Christine Jordan Sexton
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ brief, but pointed, inauguration remarks got the expected partisan reaction as Democrats and Republicans split between praise and sharp criticism.
While DeSantis did not engage fully in the same razor-edged rhetoric that was a hallmark of his re-election campaign, he drew a contrast between Washington D.C., and Florida — repeating familiar criticisms about “woke” ideology.
“In captaining the ship of state, we choose to navigate the boisterous sea of liberty rather than cower in the calm docks of despotism,” DeSantis said during his 16-minute speech. “We face attacks, we take hits, but we weather the storms, we stand our ground, and we do what is right.”
Democrats contended that DeSantis was more interested in scoring partisan points for a potential presidential campaign, rather than offering up suggestions for how to fix the state’s ongoing problems.
“The Governor’s inaugural speech was incredibly boring and contained no new ideas, just MAGA talking points and buzz words,” said Rep. Anna Eskamani, a Democrat from Orlando. “The only line that got major applause was ‘Florida is where woke goes to die’ which is a line Gov. DeSantis used before. No actual issues that everyday families deal with, like housing affordability, were even mentioned, and the Governor once more avoided talking about abortion and reproductive rights.”
“There are words that could have been used to inspire and I didn’t hear any of them,” added Rep. Kelly Skidmore, a Democrat from Boca Raton.
Republicans praised the start of the Governor’s second term and said they looked forward to working with him in the weeks and months ahead.
“It was an honor to join America’s Governor,” state Sen. Jay Collins said on Twitter. “Looking forward to working together and making sure that Florida remains a beacon of strength, security, and freedom!”
Former Florida Insurance Commissioner (and one-time Republican gubernatorial hopeful) Tom Gallagher gave two thumbs-up when asked his thoughts on DeSantis’ speech.
State Rep. Webster Barnaby said he thought DeSantis’s speech was optimistic and approved of what was called a theme of unity; the Deltona Republican said he stood during the part of the speech where DeSantis referenced “one nation under God.”
Former Gov. Jeb Bush, in comments to POLITICO after the speech, said DeSantis would be a “great alternative” to former President Donald Trump for Republicans in 2024.
“If he runs, he’ll be a great alternative, but I’m not going to prejudge whether he’s running or not,” Bush said. “He’s got a proven record as the Governor of the greatest state.”
9 comments
Joe Corsin
January 3, 2023 at 4:20 pm
We reject the neo fascist, right wing nationalist lunacy.
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Tjb
January 3, 2023 at 5:53 pm
Interesting that DeSantis used the Bible of Revolution at his swearing in ceremony today. Tthe basic tenent of this Bible is:
Romans 13:2
Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished
Does not feel like a declaration of freedom.
cassandra
January 5, 2023 at 3:33 pm
It appears that DeSantis actually believes every word of his “God Made a Fighter” campaign ad. He’s suffering from religious delusions and his beliefs are completely incompatible with freedom.
Hope
January 8, 2023 at 12:58 am
Hope they lose those two kids.
That’s my rebellion lol
Linwood Wright
January 3, 2023 at 9:12 pm
Ron DeSantis is a white supremacist.
tom palmer
January 4, 2023 at 12:07 am
I thought it was interesting he criticized is opponents in the cultural issues debate as partisan. It is hard to conclude the Moms For Liberty et al are anything but partisan.
TJC
January 4, 2023 at 9:58 am
DeSantis lacks the imagination that is needed to address real issues in Florida, or perhaps he is afraid to take on the real challenges this state faces for fear of failing — again, fail because of his lack of imagination. He repeats his “woke” lines because he knows his followers are foolish enough to think “wokeness” is a real problem. Like Trump, he leads with fear and bigotry, and the weak and bigoted follow happily, thinking, Yes, this will fix our lives up, This will lower insurance rates, This will create real jobs with livable wages, This will create affordable housing. When in fact fear and bigotry never has and never will do any of that, but it will get a soulless sack of ambition the votes he needs.
Brandon Smith
January 4, 2023 at 2:25 pm
DeSantis has an agenda — to himself, not the people of Florida. He uses word-salad MAGA messaging to build a right wing power base. He will continue to do stupid things to get attention, like spending $12 million to use illegal immigrants as pawns so he can make a personal point and gain partisan praise. Our tax dollars support his wasteful campaign stunts. His extreme rhetoric appeals to only a few dumbed down Republicans. He spreads unhappiness and division to shore up his base. He mirrors Trump but lacks any kind of charismatic personality.
The driving force behind DeSantis philosophy is his concealed membership in the Skull and Bones secret society, which he refuses to deny. However, his policy statements are aligned with their goals, from abortion, to education, to Social Security, to vaccination. He is happy to remake America to fulfill his lifetime oath in the secret society. Do the research and decide for yourself.
Eventually his hidden agenda will be clear, and hopefully his cult members will still be able to think for themselves and remove him from public office.
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