Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s team responded to California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ad campaign suggesting Floridians move to the Golden State and gain freedom.
“The people of Florida pay no mind to the pathetic smear campaigns from the Democrats and their allies in the corporate media,” Dave Abrams, DeSantis’ spokesperson, said. “We’re too busy enjoying the freedom Gov. Ron DeSantis has created in the Sunshine State.”
The ad focuses on the “freedoms” Californians supposedly have and that Floridians lack. The ad creates the illusion that freedom is not only under attack but denied by Florida leadership. It depicts banning books from schools, marginalizing people of color, and striping rights of choice, while criminalizing women and doctors. Newsom calls for Floridians to join the “freedom fight” in Florida and insinuates they should move to California, where freedom reigns.
We’re about to celebrate Independence Day — but Freedom is under attack by Republican leaders in states like Florida.
Banning books.
Restricting speech.
Making it harder to vote.
Criminalizing women and doctors.
It’s time to stand up. Don’t let them take your freedom. pic.twitter.com/cFI5UzgZzX— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 3, 2022
Reportedly, Abrams mocked the Golden State governor for burning his money.
“Newsom might as well light a pile of cash on fire” with the advertisements. “Pass the popcorn for his desperate attempt to win back the California refugees who fled the hellhole he created in his state to come to Florida,” he said.
According to News Nation, the two states have things in common, but neither is at the top of the list of best places to live – Washington State is #1, Florida #10, and California squeaked into the top half at #24. The poll was conducted by U.S. News and World Report, using dozens of metrics, including healthcare, economy and opportunity.
News Nation also reported that 300,000 people fled California during the last two years. Most relocated to other western states, but 40,000 traded the west coast for the east in Florida.
Speculation over the ad has centered more on Newsom’s political future and whether he is gearing up for a presidential run in 2024. There is also speculation that DeSantis might throw his hat in the presidential race come 2024. Both governors had indicated they were not interested in the White House.
Cedric Richmond, a former senior Biden White House official who works for the Democratic National Committee, discussed Newsom’s possible presidential run with Politico, “Everybody is trying to be relevant for the next race.” Richmond continued, “He came through the recall election and he’s doing a pretty good job as governor. However, I think ambition makes people do different things.”
