Peter Schorsch
Good morning.
Happy Easter Monday!
Easter is all about hope, love, and joyful living — and we hope your weekend was both peaceful and blessed.
Customarily, Florida Politics would take a short hiatus from Sunburn for Easter Sunday.
But, with everything going on in the Sunshine State, we also felt it would best serve you — our longtime fans — if we presented a post-Easter update (albeit brief) this morning.
So please, enjoy this abbreviated version of Sunburn; and thanks to everyone for your continued support!
Let the week begin!
NBA Play-In Tournament begins — 1; Taylor Swift ‘Eras’ Tour in Tampa — 3; NBA playoffs begin — 5; final performance of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ on Broadway — 6; American Association of Political Consultants Pollies ’23 conference begins — 8; Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at Utah Republican Party convention — 12; DeSantis speaks at the Jerusalem Post and Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem ‘Celebrate the Faces of Israel’ event — 17; ‘White House Plumbers’ premieres — 21; 2023 Session Sine Die — 25; ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ premieres — 25; Florida Chamber 2023 Leadership Conference on Safety, Health & Sustainability — 29; Florida TaxWatch’s Spring Meeting — 38; ‘Fast X’ premieres — 38; Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ premieres at Cannes — 40; Florida Chamber 2023 Florida Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit — 47; NBA Finals begin — 52; ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 52; ‘The Flash’ premieres — 66; ‘Secret Invasion’ premieres on Disney+ — 72; Florida Chamber 2023 Florida Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit — 78; ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ premieres — 80; ‘Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning — Part One’ premieres — 95; Florida Chamber 37th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School — 101; Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ premieres — 103; ’Captain Marvel 2′ premieres — 110; Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ tour in Tampa — 127; 2023 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum — 196; ‘Dune: Part Two’ premieres — 210; Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon’ premieres — 226; South Carolina Democratic Primary — 292; New Hampshire and Nevada Democratic Primaries — 304; Georgia Democratic Primary — 310; Michigan Democratic Primary — 323; ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Part 2 premieres — 355; ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ premieres — 410; Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games — 473; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 473; Georgia Tech to face Florida State in 2024 opener in Dublin — 502; ‘Blade’ reboot premieres — 515; ‘Deadpool 3’ premieres — 580; ‘Fantastic Four’ reboot premieres — 726; ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ premieres — 753; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 942.
— TOP STORY —
“How Disney maneuvered to save its Florida kingdom, leaving Ron DeSantis threatening retaliation” via Steve Contorno of CNN — The unlikely fracturing of Florida’s relationship with its most iconic business started during the contentious debate last year over state legislation to restrict certain classroom instruction on sexuality and gender identity.
Disney’s then-CEO, Bob Chapek, facing pressure from his employees, reluctantly objected to the bill, leading DeSantis to criticize the company. When DeSantis signed the legislation into law, Disney announced it would push for its repeal. DeSantis then targeted Disney’s special governing powers.
For DeSantis, who has built a political brand by going toe-to-toe with businesses he identifies as “woke,” the latest twist threatens to undermine a central pillar of his story as he lays the groundwork for a likely presidential campaign. An entire chapter of his new autobiography is devoted to Disney, and the saga is well-featured in the stump speech he has delivered around the country in recent weeks.
In Tallahassee, some veteran Republican operatives, exhausted by DeSantis’ high-profile cultural fights, are tickled that Disney appears to have one-upped the Governor, a GOP source said. Meanwhile, allies of former President Donald Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 GOP nomination, have seized on the move to poke holes in DeSantis’ narrative, with MAGA Inc. PAC spokesperson Taylor Budowich tweeting that the Governor “just got out-negotiated by Mickey Mouse.”
Other potential GOP contenders and Republicans have publicly raised objections to DeSantis’ targeting of a private business.
What remains unanswered is how DeSantis appeared unaware of Disney’s maneuvering after spending the past year fixated on punishing and embarrassing the company.
As DeSantis plotted in secret, Disney moved in the open.
“You spend all that energy and attention on Disney, and then no one minds the store?” said Aaron Goldberg, an author and Disney historian. “Disney was playing chess, and DeSantis was playing checkers.”
— DESANTISY LAND —
“DeSantis donor quakes & New Hampshire foibles” via Tara Palmeri of PUCK — Among the 15-20 Republican megadonors who control the purse strings in GOP politics, there’s growing concern that DeSantis might not be the one, or at least not yet. Most of these top dogs are moderate-ish Bush-era billionaires who loved Trump’s corporate tax cuts but have appeared ready to move on from the candidate “We want one or two of them rather than Trump. DeSantis should not misread early support for him, which I’m sure DeSantis hates. We’re ready to support two Trump alternative candidates, because why wouldn’t we,” one donor said.
“For DeSantis, overflowing war chest obscures the challenges ahead” via Rebecca Davis O’Brien of The New York Times — DeSantis’ formidable war chest, at least $110 million in state and federal committees aligned with him, is no guarantee of success on the national stage, and his financial firepower brings with it a series of challenges he must navigate to capture the Republican nomination. DeSantis’s unsteady debut on the national stage over the past month, including remarks about Ukraine that alarmed many Republicans and hesitant counterpunches against Trump, has also showcased his aloof and at times strained relationship with donors.
“DeSantis escalates Disney clash with threat of new taxes and tolls” via Emily L. Mahoney and Romy Ellenbogen of the Miami Herald — DeSantis again raised the temperature in his yearlong fight with The Walt Disney Co., saying that state lawmakers will not only invalidate the corporation’s latest legal maneuvers but that it will face additional penalties for its actions. “The Legislature is going to void anything Disney did on the way out the door,” he said during an appearance Thursday at the conservative Hillsdale College in Michigan. The new board members DeSantis picked to take the reins of Disney’s special tax district discovered last month that the company had quietly stripped them of most of their authority before they came into office. On Thursday, DeSantis promised he’d get the last word.
“DeSantis sends $4M to jump-start I-75 interchange project” via Gray Rohrer of Florida Politics — A new interchange to be installed along Interstate 75 in Ocala will get a $4 million boost, thanks to a grant from DeSantis. The funding comes from the Job Growth Grant Fund, DeSantis said, to speed up construction on the project, which is designed to reduce traffic along one of the state’s chronically clogged main arteries. DeSantis said the move was in line with his plan to spend $4 billion over the next two years to speed up construction on planned projects throughout the state, but especially along I-75. “That will allow some of that stuff to be done 10, 12 years ahead of schedule,” DeSantis said. “If you could get some of this done in seven years instead of 12 that’s going to make a big difference.”
“DeSantis ready to welcome Chicago ‘refugees’” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis expects the Chicago mayoral election to lead to a larger population influx to the Sunshine State. DeSantis speculated Tuesday’s election of progressive Brandon Johnson over Paul Vallas, the candidate preferred by the same police union that invited DeSantis to speak earlier this year, would lead to an exodus from Chicagoland. “You know, I’ve got to follow some of the elections outside of Florida because it affects Florida. This Chicago Mayor, people are going to flee Chicago in even greater numbers,” DeSantis said at an infrastructure news conference.
“Fighting culture wars is expensive” via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — The Miami Herald reported earlier this year Florida taxpayers have spent nearly $17 million on attorneys and legal fees stemming from lawsuits challenging DeSantis’ various culture-war campaigns. Taxpayers are about to spend millions more. The House, for instance, wants to give the Governor’s Office another $4 million to spend on litigation during the 2023-24 fiscal year, which starts July 1. It also wants to give $5 million to Attorney General Ashley Moody to spend on “litigation of COVID-19 vaccines.” The Senate, meanwhile, wants to give the Department of State even more money to spend on lawsuits: $3 million, plus any more money left over from another $1 million the agency got last year.
“‘Not going to be bullied’: Why DeSantis went after Donald Trump, then retreated” via Hannah Knowles, Josh Dawsey and Isaac Arnsdorf of The Washington Post — As Trump faced the looming threat of an indictment in New York last month, scores of Republicans offered a full-throated defense of the former President. But not DeSantis, who resented that Trump expected fealty while attacking him relentlessly and wanted to show he wouldn’t be cowed into falling in line. DeSantis’s recent struggles to find his footing on the national stage, where he is a relative novice, stands in contrast to the dominance he has established in Florida, confidently battling the political left and other foes and winning re-election by nearly 20 points last fall.
— LEGISLATIVE —
“What’s passed during Florida’s Legislative Session — and what’s ahead” via Lawrence Mower, Ana Ceballos Romy Ellenbogen and Mary Ellen Klas of the Tampa Bay Times and Miami Herald — Florida’s 2023 Legislative Session has been one for the books and it’s only halfway done. Republican lawmakers have wielded their supermajority in the state’s House and Senate to move quickly on legislation long sought by their party: more abortion limits, tort reform and school vouchers. But with many of DeSantis’ priorities yet to gain traction before he gears up for an expected presidential run, the Legislature is going to be busy for the next 30 days.
“A lucrative contract and lots of money for lawsuits and large landowners: A tour of Florida’s proposed budget” via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — The Florida House and Senate approved different $113 billion budgets this week, but both versions of the state spending plans include some interesting new instructions for the state’s Division of Emergency Management. Tucked deep inside both documents, those instructions allow the emergency-management agency to seek out proposals for a new, state-of-the-art warehouse that would serve as central distribution hub for the state’s emergency stockpile of supplies food, bottled water, masks, gloves and generators.
“The cost of union-busting” via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — It turns out union-busting is expensive. Pushed by DeSantis, the Florida Senate narrowly passed an anti-union bill last week that was lobbied for by billionaire-backed conservative advocacy groups and is designed to undercut the collective-bargaining power of teachers, 911 dispatchers, cafeteria workers and many other public-sector workers. Among other things, the legislation (Senate Bill 256) would give a DeSantis-appointed panel — the Public Employees Relations Commission — more power to investigate public-employee unions.
“Are Pride celebrations the Florida Legislature’s next target?” via Kathryn Varn of USA Today Network — A bill poised to pass the Florida Senate could put LGBTQ Pride festivals in the crosshairs of a push by Republican lawmakers and DeSantis to block children from attending drag shows. Lawmakers were already considering a pair of bills that would prohibit children and teens from attending certain performances in private venues. But an amendment filed Tuesday evening by Sen. Clay Yarborough expanded the scope of Senate Bill 1438, banning cities, counties and other governments from issuing permits for events that feature such performances. Should a government issue a permit for an event that goes on to violate the law, the event organizer named in the permit would face a first-degree misdemeanor.
“Another sneak attack punishes Florida voters” via Steve Bousquet of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Jayden D’Onofrio, a bright young student at Western High School in Davie, took a day off from school and attended a meeting of the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee in Tallahassee. D’Onofrio and many others watched in disgust as Republican Senators launched into Act III of what’s become an annual ritual in Tallahassee of rewriting election laws to make it harder for people to vote or register to vote. The latest version, Senate Bill 7050, ran for 98 pages, and it was made public less than 24 hours before the hearing began. That’s allowed under Senate rules because the bill was introduced by a Committee, not by an individual Senator.
“Democrat Carlos Guillermo Smith launches bid for state Senate seat in Orlando” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel — Former Democratic state Rep. Smith filed Friday to run for a state Senate seat in 2024, seeking to succeed Sen. Linda Stewart, who can’t run again. Smith plans to kick off his state Senate bid Saturday with an event alongside U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost and state Rep. Anna Eskamani. “I’m running for Florida Senate, to continue fighting for an inclusive Florida that we can all be proud of,” Smith told the Orlando Sentinel. “And also, to give Orlando hope that we can have a delegation of local leadership that will stand against Tallahassee’s extreme agenda.”
“Sarah Henry signs up for rematch with David Smith in HD 38” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Henry has filed for a rematch against Rep. Smith. Henry filed to run in House District 38 this week. The move comes less than five months after losing to the Republican incumbent by just over 4 percentage points in November. But this time, the Democratic challenger feels she will have time and turnout on her side. “We made such a strong showing in a county that was not particularly friendly to Democrats this time around,” she said. “I plan to continue to build on that momentum across party lines.”
— STATEWIDE —
“Division of Emergency Management seeking contractors for DeSantis’ migrant relocation program” via Douglas Soule of USA Today Network — The Florida Division of Emergency Management is seeking contractors to carry out DeSantis’ controversial migrant relocation program. The division published a request for proposals at the end of March, after getting control of the program and $10 million to carry it out through February special session legislation. Those selected, according to the request, must “provide ground and air transportation and other related services … to assist in the voluntary relocation of Inspected Unauthorized Aliens that have agreed to be relocated from Florida, or another state, to a location within the United States.”
“Health officials removed key data from COVID-19 vaccine report” via Christopher O’Donnell of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced in October that young men should not get the COVID-19 vaccine, guidance that runs counter to medical advice issued by the CDC. Now, draft versions of the analysis obtained by the Tampa Bay Times show that this recommendation was made despite the state having contradictory data. It showed that catching COVID-19 could increase the chances of a cardiac-related death much more than getting the vaccine.
“Floridians across the political spectrum favor Medicaid expansion” via Anne Geggis of Florida Politics — With Florida among the 10 remaining states that have resisted expanding Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act, a new poll suggests that putting it to the people via ballot referendum is the way to make it happen. More than three-fourths of those polled supported expanding Medicaid, the state’s health insurance for the poor. The political committee commissioned the polling firm to ask respondents whether they supported or opposed extending Medicaid to those earning up to 138% of the poverty level. And 76% of respondents contacted say they would support it, with affirmation from both Democrats and Republicans.
“Concealed carry goes permitless, and gun instructors hope for the best” via Christopher Spata of the Tampa Bay Times — Firearms instructor Brent Adair entered the windowless room behind the modest gun shop and greeted all three students waiting for his 11:30 a.m. concealed carry class. “Knowledge, skills or attitude, which is most important?” he asked. There were enough empty chairs for five times the students. Mumbles came back to him. “Definitely attitude. You’re carrying a tool that can take a life. You need proper attitude to avoid problems.” He asked if they remembered a fatal shooting in Clearwater that started with a guy upset over handicap-reserved parking. “Wrong attitude.”
“Why this toxic algae is quietly ruining all your beach days” via Rachel DuRose of Vox — This year, as in many past, millions have flocked to Florida’s Gulf Coast for spring break vacations. These travelers bring in vital revenue for the Sunshine State, with one county alone, Pinellas County, raking in $13 million in tax revenue in March last year. But a biological phenomenon known as red tide is putting spring break revenue and the health of locals and revelers alike at risk. Last month, right when spring break travel was set to heat up, harmful levels of Karenia brevis, a type of harmful algal bloom, were found across Pinellas County, leading to the cancellation of festivals and sweeping beach cleanups. The bloom, which began in October, is now found across the southwest coast of the state.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“The worst federal judge in America now has a name” via Ruth Marcus of The Washington Post — Congratulations are in order for Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk. The competition is fierce and will remain so, but for now, he holds the title: worst federal judge in America. Not simply for the poor quality of his judicial reasoning, although more, much more, on this in a bit. What really distinguishes Kacsmaryk is the loaded content of his rhetoric, not the language of a sober-minded, impartial jurist but of a zealot, committed more to promote a cause than applying the law. Kacsmaryk invalidated the FDA’s 23-year-old approval of the abortion drug mifepristone and, for good measure, found that abortion medications cannot be sent by mail or other delivery service under the terms of an 1873 anti-vice law.
— EPILOGUE TRUMP —
“How a tight circle of aides is trying to keep Trump out of (more) trouble” via Matt Dixon and Jonathan Allen of NBC News — Trump’s team’s discipline promises to be put under severe duress as he simultaneously runs a presidential campaign and defends himself against charges in New York and investigations at the federal level and in Georgia. “I’ve never seen a more professional operation around Trump. I’ve also never seen a Trump-world operation with so little infighting,” said one longtime operative in his orbit. “All of the key people are genuine pros.” “We have less people who try to ingratiate themselves with him by going the extreme route,” said one person involved in the campaign who credited Susie Wiles, the co-manager of the operation.
“Trump wanted to hire Laura Loomer, anti-Muslim activist” via Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan of The New York Times — Trump recently told aides to hire Loomer, a far-right and anti-Muslim activist with a history of expressing bigoted views, for a campaign role. Trump met with Loomer recently and directed advisers to give her a role in support of his candidacy, two of the people familiar with the move said. On Tuesday, after Trump’s arraignment in Manhattan, Loomer attended the former President’s speech at Mar-a-Lago, his resort and residence in Palm Beach. Loomer twice ran unsuccessfully for Congress and is known for offensive attention-grabbing behavior. “I know a lot of people don’t like me, but that’s their problem, not mine,” she said Friday.
— 2024 —
“Joe Biden tells officials he’s ‘definitely running’ but formal announcement could wait for summer” via Kevin Liptak, M.J. Lee and Jeff Zeleny of CNN — Biden often envisions what he could accomplish with a second term, advisers and allies who speak with him say, but he has expressed no urgency to formally launch a campaign to win another four years in office. Biden has not settled on a campaign manager, narrowed down whether a headquarters would be placed in Philadelphia or Wilmington, Delaware, or selected a date to make a re-election bid official. The President has been notoriously deliberate over the course of decades in public office, often putting off major decisions until the eleventh hour.
“The majority of Florida Democrats stayed home from the polls in 2022. What happens now?” via Chris Persaud of The Palm Beach Post — When DeSantis and state Republicans criminalized most abortions, weakened Black political power and passed anti-LGBTQ laws, Florida’s Democrats responded not with a fight, but mass surrender. The majority of the party’s registered voters did not go to the polls in November. Democrats who stayed home said they didn’t feel inspired by their party or its top candidate. And there were more than enough nonvoting members of the party to overcome DeSantis’ lead over Democrat Charlie Crist. Now with Democrats all but shut out of power in Florida’s government, their new leader Nikki Fried says she has a plan to change that, and campaign experts say it might work.
— LOCAL —
“‘We say gay.’ Bills targeting LGBTQ+ community have some South Florida families worried” via Grethel Aguila of the Miami Herald — When Richard Denis-Carr thinks about the direction Florida is headed, he considers packing up and moving his family out of the state. Denis-Carr, who lives in Pembroke Pines, worries that DeSantis’ ambitions have stirred up hate against the LGBTQ+ community. He fears for the future of his 10-month-old son, Zachary, who he’s raising with husband Joseph Denis-Carr. “People like Ron DeSantis and people like the legislators … are doing it because it excites their base, and it gets their base to vote for them,” he said.
“Money pit: How an overhaul of Miami’s former immigration building became an epic disaster” via Ana Claudia Chacin of the Miami Herald — The building stands empty and skeletal, a behemoth overlooking Biscayne Boulevard and 79th Street. But the old Immigration and Naturalization Service tower at 7880 Biscayne Blvd. was once a bustling swarm of activity, with long lines, befitting Miami’s role as an international hub of migration and overseas travel. For going on 15 years, even as neighboring Biscayne Boulevard was transformed from a stretch of drab convenience stores and blighted motels into trendy boutiques and restaurants, the structure has stood like a grim tombstone, even getting tagged with an unsafe structure notice in 2021, despite plans for a sparkling rebirth.
“Complaint filed against Coral Gables Commission candidate alleging inappropriate campaign expenditures” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Coral Gables City Commission candidate Ariel Fernandez is facing two complaints filed with the Florida Elections Commission alleging potential violations related to in-kind contributions and inappropriate use of advertising. The complaints allege Fernandez, who runs a political consulting firm and a local blog where he sells advertising space, has been running campaign ads in the newsletter and blog for free. “The value of the advertisements for the purpose of reporting an in-kind contribution should be consistent with published rates for advertisements on the website and the newsletter,” the complaint states.
“As Central Florida gun violence escalates, pediatricians call for public health over politics” via Caroline Catherman of the Orlando Sentinel — Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children treats victims of gun violence ages 15 and under from across the region. Pediatric Trauma Director Dr. Don Plumley estimates Arnold Palmer sees a child with a gunshot wound about once a week. The American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Psychiatric Association have for years advocated for a public health approach. “Gun violence should be considered a public health issue, not a political one — an epidemic that needs to be addressed with research and evidence-based strategies that can reduce morbidity and mortality,” reads a joint statement.
“What happened to a 3-year-old on a Disney Cruise? New court documents give more details in a sexual assault lawsuit” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — New court records give more insight into the surveillance video at the heart of a $20 million lawsuit against Disney Cruise Line. Disney says the video footage vindicates the company and proves no crime happened against the 3-year-old girl. But the family suing Disney argues the footage captures the sexual assault on the Disney Fantasy in 2020 and shows staff ignoring their child when an older child was inappropriately touching her. The new court records also reveal the 3-year-old also had accused a teenage relative of touching her a month after the cruise, adding another twist to the family’s legal fight.
“Road rage gunshot exchange between 2 Florida dads that left their daughters wounded now attempted murder case” via Richard Burkard of MSN — A road rage exchange that stretched for miles in northeast Florida and left two children with gunshot wounds is now a case of attempted murder. William Hale was charged on April 6 in Jacksonville with charges that include shooting into a vehicle. Authorities say Hale drove his pickup truck alongside a sport utility vehicle on U.S. 1 last October and demanded Frank Allison pull over. Hale’s wife reportedly rolled down a window and made an obscene gesture. After the drivers exchanged words, a water bottle reportedly was thrown from Hale’s truck. WTLV-TV reports Allison responded by grabbing a handgun and firing a shot.
“Jacksonville permits Donna Foundation 5K run for Mother’s Day weekend after uncertainty” via Hanna Holthaus of The Florida Times-Union — Jacksonville will permit The Donna Foundation’s Mother’s Day 5K run for its original date after an uproar on social media opposed the possibility the permit could be denied. The foundation, founded by mayoral candidate Donna Deegan, has held the event raising money for breast cancer research and advocacy annually for 15 years. The city asked the foundation earlier in the week to move the race to another date to avoid any “appearance of improper election influence,” according to Brian Hughes, the city’s chief administrative officer, as it is the day before early voting ends in Jacksonville. The foundation announced Friday afternoon that the permit was granted.
“Jane Castor, Janet Cruz Tampa election campaigns closely aligned” via William March of the Tampa Bay Times — Seeking a citywide Tampa City Council seat, Cruz has insisted that she’ll operate independently regardless of her family ties to Mayor Castor. But in their campaigns and political operations, the two have been about as closely intertwined as their families. In an election that in some ways has been a referendum on Castor’s administration, Janet Cruz has had to battle the perception that she would be loyal to Castor because she is the mother of Castor’s domestic partner Ana Cruz. Janet Cruz is challenging Lynn Hurtak, who was appointed to the Council last year. Asked about the relationship by a voter in a March 22 candidate forum, Cruz called it “a fair question,” but said people “respect me as an independent public servant who has an independent mind.”
“Tampa tree cutters owe six figures for cutting down grand oaks and more” via Sue Carlton of the Tampa Bay Times — The legal battle over more than two dozen trees felled at a Tampa mobile home park just ended in a court decision. The tree-cutting business will be fined $234,000, according to a City of Tampa memo. The 2019 tree-clearing at the Life O’ Reilly mobile home park on Gandy Boulevard took down 28 trees, including nine large old oaks considered “grand” trees. The incident, which dismayed tree advocates and was called an “egregious violation” by Tampa Mayor Castor, came on the heels of a new state law barring local governments from regulating tree removal.
— TOP OPINION —
“How to make Trump go away” via Frank Luntz for The New York Times — First, beating Trump requires humility. It starts by recognizing that you can’t win every voter. You can’t win even half of them: Trump’s support within the Republican Party isn’t just a mile wide; it’s also a mile deep.
It’s not about beating Trump with a competing ideology. It’s about offering Republicans the contrast they seek: a candidate who champions Trump’s agenda but with decency, civility and a commitment to personal responsibility and accountability.
Second, Trump has become his own version of the much-hated political establishment. Mar-a-Lago has become Grand Central Terminal for politicians, political hacks, lobbyists, and out-of-touch elites who have ignored, forgotten and betrayed the people they represent.
It starts with a simple campaign pitch along these lines: “We can do better. We must do better.”
Third, recognize that the average farmer, small-business owner and veteran will hold greater sway with the Trump voter than the famous and the powerful.
Fourth, compliment Trump’s presidency while you criticize the person.
Fifth, make it more about the grandchildren. The looming debt ceiling vote is the perfect hook.
Sixth, there’s one character trait that unites just about everyone: an aversion to public piety while displaying private dishonesty. In a word, hypocrisy.
Seventh, you won’t be elected with Republicans alone. The successful candidate must appeal to independents as well.
And eighth, you need to penetrate the conservative echo chamber. You need at least one of these on your side: Mark Levin, Dennis Prager, Ben Shapiro, Newt Gingrich, and, of course, Tucker, Hannity or Laura. Thanks to the Dominion lawsuit, we all know what Fox News hosts say in private. The challenge is to get them to be as honest in public.
— OPINIONS —
“How to fight book bans — and win” via Alyssa Rosenberg of The Washington Post — A rising tide of censorship threatens to dash everything from lesbian dragons to Amelia Earhart picture books off the shelves of school and public libraries. Book lovers should take heart. The censors can be beaten. And longtime library advocates have mustered an arsenal of statistics, talking points and legal strategies to keep shelves full and fascinating. The most powerful fact: Censorship isn’t popular. Fifty-six percent of respondents to an August 2022 survey disagreed with the statement: “If any parent objects to a book in the public school library, that book should be removed, even if other parents like the book.”
“Mitt Romney reminds us of what we’ve lost in American politics” via Kathleen Parker of The Washington Post — When Sen. Romney stepped up to criticize the criminal case against his arch-nemesis Trump, he reminded us how far we’ve fallen since the cleanest-cut man in American politics failed to win the presidency just over a decade ago. The disaffection between Romney and Trump, a rivalry between good and evil, also reminds us how we got here. It began with Romney’s poor performance during his second debate with President Barack Obama in 2012. Romney had prevailed in their first debate, but the second one, which produced Romney’s memorable “binders full of women” remark, sealed his and the nation’s fate.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ trailer puts Harrison Ford back in action” via Aaron Couch and Alex Ritman of The Hollywood Reporter — Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny brought a pulpy sense of adventure to the Star Wars Celebration in London, where a new trailer for the Lucasfilm spot debuted and an additional six minutes of the film were shown to a delighted crowd. The fifth Indiana Jones comes from director James Mangold, and once again stars Ford as professor and adventurer Indiana Jones. Phoebe Waller-Bridge stars as Indiana Jones’ goddaughter, seen in the trailer dragging the archaeologist out of retirement.
To watch the trailer, please click on the image below:
“‘Ahsoka’ trailer puts Rosario Dawson at center of ‘Star Wars’ Galaxy” via Aaron Couch of The Hollywood Reporter — Ahsoka Tano is finally getting the live-action spotlight, with the first trailer for Ahsoka debuting at the Star Wars Celebration event in London on Friday. Dawson, who plays the title character took to the stage to help introduce the poster, the release date of August 2023, and the first footage from the series. Meanwhile, co-star Mary Elizabeth Winstead announced her previously hush-hush role, that of revolutionary leader Hera Syndulla. Speaking onstage, Dawson said, “I’ve had so many pinch-me moments, even on the last day of shooting, when we turn the lightsabers on and I’m in the world of Star Wars.”
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Belated best wishes to Michael Moline and Alli Liby-Schoonover. Celebrating today is one of North Florida’s best people, Jeremy Branch, as well as good guy Jose Gonzalez. On the local front, happy birthday to Housh Ghovaee and Chris Krampert.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
