Rapturous reception for Ron DeSantis at Fox News town hall
Image via Fox News Channel.

DeSantis Fox 2
Host Laura Ingraham compared the Governor to Elvis Presley.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday was featured in a Fox News town hall, the latest celebration of Florida and its Governor on “The Ingraham Angle.”

Florida and the American Comeback” began with host Laura Ingraham joking DeSantis would have to “get scarves like Elvis” and start throwing them to the crowd, given the loud ovation for his walk-up.

That set the tone for a series of softball questions and swing-for-the-fences responses, many of which were familiar — but some that were not.

DeSantis responded to a question about the state’s unaffordability by saying it was because people were gravitating to his gubernatorial style.

“The demand to live in Florida is more intense than it’s ever been in the history of our state, and that’s just the reality. Because I think people realize who your Governor is and your state government policy has more impact on your daily life than even who the President of the United States is,” DeSantis said.

“People see that.”

Ingraham also asked DeSantis to address stories of national Democrats “conceding” elections in Florida by not investing as if it is still competitive for them, another fat pitch that he was able to slug over the right-field wall.

“We are going to have the biggest turnout that any Republican has ever had in the state of Florida in a Governor’s race in November, and that’s going to help people up and down the ballot,” DeSantis predicted. “I think the Democratic Party in this state is dispirited. What do they stand for? It’s basically a woke train wreck of a party.”

A second segment saw DeSantis discuss the Parental Rights in Education law with January Littlejohn, a Leon County mother showcased by DeSantis while promoting the bill, and Tina Descovich, a co-founder of Moms for Liberty.

Asked why the bill stopped at Grade 3, DeSantis explained the Department of Education would “put some meat on the bones” with regard to specifying the age and developmentally appropriate material for other grades.

DeSantis was asked to respond to comments from President Joe Biden about Florida banning math books as part of the culture wars, another hanging curve for DeSantis to drive.

“We want education. We do not want indoctrination,” DeSantis said.

“I think Biden and his folks believe, you send them to school, butt out, and the school’s job is to indoctrinate what they think your kid should learn … what your kid should believe,” he added.

The third segment subbed in Florida’s Surgeon General, who joined DeSantis in a ritualized clowning of Dr. Anthony Fauci and masks.

DeSantis said Joseph Ladapo was the “anti-Fauci,” a crowd-pleasing line. He also got a crowd pop for saying that if he had his “druthers,” he would “chuck Fauci across the Potomac.”

All told, it was an hour without a tough question, but with many opportunities to showcase soundbites, which is consistent with DeSantis’ recent media output.

“Are we going to do this next year?” Ingraham marveled at the end. “This is habit-forming.”

A.G. Gancarski

A.G. Gancarski has been the Northeast Florida correspondent for Florida Politics since 2014. He writes for the New York Post and National Review also, with previous work in the American Conservative and Washington Times and a 15+ year run as a columnist in Folio Weekly. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter: @AGGancarski


57 comments

  • Tom

    April 28, 2022 at 11:42 pm

    America’s Gov. and Florida shines as the best state in country. Grand Slam for the Yale baseball star! Kid natural!

    Just needed a roll call vote for the 2024 nomination. Put me in coach. Ready to play today. As Elvis would say, thank
    You, thank you very much. Yes DeSantis has left the building.

    • ian

      April 30, 2022 at 8:28 am

      Work those kneepads clown

      • Tom

        May 1, 2022 at 2:06 pm

        Ian You suck ——-
        Bastard Dem Dum Manchurian
        America’s Gov whizzes on you and your nation. LMAO

  • Geo

    April 29, 2022 at 7:38 am

    @Tom – Best state in the country ?? Lol
    Best Banana republic maybe.. Soon to be the highest ‘Homeless’ state in the country! Ask the Floridians whose rents have gone up 50-100%
    While wages are still dirt cheap. I have frienfs there who waited 5 mos. Or more to get unemployment after losing jobs during pandemic.
    And the max paymnt u cant even live on.
    Traffic is brutal.. gun violence even worse.
    Keep drinkin the “Death-santis” koolaid son !!

    • Charlotte Greenbarg

      April 29, 2022 at 8:00 am

      Oh so the flood of people moving here is an illusion?🤣🤣

      • Ian

        April 30, 2022 at 8:29 am

        Nope, no illusion that the people that elected him are being pushed out by an influx of out of state people, predatory home owners insurance and bad policy not designed for Floridians at all

        • Tom

          May 2, 2022 at 7:34 am

          Suck hole Ian.

    • Steve

      April 29, 2022 at 9:29 am

      Not to mention insurance rates for both homes and autos. Home insurance rates have gone up triple or more in this state and auto insurance rates have doubled. It’s the anti consumer state.

    • Debbie

      April 29, 2022 at 9:56 am

      Geo total bull crap , there are many jobs opened but your friends don’t want to work , DeSantis does not control rent , these people have to fix their their places , Especially as many of them now stay home Wages has gone up so please DeSantis is actually working for the people of his state ,that’s why he is awesome

    • Brady

      May 1, 2022 at 4:55 am

      If I were homeless (and most choose that lifestyle) I would want to crash where the weather is warm. Probably not to many of those in North Dakota. Yes, rent is up for a variety of reasons. However, new construction of homes has skyrocketed and people are waiting 6 months to move in. Apartment complexes are building everywhere, at least until Biden policies are bringing that industry to a screeching halt.
      Those “dirt cheap wages” would keep many of those homeless off the street. And ever heard about two jobs temporarily to lift yourself up? Yes, traffic is brutal in the big cities but so is it in every big city anywhere. And, for gun violence you and I both know where it is: big city America and 90% is drug related. I have lived here in South and North Florida since 1971. I’ll take it over anywhere.

    • Tom

      May 1, 2022 at 2:13 pm

      Geo, Same reply above and my substantive fact reply down below on issues stand below. Your a crotch like Ian above. Losers?

      DeSantis wins easily. Dums got nothing. Enjoy the slaughter.

  • Zhombre

    April 29, 2022 at 8:07 am

    He will glide to re-election much to the consternation of the chittering DeSantis-hating cicadas who show up at this site.

  • Claude Kirk the younger

    April 29, 2022 at 8:43 am

    Even with the witty pundent Gancarski doing his absloute best to put his funny leftist point of view out there.
    It is obvious the left will take a serious midterm spanking and can not keep the White House.

  • Wanda

    April 29, 2022 at 8:55 am

    DeathDesantis thinks he is the best well he isn’t he has a very low low IQ he will be gone like the Trump ,DeathDesantis wants to be a dictator and run Florida like Cuba or Russia we will get ride of him I see the future he will lose the election in 2022 God hate’s ugliest he want get my vote the car and home insurance is to hight he does nothing right for Florida vote blue in 2022 he trying to kill us with Covid we had the highest in the world Ron is as dumb as a stump .

    • Zhombre

      April 29, 2022 at 9:23 am

      LOL coherent much, hon? Bless your heart.

      • Berry

        April 29, 2022 at 1:59 pm

        Bless your heart, another childish response from the right. Like Let’s go Brandon, it’s a veiled response from the losers who have to hide their hatred behind coded phrases.
        Grow up and stop idolizing Politicians. Unfortunately the fools and followers will continue to cling to their political masters. Just stop pretending that your idolatry isn’t counter to your supposed Cristianity.
        Nothing says stupid follower more than a Conservative Cristian.

        • El Mayimbe

          April 29, 2022 at 2:47 pm

          Like ANTIFA or BLM? Oh, and it’s cHristianity and cHristian. Lots of words, zero substance…

        • Zhombre

          April 29, 2022 at 3:29 pm

          You don’t even how to spell Christian. You are a moron. Go away.

        • Impeach Biden

          April 29, 2022 at 5:14 pm

          Yet you follow the likes of AOC, Bush, Talib, Jayapal, Hirono, Warren, Omar, etc. Shall I continue?

    • Debbue

      April 29, 2022 at 9:59 am

      Wanda maybe DemonRATS🐑🐑🐑🐑want Florida to turn Florida into a third world. Shaba republic as the other blue states . But we Floridians don’t ,

    • Impeach Biden

      April 29, 2022 at 12:10 pm

      This is funny Wanda you saying that DeSantis has a low IQ. Think about how idiotic your statement is. Here is an individual that attended Yale University, was Captain of the baseball team there. Then he went on to Harvard Law school and then became an officer in the United States Navy. Did Obama attend Harvard Law? If so then he has a low IQ as well 🤣

      • Berry

        April 29, 2022 at 2:05 pm

        Yeah because being a captain isn’t about popularity, you’re an idiot.
        You worship this hypocrite who is fast to denounce Socialism, only to then make sure that Floridian tax dollars are spent on his wife’s book treatments.
        Every single government official lives on Socialism. Everything about their position is taxpayer funded. Socialism is only bad for people, but don’t worry, half of them are stupid and will join Republicans in condemning anything they don’t like as evil Socialism.
        Always remember that when your home catches on fire, it’s Socialism that has a fire department put out the fire. The insurance company denying your claim is the Capitalism you idiots defend so much.

        • Nordonia Nate

          April 29, 2022 at 5:55 pm

          Berry, socialism is defined as an economic and social policy in which the public owns industry and products, rather than private individuals, or corporations. The government controls most means of production and natural resources. Society is entitled to a “share” based upon their contribution. NO country in the world operates under a 100% socialist policy. YES, the U.S. has some socialist constructs .. as do other countries. The point: The U.S. is one of the largest countries in that category that uses the least socialist defined constructs. All things considered, MANY of these countries that have large economies under significant socialist constructs place a greater economic burden upon their citizens. Always remember, the U.S. republic offers a greater economic opportunity because of their government model favoring capitalism. The best example represented is simply looking at the number of people trying to get into the U.S. It’s because they know they have a better opportunity to keep more money that they earn from capitalism… Unfortunately, there are politicians that want to implement MORE government to tax those proceeds from capitalism to implement more socialist control to deploy more socialist programs … THAT would be the “evil” socialism that many people object to..

          Try and limit your petty, sophomoric insults when you try to communicate.. it’s a terrible sign of ignorance..

    • Conservative always

      April 29, 2022 at 12:46 pm

      Democrats are always what they claim Republicans are….predictable and pathetic.

    • Julie

      April 30, 2022 at 5:48 am

      Reading your comment. Your IQ is pretty low. Cant even spell high.. “rolls eyes”
      Pot calling kettle black. Our governor is the BEST, if you dont like him, move to another state or shut up.

    • Ian

      April 30, 2022 at 8:42 am

      Google translate much?

      • Tom

        May 1, 2022 at 10:45 pm

        Yeah Ian, google says you are a Dem Dum Manchurian bastard. Technology is so accurate today. How’s it feel to have America’s Gov whiz on you.

  • Donald

    April 29, 2022 at 9:28 am

    Death Sentence is a has been person who barely got elected against an unknown person who did not campaign enough. So the hate for hi is equal to his hatred of the homeless, the LBTG youth . His upbringing is a serious lack of empathy for humanity . He thrives on Lies and conspiracy theories. His surgeon Gen should have his “ medical” license taken away if he even has one.

  • Tom

    April 29, 2022 at 10:11 am

    Yes, because all you moronic, ignorant, 5% hater Manchurians know. LMAO.

    Yes Florida is the best state in USA, across the board metrics apply. Do some research you ignorant fools. Your liberal, msndc, bubble is laughable.

    America’s Gov is the very best in the USA. Only ignorant fool haters like selves don’t know. All the freedom, liberty, openness, joy comes from his refusal to lock down like tyrannical blue state Govs.

    Facts matter:

    Under America’s Gov,
    3.2% unemployment jobs, 8.7% wage growth, school vouchers expanded for poor, minorities. Most seniors inoculated per Biden’s HHS. Best Gov on environment in 50 yrs. K-3 kids protected. Educators, two raises and bonuses. Law enforcement raises bonuses, first responders bonuses. The list goes on.

    Geo, you fool. When you cap housing, rents for 2 yrs , you get high rents. It’s called free market.

    DeSantis is America’s Gov. Disney ain’t going anywhere, period. Biden’s approval in Florida is 36%, he’s done period. His presidency is abysmal. Worst since Hoover, depression era.

    DeSantis, Marco, Repubs across Florida win bigly, enjoy it. Crispy Camillion crisp a floundering fish, flipping back and forth. No soul. N Fraud is a joke, no chance either one.

    New House majorities in Congress and Senate.
    It’s a GOP avalanche this November in Florida and USA.

    America’s Gov, rising tide for all. Not a few.
    Do for America what you’ve done for Florida!

    • Ian

      April 30, 2022 at 8:43 am

      Dropping the gas tax as promised would be a good start

      • Impeach Biden

        April 30, 2022 at 9:50 am

        Read up Ian. That gas tax is set to go in October.

        • Ian

          April 30, 2022 at 10:54 am

          Pretty late, election stunt. We needed it dropped a month ago.

      • Tom

        May 1, 2022 at 10:48 pm

        Producing more dined to oil/gas by incompetent Biden really would help.
        Not destroying economy. Incompetent Biden/Harris have poor Americans eating pet food. Good going Ian.

    • Gerry Adams

      May 2, 2022 at 1:24 pm

      No, DeSantis won by 1%. Everyone Google it. Florida has implemented more restrictions on American civil liberties. That would be fine but it was done by bypassing the Constitution. That is why these bills allow citizens to sue as enforcement. Disney is not going anywhere now because they will save 1 billion dollars. But if Disney can’t be innovative, they will invest in a new park elsewhere in a warm state like New Mexico. DeSantis’s failure in running for the Republican Presidential primary nominee has forced him to be a horrible governor for Florida.

  • Billie

    April 29, 2022 at 11:25 am

    I think the Elvis comparison is noteworthy because its widely known that Elvis fans have a god-like fascination and dedication to him as some other-worldly deity, when in fact he was essentially a mediocre singer and overweight junkie who rose to fame after stealing the music of African American artists.

    But just like in Putin’s Russia and Hitler’s Germany, issues aren’t important: Celebrating the dictator is, no matter how flawed the ideology, even as rights are being chipped away under the pretense of some nonexistent right-wing utopia where oppressing others and using the power of the state as a weapon equates to “freedom”.

    However, the GOP overall doesn’t care about facts or data, just idolization. A so-called “free state” where many are no longer guaranteed the right to vote, exercise control over their bodies, or live where public health is a priority isn’t a free state at all–its fascism at its best. And what a sickening and pathetic reality.

    I think Republicans may be underestimating Democratic turnout this November; it’s entirely possible Desantis’ continued attacks on millions of Floridians just may inspire an unexpected tsunami of Democratic votes.

    • Impeach Biden

      April 29, 2022 at 11:47 am

      You morons bow down to Newsom, Cuomo, and others. Ask yourself why so many have fled those “Blue” states and come to Florida and Texas.

    • Berry

      April 29, 2022 at 2:11 pm

      I hope you’re right, because I don’t know how much longer I can deal with this so-called “free state” nonsense.
      They keep talking about Freedom, but it has become apparent in Florida that Ron DeathSentence is offering “free dumb”. Just listen to his mindless minions, they sound just like the Trumptards of 2020.

      • Zhombre

        April 29, 2022 at 3:32 pm

        Ron DeathSentence? All the wit you possess could fit in a flea’s navel with room enough left over for Charlie Crist’s chances of winning in November

  • Eric

    April 29, 2022 at 11:37 am

    More Fake News!!! America’s Governor, Gov Abbott has been kicking butt while Dipstick DuhSantis plays copycat with his womanly #metoo theater. Rock on Gov. Abbott and keep showing the clown show down in Florida how it’s done.

    Hard working all American blue collar conservative men will NEVER vote for a presidential candidate named Dion DeSantis. Greg Abbott is an American name conservative men can get behind!

  • Tom

    April 29, 2022 at 11:40 am

    Never forget the DeSantis Lockdowns! Thousands of small businesses destroyed!

    • Impeach Biden

      April 29, 2022 at 11:44 am

      I think you are confusing DeSantis with Newsom or Cuomo or any of the other “Blue” Governors out there. Thank God DeSantis is our Governor. Just imagine if that drug popping and male prostitute lover was in charge.

    • Tom

      April 29, 2022 at 1:14 pm

      Fake Tom and Eric, and other Manchurians. Real Tom the legend here.

      You literally are all ignorant. You have no facts and nothing to hang hat on.
      How ignorant, the GOP in Florida is 150,000 up on hard party registration, it’s over 400,000 flip on D to R.

      It ain’t happening for Dums.
      DeSantis, is America’s Gov. Independents support him in the 60’s, Hispanics plus mid 50’s.

      I listed facts earlier. You fools talk feelings.

      America’s Gov, rising tide for all.
      Do for America, what you have accomplished for Florida!

      Re elect big and Tallahassee to WH oval. Enjoy, America’s Gov, DeSantis the best!

      • Minh

        April 29, 2022 at 2:14 pm

        Tom, you are exactly what I imagine when I think of the uneducated, ignorant and arrogant Republican puppet.
        Keep up the good work, things like this allow us to realize you’re dumb.

        • Tom

          April 29, 2022 at 3:30 pm

          You are the ass wipe toilet paper, after I use it. You just stink like crap.
          LMAO

          Facts are funny things, in which you and the Manchurian nation can’t deal with.

          You can’t deal truth! I am the truth and light! DeSantis, America’s Gov.
          Rising tide for all! Not a few.

          • Ian

            April 30, 2022 at 8:40 am

            Leave Brittney alone!! Your fanboy consistent whining is the gayest thing ever. Queen

          • Tom

            April 30, 2022 at 9:10 am

            Yes Ian you are a queen.
            LMAO

        • Tom

          April 30, 2022 at 9:16 am

          Minh the Dum, Dem Manchurian.
          Dumb ass. Losers!
          I hits the nerves of the corrupt bastards. Go flounder in your venom.

        • Impeach Biden

          April 30, 2022 at 9:49 am

          Minh, tell us a little bit about yourself. Your education, what you do for a living, etc. You could possibly be less educated, and less wealthy than those of us you make fun of.

  • anthony metty

    April 29, 2022 at 2:55 pm

    So glad I live in FL. Thank you Gov DeSantis!

    • Impeach Biden

      April 29, 2022 at 8:46 pm

      You and me both. If you don’t like it here in Florida, then you are free to leave.

  • Glenn Reihing

    April 30, 2022 at 12:22 am

    DeSantis?!? Elvis?!?

    It’s Laura Ingraham…consider the source

  • Gov

    April 30, 2022 at 7:42 am

    Lord almighty.

    Thank you, Thank you very much!

  • martin

    April 30, 2022 at 8:01 am

    Disney is/was a brand that was 100% escapism. Just like sports and other forms of entertainment, why can’t these fools stick to their core competency and earn the money we were happy to give them? What is their grand expectation marketing to half a percent of their potential audience? (I have no antipathy for this half a percent but competent businesses can figure out how to serve it).

    However, once these entertainment entities cross over the line and become outspoken on state or federal governmental issues, they deserve exactly what Gov. Desantis through at them.

    His stock as risen sky high as a result. If you don’t like him, then don’t vote for him. But like him or not, he is the best thing going for the state of Florida. Otherwise, feel free to pack up and drive north on I-95, and don’t stop until you reach New Jersey and New York.

    • Impeach Biden

      April 30, 2022 at 9:46 am

      Well said Martin. The CEO of Disney, Chapek, obviously did not learn from the Dixie Chicks.

  • Tom

    May 1, 2022 at 8:38 am

    Geoff Morel, Disney Corp VP, media resigned late Friday. Obama and Clinton acolyte hired, status quo. Disney reaps what it sews.
    You make your bed, you sleep In it. All brought upon themselves.

    Demanding a K -3 state law, gender neutral be struck by courts or repealed is crazy. Fanatic employees. Yeah, try moving for $5 billion dollars, that’s really profitable. Find a better climate? My eye. Just pay your bills and work out a new agreement. Move on and be quiet.

  • Gerry Adams

    May 2, 2022 at 12:54 pm

    Ron DeSantis won Florida with less than 1% of a victory margin. He has Govern to become the Republican presidential primary nominee. He has not Governed for what is best for Florida.
    The Republicans know to beat Trump, they have to Hype DeSantis UP beyond Trump.

  • Tom

    May 2, 2022 at 8:17 pm

    Clueless Gerry Adams.
    Our great, Florida’s Governor, is America’s Governor and has provided a rising tide for all Floridians, not a few. You obviously are brainwashed. DeSantis the best.

Comments are closed.


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