ongoing competition between California and Florida has already been waged in the form of people’s choices.
“They’ve been voting on it with their feet, they have fled California in record numbers,” DeSantis highlighted.
The prospective debate, however, is not just about state comparisons, but the nation’s trajectory and values. “This is the debate for the future of our country,” DeSantis emphasized.
In a clear articulation of his political vision, DeSantis expressed his concerns regarding the direction some political figures desire for the nation. “We have the number one ranked economy, number one now in education, crime rate at a 50-year-low,” he affirmed, aligning these achievements with Florida’s prudent approach. He cautioned against replicating what he termed the “Californication” of the United States, a trend he attributed to certain politicians.
Election Woes For DeSantis
DeSantis acknowledged the unpredictability of the upcoming election landscape. “Biden may not even be the nominee,” he observed, speculating about the potential contenders. He noted that individuals like Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris could emerge as significant figures. However, he expressed reservations about their policies potentially accelerating “American decline.”
As DeSantis prepares to enter this high-stakes debate, recent polls spotlight his uncertain position within the Republican Party presidential primary. Fresh polling from The New York Times/Siena poll places DeSantis second to former President Donald Trump, who over half of respondents favored. However, a substantial 46% of those who chose Trump indicated that they are “considering other candidates,” suggesting that DeSantis still has some chances of turning his fortunes.
Red Flight
While many Californians hold a strong affection for their state, a significant portion is contemplating a change of location. According to a recent statewide survey, 70% of individuals surveyed expressed a notable degree of contentment with their California residency, particularly commending the state’s diversity. However, a noteworthy 40% of Californians are entertaining the idea of relocating to a different state, primarily attributing their consideration to the state’s high cost of living.
U.S. Census data has revealed a consistent decline in California’s population over the past three years. Correspondingly, the IRS migration report for the year 2020 indicates that conservative Texas has emerged as the top destination for former Californians seeking a new home. Additionally, the report highlights that deeply red Idaho holds the fourth position, while currently red Florida secures the fifth position in popularity among former California residents seeking relocation.
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
