Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and California Governor Gavin Newsom have agreed to engage in a public debate. The announcement was made by DeSantis during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, who will also be moderating the debate.
DeSantis enthusiastically accepted Newsom’s challenge, stating, “Absolutely, I’m game. Let’s get it done. Just tell me when and where we’ll do it.” He further highlighted the stark contrast between the policies of Florida and California, pointing out that people have been voting with their feet by moving from California to Florida in record numbers.
The debate between California and Florida is already over. People have been voting with their feet for years.
But the debate about the future of our country is one we need to have.
I’m game to talk about my plans to reverse the decline in this country anytime, anywhere, because… pic.twitter.com/BbUKix8s5E
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) August 3, 2023
DeSantis also emphasized the significance of this debate for the future of the country. He warned against the “Californication” of the United States, a direction he believes the Biden administration and potential Democratic nominees like Newsom and Kamala Harris are pushing for. He expressed his concern that such a path would accelerate America’s decline and emphasized the need to reverse this trend.
The Florida Governor’s acceptance of the debate challenge comes at a time when he is second only to former President Donald Trump in the Republican Party presidential primary, according to a New York Times/Siena poll. The poll also revealed that nearly half of the respondents who chose Trump are considering other candidates, indicating a potential opening for DeSantis.
