Peter Schorsch
The Legislative Session began Tuesday with a State of the State address from the Governor.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, like his predecessors, spent his 30-minute time slot delivering a speech rife with self-congratulatory framings of the state’s accomplishments and a highlight reel of what the administration hopes to achieve over the next 60 days.
For the most part, it’s theater. The Governor’s budget proposal has been public for weeks, and DeSantis has toured the state extolling the various policy proposals he has pitched to lawmakers — you could probably compose a rough transcript of his State of the State by copying and pasting soundbites from his pressers over the past couple of months.
Still, there is one line that stuck out, and it has been gnawing at me ever since.
“The rule of law also means that our citizens have the ability to participate in elections that are secure and transparent. It is Orwellian doublespeak to invoke the concept of ‘voting rights’ to mean ballot harvesting, prohibiting voter ID and taxpayer funding of elections. Those are political concepts that erode the integrity of our elections,” DeSantis said before introducing his proposal for an elections police force.
Republicans have long derided public elections funding, mostly because they don’t benefit from it. Public matching funds apply to the first $250 of contributions received from individuals, so it can be a boon to candidates — generally Democrats — who attract a lot of small-dollar donors. Candidates who receive the bulk of their funding through max checks from wealthy donors or businesses don’t benefit all that much.
There is a reason I say generally. Because sometimes Republicans do rely on public funding. The most relevant example, in this case: DeSantis.
His 2018 campaign happily took and spent $3.3 million in public matching funds — several hundred thousand more than his opponent, Andrew Gillum. And it is arguably that money that secured his election in a race decided by a few tenths of a percentage point.
A literal interpretation of his own words makes it seem as though he believes his own election was neither secure nor transparent. Of course, he isn’t actually saying that. This is just an observation of how talking points from a Republican Primary outrun your past.
54 comments
Alex
January 12, 2022 at 12:29 pm
Now he’s flush with donations from out of state very wealthy donors, and wants to kill public funding that helps Democrats in a massive flip flop.
DeAsshole
Rita
January 12, 2022 at 1:30 pm
Alex, I loved your comment so I sent one too.
Rita
January 12, 2022 at 1:27 pm
I agree with Alex’s comment above.
DeAsshole has done more damage to my state than any other. I thought Rick Scott did that, but Ronny boy now has him beat!
Tom
January 13, 2022 at 8:21 am
No one normally agrees with Alex.
You have to be very demented to agree with him. You are I’ll, get help.
Ken
January 12, 2022 at 1:39 pm
Your attempts to demean the governor are pathetic. People vote with their feet and that is why Florida is seeing a HUGE influx of new residents while Commiefornia and my former home state of New York people are leaving in droves. If you hate his leadership, please move to a liberal state where crime, homelessness, drugs, and lockdowns are the rule. Good riddance!
Alan
January 12, 2022 at 1:59 pm
People migrate for mainly for economic, health and comfort (read warmer weather). Rarely, solely to support political viewpoints. DeSantis and his political machinations have more of a deterrent effect than an inviting one to liberal East and West coasters, but they move here regardless. I hope they vote and turn this foundering state onto a more inclusive and balanced course.
Paul
January 12, 2022 at 10:24 pm
I came here myself from Massachusetts and have never voted republican, ain’t it grand they keep inviting us and we get much larger as a voting block! And you’re right, I will never change my party and I love the sunshine here.
Paulette
January 12, 2022 at 2:07 pm
What leadership? Are you kidding me ? This is a guy who put a kid on his lap and read Art of the Deal in a campaign commercial to appeal to Trumps base!! Pathetic .
Robert
January 13, 2022 at 8:17 am
You think he actually read the book? It was a prop just like the his mentor using the bible in a photo opp.
Meredith
January 16, 2022 at 8:49 am
Droves of Floridians love DeSantis. If you had not noticed, we remained the most free and happy state through Covid. Thousands of people did not pack up from the northeast for just the weather. They moved here because they were FREE to live their lives here and Enjoy the beautiful weather, because DeSantis did not lock up our state. He asked us to use our best judgement, as free adults, as we continued to live, and work during a terrible time for our country. He did not force a long term lockdown on our state as did many other Northern Governors. People came here for freedom as well as beauty. We may have been and still are one of the most free places in the world. During the worst time he took note of FL’s emergency workers and paid them a bonus, sent letters of thanks to each one with a check. At a time when many turned their backs on law enforcement, he was very strong in supporting them. He has a 0 tolerance policy on rioting, looting, and burning down our state. He kept us safe, while the rest of the country burned and fell to record levels of crime. We consider ourselves very lucky to have him as Governor. Boats go by outside with DeSantis flags. People here say what a great President and we agree, but we don’t want him to leave our state, for fear of what may end up replacing him. If you know nothing about him, look at his complete background. He’s a respectable man. He makes decisions that are sound and for the best of us all as humans, not Republicans or Democrats. That’s the type of “politician” we need, not tge type that would have us at war with each other. Live and let live. Selfish, reckless “politicians” have allowed our country to fall, to be a laughing stock of the world, but worst of all led us back to a time of war, not North against south but Democrat vs Republican. Yes, war. They have forgotten about the terrible loss that we suffered, of 911 and why we need to keep our borders secure. I worry for the fate of us all in the US.
Debbie
January 20, 2022 at 11:27 pm
Come to the do anything you want die of Covid here in the Great State of Florida. Dislike DeSantis is an understatement. Unless you have lost loved ones in this State of Florida. Say no more. Disgusted
Arlene
January 12, 2022 at 2:08 pm
Ken….if you honestly believe we have no crime, homelessness, and drugs then you are walking around with your head up your butt. Crime has been off the chain…and do I want to leave Florida, no because I love the weather…but the attitudes of the people and the crime is horrific
Debbie
January 20, 2022 at 11:28 pm
Agree
FakePatriotGQP
January 12, 2022 at 3:32 pm
You do realize everyone outside of Florida thinks of Florida repubs as methed up, trailer park living, hillbilly trash.
Tom
January 12, 2022 at 10:08 pm
That’s Nikki Fraud
MMSherouse
January 12, 2022 at 3:40 pm
All I can say about you is that if you think Ron DeSantis is a passable Gov., are you condoning his Lies & Criminal Activities, also? Go back to NYC! You Repubs who have desecrated Our Beautiful FL, are not welcome here! Take DJT with you! He’s a sicko!!!
Pablo
January 12, 2022 at 10:30 pm
If Florida is the land of opportunity why is there a homeless beggar on nearly every intersection here? Jacksonville a Republican run city has one of the highest homicide rates to population in the state. Guess that is because of all the money and support we throw at the police right?
Robert
January 14, 2022 at 8:17 am
Well Ken not sure how long you have called Florida home but as a true Florida native I can tell you we are overrun with 3 of the 4 items you mentioned. Crime is up and homelessness and drug use is higher than I’ve ever seen it in my 47 years here. Again Florida native, born, raised, and ready to run like hell from the cesspool it has become.
Meredith
January 16, 2022 at 8:06 am
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Shesright
January 12, 2022 at 2:34 pm
Thank you Ron DeSantis! And thank God you are our governor.
I am so happy to see how true conservatives fight for our great country. Too bad all the liberals only know how to destroy our great country.
Pedro
January 12, 2022 at 10:32 pm
Yes I can certainly see how conservatives fight us citizens when we demand more of our government.
Suede
January 12, 2022 at 3:20 pm
Sticks in my craw that an Ivy League man who has been living off an Officer and a Politician’s wage can’t pay off his student loan.
Denise
January 12, 2022 at 3:20 pm
Over 60,000 dead from covid 19, currently the cases here are higher than any other state, I wonder how this type of leadership is seen as outstanding when this dictator rejects vaccine and mask mandate that protects floridians. Kids are allowed to go to school in a pandemic without mask because the Republicans base that support the dictator wants it that way. The dictator is vaccinated but somehow refuse to encourage mask and vaccine mandates that help to protect the people that vote him. The ones that died because they listen to him instead being smart and protect themselves would probably change their votes from the grave.
Tom
January 12, 2022 at 10:13 pm
Yes Fauci 840,000 Covid perished.
Biden 440,000 Covid perished.
Just saying
Bob
January 13, 2022 at 6:00 am
Ken here shows why they love the uneducated.
Let’s go Darwin!
Berry
January 12, 2022 at 10:38 pm
That’s why his name is Ron Desthsentence. He is the governor of the people, who voted for him. For the majority of the state, go screw yourself. He’s the new emperor.
FakePatriotGQP
January 12, 2022 at 3:37 pm
DeathSantis is a whimpering little man with about as much integrity as tRump. He’s riding the wave of the fascist GQP and probably doesn’t believe half the crap that spews from his mouth. Trumpers are rubes and easily manipulated, he’s just benefitting from it.
Tom
January 13, 2022 at 8:44 am
The rube vote is mighty!
Rubes United.
Don’t mess with rubes!
Lori
January 12, 2022 at 3:44 pm
DESantis is a good governor and is fighting for the people. We could be in lockdown wearing masks, not allowed to enter stores and restaurants with out showing our vaccine passport and being force
D to be vaccinated but we have freedom and that’s why so many people are moving here. Why anyone would want to critasize him is confuse.d as to what an American is and stands for or doesn’t
care and wants to push our country into Socialism and Communism.
Pauline
January 12, 2022 at 10:38 pm
Actually I moved here to vote Democratic and I don’t need to told by fascist’ what is communism. If todays conservatives weren’t so stupid they would see they are killing their own voters, but good for us. Keep it up!
Berry
January 12, 2022 at 10:42 pm
You anti-vax and anti-mask fools make up a minority of the population. Stop pretending that because he appeases his Trump base, that he’s a good governor. Your inability to properly spell says you’re one of those uneducated Trump supporters.
Beliefs are not the same as facts and they definitely aren’t more valuable.
Hawthorne
January 13, 2022 at 12:51 pm
Isn’t it great being able to enter stores without a mask?! You can enter that store and look at those empty shelves…and wait in a huge line now that EVERYONE, concluding YOU is sick! It’s just great.
ScienceBLVR
January 12, 2022 at 3:55 pm
In regards to DeSantis, to borrow the words of Dr. Fauci, “What a Moron!” To borrow from the words of Alex ‘”Lets Go Darwin”
Fred
January 12, 2022 at 8:53 pm
Yes fauci is a moron
Bob
January 13, 2022 at 11:33 am
Fred, your well thought out and oh so intelligent comment truly shows your lack of intellect. Read his credentials, if you know how, and get back to us with a comparison of yours, genius. I’ll wait…..
FloridaRedState
January 12, 2022 at 4:22 pm
ATTENTION ALL HATERS: MOVE OUT OF FLORIDA!! Thank God Gov DeSantis won or we would have your crackhead candidate in office!
Berry
January 12, 2022 at 10:44 pm
We done hate you, we’ve always just accepted your ignorance without forcing our beliefs upon you. Now you want everyone to be a dumb conservative who thinks that tomorrow should somehow look like an imaginary moment that happened some time ago.
Linda Robinson
January 12, 2022 at 4:55 pm
I thank each and every voter who had the good common sense to vote for our current governor. Perhaps some of these negative commenters should take a hard look back at Andrew Gillum, his character and his history. Ron DeSantis’ opponent in the last election would have been a disaster for Florida had he won. Our beautiful state definitely dodged a bullet. I am proud to vote for Ron DeSantis again, the best Governor in America. Keep Florida Red!
Pat
January 12, 2022 at 10:42 pm
And DuhSantis only won by about 25,000 votes so imagine how we will turn out for a candidate we like.
Pat
January 12, 2022 at 10:46 pm
And how many non mask wearing Covid deniers have passed to the other side already?
Tom
January 13, 2022 at 12:03 am
33,000.every vote counts.
Just saying
Ocean Joe
January 12, 2022 at 5:40 pm
The real hypocrisy is the governor’s stand on vaccines. He got one, he is vague about whether he got a booster…even Donald Trump is calling him out for being a weasel. I think Bloat, if he has not been imprisoned or succumbed to the family dementia, will crush Pudge like the duplicitous worm that he is in the 2024 primary.
Tim
January 13, 2022 at 5:33 am
It is a good thing he did win considering Gilliam was found in a hotel room with a male prostitute and meth.
If you don’t like the freedoms, we have in Florida. Go live in New York.
They will be more than happy to hold your hand like a child and walk you through life.
Keep crying you big babies.
YEPISAIDIT
January 13, 2022 at 7:06 am
Does anyone take issue with the fact that Desantis spouts about “God” in just about every one of his speeches? Is he a Governor or a preacher?? God is not a politician and I doubt he/she really gives a fig about OUR politics. God has no place in politics… blasphemy anyone?
Desantis also spouts off about our Founding Father’s whenever he gets a chance, yet THEY knew not to involve GOD in politics. Involving GOD is just a way for him to rile up deep south conservatives. Yep…hypocrite and a great ACTOR.
Tessa Reynolds
January 13, 2022 at 9:01 am
The money isn’t “ Biden” money it is from the taxpayers, that is us.
Charles
January 13, 2022 at 10:44 am
We don’t need a liberal interpretation of the facts – how about just the facts.
Let’s be truthful – Andrew Gilliam would have been a epic disaster for Florida.
Facts and truthfulness are valued and appreciated.
If we want jackassery we need only read Henderson
Bob
January 13, 2022 at 11:25 am
Bwahahahaha, you Trump humpers are all the same. States, “Just the facts!!!!, then proceeds to give an opinion.
Do the world a favor, buy a dictionary.
Tom
January 14, 2022 at 8:51 am
Fauci, Gillium, Nikki Fraud, what a ball club,
Total incompetence. Liberal bubble.
Dums have nothing to offer, failures on every issue. Independents and Dems abandoning Biden Harris.
DeSantis is America’s Governor! Faith, family and Freedom. He’s the best. Wins bigly Nov 22.
Tallahassee to W H, make America Florida!
DeSantis is our future conservative leader. He will wipe floor with Biden, Harris or mayor pete. Bring bengazzi Hillary too. No contest. DeSantis 24. Dums are sucking eggs.
Peter Wynbeg
January 14, 2022 at 12:28 pm
At least at least we do not kiss Trump’s Russian loving ass
Bob
January 14, 2022 at 1:42 pm
Man, you’ve got those GOP talking points down, like a good little goose stepper.
Now, keep sending those checks to the “billionaire”, maybe he’ll let you buy more of his crap.
Tom
January 14, 2022 at 11:25 pm
You need some DeSantis balls Bob. Peter you could use some ass kissing.
Bob
January 15, 2022 at 1:46 pm
Tom, I’ll let you take care of the balls dept, since your neck deep in them anyway.
Tom
January 22, 2022 at 8:44 am
I’m Elephant balls pal.
You are a rodent Bob.
Just another Dum Dem. I suffer you and Manchurians gladly. Spare me your ignorance. Btw Fauci is a joke now. Only idiot Dems cling to that fool. Like you. Biden, Fauci incompetence.
Lilith
January 15, 2022 at 7:07 pm
DeathSantis is almost done and even his overlord, Dump, is through with him. As for Floriduh, it’s old and uneducated for the most part. It makes me laugh when you lackwits from NY & NJ say go to NY. We’ve already sent our trash down to Floriduh. LMAO
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