After CNN debate, Andrew Gillum talks ‘whooping’, Ron DeSantis ‘contrast’

In the aftermath of Sunday night’s gubernatorial debate between Democrat Andrew Gillum and Republican Ron DeSantis, both candidates feel like they got the job done.

Gillum, speaking in Jacksonville Monday, essentially spiked the ball on DeSantis to a partisan crowd assembled for the “Winning Ticket.”

“Did y’all see that whooping we put on Ron DeSantis? This brother can’t get off the stage soon enough,” Gillum said, vowing to “retire him.”

Gillum exulted in the memes his supporters circulated, many of which focused on DeSantis looking somewhat uncomfortable in the early moments of the CNN clash.

However, when asked to assess his performance Tuesday, DeSantis clearly didn’t see it as a loss.

While he wouldn’t rate his debate performance on a scale of A to F, the Republican nonetheless thought he scored points on substance.

“You saw a contrast. I’m a leader. I have a record of service to the country. Andrew’s a career politician. He’s never done anything outside of politics since college,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis characterized Gillum’s commitment to tax increases as “second to none.”

“And he could not answer basic questions regarding his relationship with the undercover FBI agent, gifts he received not only in New York, but in Costa Rica on this luxury vacation that’s been the subject of so much FBI scrutiny.

“And of course, those lobbyists he was in Costa Rica with and New York with, he eventually gave them a $2 million grant from the city of Tallahassee to build a restaurant,” DeSantis added.

While Politifact has disputed the argument that Gillum is “running from the FBI,” it’s clear DeSantis sees these investigations as equal parts revelatory and disqualifying.

“Tallahassee’s reputation of being very crime ridden is obviously well earned, but it is a city government that obviously has major problems with corruption.”

“I think you saw a good contrast,” DeSantis said, with him “using the office to put taxpayers first” compared to Gillum, who “feathered his own nest.”