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In a televised faceoff that lasted over 90 minutes, Governors Ron DeSantis of Florida and Gavin Newsom of California engaged in a fiery debate on Fox News, covering an array of critical issues.
Touted as “The Great Red vs. Blue State Debate,” the discussion, hosted by Sean Hannity, became a platform for the two governors, one eyeing a potential 2024 presidential run and the other ardently defending President Biden’s policies.
Here are some of the key moments from the debate:
1. Newsom as Biden’s Defender:
Throughout the evening, Newsom assumed the role of a surrogate for the Biden administration, vociferously defending its economic agenda and taking a stand on border security. DeSantis accused Newsom of orchestrating a “shadow campaign” for the 2024 presidential race, a claim Newsom vehemently denied. The debate frequently circled back to the looming 2024 presidential race, with both governors taking jabs at each other’s perceived ambitions.
Newsom, speaking after the debate: “I focused on defending and promoting, supporting, telling the truth about the Biden record. I was pleased to have that opportunity,” he said, adding that he felt the 90-minute back-and-forth was part of an anti-Biden “doom loop.”
DeSantis on President Biden: “He is in decline, yes. It’s a danger to the country. He has no business running for president, and, you know, Gavin Newsom agrees with that. He won’t say that. That’s why he’s running his shadow campaign.”
2. Presidential Race Dynamics:
Despite being framed as a state debate, the discussion was intrinsically linked to the 2024 presidential race. Newsom consistently pointed out DeSantis’ challenges in the Republican primary, where he trails former President Donald Trump.
Newsom: “One thing … that we have in common is: neither of us will be the nominee for our party in 2024,” he said.
3. Spirited Exchanges and Accusations:
The debate was marked by spirited exchanges, accusations of lying, and moments of intense crosstalk. Both governors accused each other of misrepresentations, leading moderator Sean Hannity to intervene, urging them to address questions directly. The confrontational tone persisted throughout, emphasizing the deep ideological divides between the two leaders.
DeSantis: “He’s been telling a lot of whoppers tonight.”
Hannity: “Let’s not force me to be a ‘hall monitor,’ gentlemen.”
4. ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Law Debate:
One of the most contentious moments arose during the discussion of Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, often dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law. DeSantis, an ardent supporter of the legislation, went against the debate’s rules by displaying a graphic novel image, claiming it represented inappropriate content. Newsom accused DeSantis of using the law to wage a cultural war, reflecting the ongoing national debate on LGBTQ+ rights.
DeSantis, holding a photo from the graphic novel “Gender Queer: A Memoir,” which depicted a scene of oral sex: “This is pornography. It’s cartoons. This should not be in schools.”
Newsom: “1,406 books have been banned just last year under Ron DeSantis’ leadership. I love that he keeps pulling this out. I’ve seen this. He’s been doing this all over the campaign.” He went on to accuse the Florida governor of using “education as a sword for your cultural purge.”
5. Crime Comparison:
The debate delved into contrasting crime statistics between Florida and California. Using FBI data, Hannity presented the combined national rate of homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault in 2022. While Florida’s rate was below the national average, California’s exceeded it. Newsom defended California’s lowest crime rate in 50 years, emphasizing the murder rate. DeSantis redirected attention to public safety concerns, alleging that people were leaving California due to collapsed public safety.
DeSantis: “People are leaving California in droves, largely because public safety has collapsed.”
Newsom invoked the Parkland, Florida, school shooting where 17 kids were killed, arguing DeSantis later made it easier for some people to purchase weapons, referencing legislation the Florida governor signed earlier this year that allows Floridians to be able to carry concealed guns without a permit.
6. Immigration Dispute:
Immigration emerged as a hotly debated topic, with Newsom accusing DeSantis of misleading migrants with promises of jobs and housing, referencing organized flights to Martha’s Vineyard. DeSantis, in response, criticized Newsom for spreading false information and highlighted Martha’s Vineyard’s claim to be a sanctuary jurisdiction. The exchange highlighted their differing approaches to immigration policies and border management.
Newsom: “That kind of gamesmanship, using human beings as pawns, I think is disqualifying.”
DeSantis: “We’ve got a lot of elites who want open borders, who lecture everybody else about it, then the minute they have to deal with any of the consequences, oh man, all hell breaks loose.”
7. Dueling Views on Abortion:
The discussion on abortion saw Hannity pressing both governors on their positions. Newsom evaded direct answers regarding third-trimester restrictions, while noting that such procedures are very rare and usually in cases like fetal abnormalities, and instead focused his criticism on DeSantis signing a six-week abortion ban, which he called “extreme.” DeSantis defended his stance by emphasizing a “culture of life.” Newsom, in a notable moment, questioned whether DeSantis would support a national abortion ban if he became president. DeSantis did not answer.
In conclusion, “The Great Red vs. Blue State Debate” provided a vivid snapshot of the ideological contrasts between Governors DeSantis and Newsom. As the nation grapples with complex issues, the debate showcased how these leaders perceive and address critical challenges, setting the stage for broader political discussions in the future.
