Christine Jordan Sexton
Gov. Ron DeSantis told a national cable television audience that uproar over his appointed Surgeon General was “manufactured” and that he had no plans to withdraw the nomination of Dr. Joseph Ladapo.
DeSantis recorded an interview with Fox News personality Laura Ingraham on Thursday, but part of it did not air until late Friday.
The Governor was asked about Sen.Tina Polsky and her decision to ask Ladapo to leave her office because he refused to wear a mask even after she told him she had a serious medical condition. Polsky was diagnosed with breast cancer and this week began radiation treatment.
Ladapo, who was appointed to his post in late September, later released a statement saying he refused to wear a mask because he cannot communicate clearly or effectively with a mask.
DeSantis said the backlash over Ladapo, which has led to Polsky being interviewed on several different national news outlets, was “manufactured” and that Polsky was “using it to get political air time.”
He also said “the idea that he should be withdrawn is ridiculous.”
DeSantis’ decision to continue to back Ladapo comes even as there are signs that his confirmation may be a hard sell in the Senate.
Senate President Wilton Simpson called Ladapo’s actions “unprofessional” and, in an interview with Florida Politics this week, said that Ladapo “should have some manners.”
During his interview with the sympathetic Ingraham, DeSantis lamented that Florida isn’t getting enough attention for its falling COVID-19 case count, though he did not acknowledge there have been nearly 60,000 deaths in the state due to COVID-19, of which more than 20,000 have been recorded in the last three months.
“I guess Florida is no longer part of the United States,” DeSantis said. “They pretend like we no longer exist.”
DeSantis sidestepped the idea that he’s trying to lure unvaccinated police officers to Florida — an idea that gained a lot of attention due to comments he made over the weekend to Fox News.
DeSantis first pitched the idea of providing $5,000 bonuses to either new recruits or transplants back in August during a speech at the national convention of the Fraternal Order of Police.
The Republican Governor told Ingraham the proposal still needs legislative approval, but that it wasn’t just about vaccination status. He said the idea behind the incentive was to reach out to police who have a “lack of support” from elected officials where they currently work.
16 comments
Alex
October 30, 2021 at 12:57 pm
That’s a fat lie.
Tessa Teynolds
October 30, 2021 at 3:02 pm
Thank you Governor DeSantis.
Tom
October 30, 2021 at 3:30 pm
It was a set up no Doubt.
He just should have agreed to meet her outside.
She announced her illness a few days before.
Regardless, it’s under table tactics.
Lincoln project just coordinated a racist act in coordination with Dems/McAuliffe. McAuliffe learned from step father/mother Bill & Hill.
DeSantis is America’s Governor.
Walks on angels wings compared to the slime balls.
No doubt the slime ball tactics are just beginning.
Alex, happy you were cleared.
The manchurians hide now.
Peter H is caught in lie after lie, he’s a Lincoln advocate.
Florida the best!
Jennifer Dotson
October 30, 2021 at 6:37 pm
He says it is manufactured? As a comprokised individual myself who HAS discussed these issues with my doctor i am angry. And i do live in florida, have since 1979, and this is just one more issue that has me angry that desantis is not listening to all of his constituents.
Jennifer Dotson
October 30, 2021 at 6:38 pm
*compromised. Before i get attacked by spelling and grammar nazi’s.
4qu812
October 30, 2021 at 10:16 pm
You know what to do if you are unhappy in Fl. Look around you and see others in dem states, You got it made
Flo Bradley
October 31, 2021 at 6:11 am
If you are compromised I am sincerely sorry. However you can’t expect Florida to uncompromise you. You have the freedom here to do what is best for you thanks to DeSantis. There are no mandates here and jobs are secure. If you want to wear a mask, it’s your choice. If you want to be vaccinated, you can, etc. I pray your health improves.
Kathie
October 30, 2021 at 9:05 pm
It seems a tactic democrats have done before and sending in fake supporters even to start trouble then blame the republicans. This has gotten out,if hand with the left and they all need to be shut down immediately. Their dirty tricks are out and when someone gets attacks verbally or otherwise in the Republican Party we should automatically know it’s fake.
4qu812
October 30, 2021 at 10:24 pm
Demorats are dead in the water, unless they cheat, steal or any dirty tricks they can come up with, it doesn’t matter who gets hurt or killed as long as they win. This has been going on for decades. I think people are now seeing what they are all about. Anyone in doubt, just look back at time between 2016to 2020 they did everything they could to get rid of Trump, because he would not bend to them. Trump loves our country, and they know he will put an end to their crooked government
Christina Bullins
November 2, 2021 at 10:55 pm
Trump is NOT the President anymore. No he was not cheated. He put the very honorable VP Pence’s life in danger since he is ethical and committed to following the constitution. Have you ever spent a session or a few in Tallahassee following all bills, all appropriations, etc? They are unethical and corrupt.
Tom
November 1, 2021 at 8:08 am
America’s Governor, DeSantis the best!
Go cry eye!
Christina Bullins
November 2, 2021 at 10:58 pm
Can DeSantis go any lower? Accusing a Senator of lying? Even the Republican Senate President stood by her! DeSantis doesn’t want a Surgeon General, he wants a rubber stamper! The man is going to continue with his FT job as a professor and make $512k from both jobs. Florida taxpayers deserve a FT Surgeon General!
Tom
November 10, 2021 at 9:57 pm
She is, he did, who cares what u think.
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