Peter Schorsch
The Republican challenging freshman U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz in Florida’s 1st Congressional District should put a little more thought into his messaging strategy.
Cris Dosev this week chided President Donald Trump for his infidelities and lack of military service, which would be considered tone deaf for a candidate in nearly any Republican primary, none more so than CD 1 — a Trump plus-40 district.
In response to a Facebook comment saying he was “NOT Donald Trump,” Dosev flipped the script — instead of harried remarks proclaiming his allegiance to the president, he wore it like a badge of honor.
“Thank you for the gracious compliment. I’ve been faithfully married to my wife, my one wife, for the past 32 years and we have raised eight wonderful children. I am also a United States Marine. He is not,” Dosev wrote.
The jab at Trump shows a stark contrast between Dosev and Gaetz, who has been a staunch defender of President Trump during his tenure in Washington – the Panhandle Republican got an invite to ride back to his district aboard Air Force One and speak at a Pensacola rally with the president last year, and just this week he signed onto a letter nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Trump’s approval rating may not be setting the world on fire, but his star is as bright as ever in Northwest Florida. Gaetz support of Trump plays will with the home crowd, and that’s kind of the point of his job – representing the views of his constituency in Washington.
Even if Trump wasn’t doing so hot in CD 1, Dosev’s comments are off the mark.
U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, probably the most vulnerable member of Florida’s congressional delegation, knows how to tastefully put some daylight between himself and the president. Hint: It doesn’t involve personal attacks, it involves taking the lead in policy his district wants.
Love Trump or hate him, if Dosev gets to Congress — and he won’t — he’ll still have to work with the guy to get something done. And that takes at least a modicum of respect.
13 comments
Moos Mom
May 6, 2018 at 6:07 pm
Good for him. There’s nothing tasteful about your hero Dumpy Donny, so you’re just sounding desperate.
Get those knee pads out and go service your sad king.
Rhonda
May 7, 2018 at 7:45 pm
Oh so I guess that’s going to high?Why don’t you just vote in the Democratic primary.You are as petty as Dosev.
Roxie Tew
May 6, 2018 at 11:28 pm
I think you overstate Gaetz’s abilities against this guy. Gaetz has some baggage and was born with a silver spoon, much like Trump. As people sour on Trump, even here, Gaetz will go down the Mueller hole with him. I say good riddance.
Mark Evans
May 7, 2018 at 10:16 am
So far. all I hear are sour grapes. Get behind our president and you too may be successful. Most people will vote for President Trump’s choice because he already has enough people who are trying to not bring the United States back to her formal glory. Life is too short to spend your days with that black cloud over your heads. I was doing good under President Obama. If you aren’t doing well now. You probably weren’t doing well under President Obama either. At this point. I’d be thinking it’s not the president who is keeping your life not that good. Sorry, you haven’t been making good life choices. It’s not President Trump’s fault. It’s all you. Congratulations.
Don
May 7, 2018 at 1:33 pm
This guy has no chance Matt’s got this.Dosev don’t quit your day job bro.
Bettie Griffith
May 7, 2018 at 9:23 pm
I agree with you 💯%
CmeCyou
May 7, 2018 at 6:54 pm
So, what now, we give the rest of our country’s heritage and resources away, along with everything else we lost during the last administration(s)? At least President Trump is working towards protecting what we have left of The United States of America, and working towards getting back all we lost. Only lemmings would be so blind as to not see that our President works towards growth and strength, unity of countrymen, prosperity, and yes, even world peace across all lines.
Bettie Griffith
May 7, 2018 at 9:25 pm
I agree Trump is doing what he promised – against many odds.
Bettie Griffith
May 7, 2018 at 9:34 pm
Matt and Trump are MAGA snd restoring our international leadership. I trust both 💯%
Andy. Cole
May 7, 2018 at 6:56 pm
Matt is doing a great job like President Trump. All you guys keep up the fight. We need people like your group to keep or party strong. That’s is the Republican party. Thanks.
Bettie Griffith
May 7, 2018 at 9:27 pm
You are correct. Matt keeps us informed by his personal updates.
He supports NRA as well 🇺🇸
Wire Wrat
May 7, 2018 at 7:07 pm
The last president did not have military experience, and neither did the Clinton’s.
Bettie Griffith
May 7, 2018 at 9:31 pm
Trump lesrned leadership at West Point. Previous two lead by deception, and spent presidency lining their pockets. Matt is great leader🇺🇸
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