Nikki Fried, Florida Dems helped Gavin Newsom prep for Ron DeSantis debate

'We have been in contact, and I have been in contact for quite some time with the Governor's team.'

It’s finally here — the long-awaited face off between the Governors of Florida and California is Thursday night.

And the Chair of the Florida Democratic Party is framing the message, offering her usual criticism of Ron DeSantis and predicting that Gavin Newsom will dominate the debate on Fox News. As well, she noted that she and her party have helped the California Democrat get set for 90 minutes with DeSantis.

“We have been in contact, and I have been in contact for quite some time with the Governor’s team, and really kind of going through issues that I have seen as a member of the Cabinet for four years that may have been swept under the rug or may not have gotten a lot of attention, but really are making a huge impact on everyday Floridians,” Fried said in a press call Thursday morning.

While it remains to be seen how Newsom uses the intel provided by Fried and the Florida Democrats, the former Agriculture Commissioner and 2022 gubernatorial candidate argues that this debate is yet another sign that DeSantis’ White House hopes are fading to black.

Fried said DeSantis “took the bait” offered by Newsom in agreeing to the debate, contending that it’s one more step toward the “slow humiliation” of the Florida Governor on a national stage.

“We know that Ron DeSantis will never be President of the United States and his days on the campaign trail are numbered. Ron’s approval rating is under water. His poll numbers have cratered and big money conservatives like the Koch network are lining up to fund his opponents,” Fried said, referring to the Americans for Prosperity endorsement of Nikki Haley.

“His campaign is in a tailspin so it should be clear to everyone watching tonight: This is not a shadow debate for the presidency,” Fried added. “It is a stunt and a spectacle, one that will show the difference between serious democratic leadership and the cost of one man’s extreme agenda on a state that once bragged about being free.”

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15 comments

My Take
November 30, 2023 at 11:09 am

When DeSScamus is sent back to Tallahassee a failuŕe, will it be revenge-time fìnishing his gov term?
-Fòr example, will he somehow target FGCÙ and FAU for beating him in his university president schemes?
- Beatrix Kiddo
  November 30, 2023 at 9:53 pm
  
  I work at FGCU. The loon DuhSantis tried to force down our throats as a potential president was made to look like a fool by Dr Timur, who was chosen to be president. She’s everything Mack is not.
Who killed Peter Antonacci? 🧐
November 30, 2023 at 11:24 am

Ask DeSantis why he covered up the death of Peter Antonacci in his office, and why he was allowed to laying dying on security camera for 24 minutes before anybody did anything about it.
Was DeSantis complicit?
Impeach Biden
November 30, 2023 at 12:08 pm

Hopefully Nikki Fraud brought her scientific expert, Rebekah Jones with her to fill Newsom’s tiny little brain with fake science stories. To Mrs Newsom, keep your eye on the fake scientist, she is a player. 🤣
- Ronald Reed
  November 30, 2023 at 11:57 pm
  
  So nothing to add but a little defamation, exactly the same thing Fox Does when they have nothing to add. Hey did you know *Rupert Murdoch admitted under oath they Lie to Help Republicans, also under oath talked about telling his People to Lie about Election Fraud, which they did week after Week until most Viewers will Never Believe there wasn’t Election Fraud, I’ve watched many MAGAs asked that same thing, them all.responed “They’re is proof” Yes itvwas a Lie thats now turned into proof of Evidence! Propaganda is a Powerful Tool, it’s why Fascists all have used it Since Goebbels!
Michael K
November 30, 2023 at 12:29 pm

DeSantis continues to sink. Why? Because he is bereft of ideas and thinks that destroying things (and people) shows strength. Culture wars don’t help people one iota (i.e. rising insurance costs). Division explains his diminishing stature – he continues to alienate more people.

Poor Ron simply lacks the intelligence, charisma, gravitas, graciousness, and skill to represent and unite people. His pettiness is why he is sinking faster than a lead balloon. America is simply not interested in his toxic fascism.

Newsom will mop the floor. I’m glad there will not be an audience to distract. We’ll get to see Ronda melt in real-time.
- Impeach Biden
  November 30, 2023 at 1:10 pm
  
  Newsom gonna mop the floor eh? How will he explain that his state lost a congressional seat? How will he explain that companies are fleeing the high taxes of California? How will he explain that his state had some of the highest taxes in the nation yet suffers from poor infrastructure? How will he explain the number of retailers closing due to California Democrats resorting to smash and grab, flash mob tactics rather than actually paying for them?
  Just a few questions I would ask Shiny Teeth myself.
  - Michael K
    November 30, 2023 at 5:21 pm
    
    Well, it’s only available to the Fox “news” echo chamber of cable subscribers, so that cuts out more than half the US population – and certainly younger people under the age of 40 who prefer streaming to cable by more than 70%.
    
    But to your point, younger people who work and seek high-paying jobs are moving to blue states (CA and MA) and blue cities (Austin). Retired people are the ones cashing out and moving to Florida, to die. And young people are thinking twice about coming here for college.
    - MH/Duuuval
      November 30, 2023 at 9:57 pm
      
      Yep, Fox didn’t want the unwashed to see the proceedings, so they put it on cable.
      
      Your comment points to the visibly growing distinction between cities and suburbia/exurbia.
Earl Pitts "Political Scientist Emeritus" American
November 30, 2023 at 7:09 pm

I’m sure Nikki got Gavin to invest in one of her “weed” businesses.
- rick whitaker
  December 1, 2023 at 9:57 pm
  
  WARNING ⚠ TROLL COMMENT BY EARL ” POTHEAD ” SHITTS
Charlie
November 30, 2023 at 8:48 pm

All Gavin needed to prepare was a mock debate with Mrs. Doubtfire: a middle-aged dude wearing makeup and heels, who’s obsessed with kids.
My Take
November 30, 2023 at 9:42 pm

Has DoofSSantis disgraced himself yet?
Israel Richardson
December 1, 2023 at 12:52 pm

Not much love for Ronnie D around here. Look on the bright side you Marxists, be glad he’s term limited or he would only win by 1.25 million instead of a million 5.
Dont Say Florida
December 1, 2023 at 4:44 pm

I honestly felt embarrassed for the little guy. Too bad Rhonda lacks the self awareness to feel his own ongoing embarrassment.

At this point the only path forward for the Rhonda Campaign is allowing Trump to shoot Rhonda in the middle of Fifth Avenue. Rhonda might get a death bump from it.