Global Courant 2023-04-15 00:45:16
EXCLUSIVE: Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis’s team is firing back at Democratic governors like California Governor Gavin Newsom, who criticized the Sunshine State for its coronavirus policies by providing an update on Florida residents who previously fled from states that imposed “disastrous policies” and “closures.”
In a digital postcard to “Democratic governors,” DeSantis’ team celebrated “Florida’s freedom” and the new residents moving to the state amid “lockdowns, vaccine mandates, and devastating school closures” from other governors during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Dear Democratic governors, now that your White House boss has finally admitted that COVID is over, we wanted to send an update on the new Florida residents who have fled your disastrous policies since the start of the pandemic,” the narrator said in the video. “Without your lockdowns, vaccine mandates and devastating school closures, our new residents have greatly enjoyed the freedoms restored.”
“We know you also enjoyed the freedom of Florida on your own getaway here,” the narrator said in a direct joke to Newsom, who visited the state last week.
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In a digital postcard to “Democratic governors,” DeSantis’ team celebrated “Florida’s freedom” and the new residents moving to the state amid “lockdowns, vaccine mandates, and devastating school closures” from other governors during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Justin Sullivan, Rosie Betancourt/Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group, Scott Olson, Team DeSantis)
The promote video the postcards, which are available for purchase online, also reminded Democratic governors of current policies they support that have been at the center of national conversations in recent years, such as “encouraging” migrants to cross the border illegally.
“But unlike you, your former residents will stay forever. Perhaps the millions of illegal migrants you encourage to cross the border can find a new home in your supposed refuge,” the narrator said. “We’re happy to fly them your way.”
The video from DeSantis’ orbit comes after Newsom took aim at the state’s leadership last Wednesday while visiting New College of Florida, as well as on social media.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a rally at Liberty University’s Vines Center in Lynchburg, Virginia, on April 14, 2023. (Tom Williams)
“Last week I went to New College in Florida – ground zero for what the @GOP is trying to do to education in this country,” Newsom claimed in a tweet. “Take a moment to watch this. Books are banned. Speech is restricted. Teachers are scared. Students are being bullied. This is just a small dose of what’s to come.”
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Jeremy Redfern, who currently serves as DeSantis deputy press secretary, shot back at Newsom with a screenshot of a “San Francisco poop card.”
A viral video of Newsom’s recent visit to the state went viral on social media earlier this week, with several opponents of the governor pointing out his bumbling behavior.
The video — in which the governor silently claps along as liberal arts college faculty members and students offer their rendition of the religious song “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands” — received a lot of attention on social media, with some of his detractors pointing out the awkwardness of the situation and Newsom’s mannerisms during his visit to Sarasota.
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The visit was considered a surprise stop in Newsom’s travels to several Republican-led states to which he previously banned official travel. Newsom spoke with about two dozen New College students, faculty and community members of the North Sarasota Public Library in response to DeSantis’ recent nomination of six conservative board members.
California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at a news conference in San Francisco, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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Newsom, who repeatedly targeted DeSantis during his anticipated 2024 presidential run, discussed “everything from book bans to alleged voting rights violations in his speech before participating in a student roundtable,” according to Florida’s Voice.
“I’m crawling out of my skin for you,” Newsom said at the event. “I want you to know you’re not alone. You matter.’
