Insights from the DeSantis-Newsom Debate
California Gov Newsom and Florida Gov DeSantis squared off in a fiery debate on Fox News, discussing their key differences on issues like Biden's policies, shifting positions, general election strategies, and the value of this intense showdown
During a debate on Fox News, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis acknowledged that they both would not be the nominee for their party in 2024.
The unusual debate, moderated by Fox's conservative host Sean Hannity and promoted as the "Great Red State vs. Blue State Debate," provided a glimpse into a different political reality. It presented a scenario where President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump were not set for a 2024 rematch of the 2020 presidential race. Newsom, the Democrat, faced the challenge of debating a Republican opponent and responding to conservative viewpoints as he acted as a representative for Biden's reelection campaign.
DeSantis faced high stakes as his 2024 Republican presidential nomination bid faltered and the Iowa caucuses loomed just seven weeks away. Here are six key points from the "Great Red State vs. Blue State Debate" hosted by Hannity and Fox News.
Newsom serves as the Biden surrogate
DeSantis initiated the discussion by claiming that Newsom was aiming for national attention as a component of a potential 2024 presidential campaign, based on the assumption that the 81-year-old Biden will not ultimately run for a second term.
DeSantis challenged, "Why not just confess? You're avoiding." In response, Newsom stood up for Biden, defending the president's economic and immigration record to Fox's predominantly conservative audience.
"Newsom touted the creation of fourteen million jobs, which is ten times more than the combined total of the last three Republican presidents," in response to DeSantis' accusation of supporting "Bidenomics."
DeSantis criticized Biden's management of the US-Mexico border, stating, "Newsom claims that the Biden administration is not deceiving the public about the border, but they are misleading you."
Newsom also mentioned DeSantis' decision to transport migrants from the Texas border to Marthas Vineyard, suggesting that it was an attempt to outdo Trump. He then pointed out that DeSantis is currently trailing by 41 points in his own state.
Newsom later criticized DeSantis for mispronouncing Vice President Kamala Harris' name and emphasized the correct pronunciation by addressing her as "Madame Vice President."
DeSantis faces attacks about shifting positions
In addition to that, Newsom launched several criticisms that appeared to be similar to those made by some of DeSantis' main rivals, alleging that the Florida governor has changed his stance on topics such as immigration and environmental conservation as he considers a potential presidential bid.
The attacks, clearly intended to discredit DeSantis in front of potential Republican presidential primary voters, were the most memorable moments of the debates. One of the most notable moments was when DeSantis criticized Newsom's pandemic policies, labeling him a "lockdown governor" and highlighting that Newsom's children attended a private school that had been allowed to open for in-person education while public schools remained closed.
Newsom responded by saying that DeSantis had "adhered to scientific evidence," by shutting down bars and restaurants and listening to the guidance of former leading infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci and "encouraged the distribution of vaccines."
"You implemented an emergency declaration before California did. You also closed beaches, bars, and restaurants," Newsom continued. "Donald Trump exposed your failure on this issue."
"He did all of that until he decided to fall prey to the fringe of his party. And as a consequence of that, Ron, tens of thousands of people lost their lives," he said.
DeSantis gets to show his general election mettle
Trump's absence from the Republican presidential primary debates has limited the chances for DeSantis and other candidates to make an impact. Thursday night, however, gave the Florida governor a chance to reaffirm his popularity among Republican viewers and justify the name of the pro-DeSantis super PAC, "Never Back Down."
He repeatedly used Newsom as a stand-in for Biden and called the California governor "slick."
"He wants you to believe him over your own lying eyes," DeSantis said.
Newsom, who is not running for president, found the task to be simpler. "Joe Biden will secure the nomination in a few weeks. And soon after, Sean, he will be endorsing Donald Trump as the Republican Party's nominee," he stated.
Hannity the hall monitor
Hannity, the veteran Fox host known for his conservative views, began the debate by stating his intention to maintain a neutral stance on Thursday night. He also made it clear to the debaters that he did not plan to act as a "hall monitor."
Almost immediately, it was evident that both Newsom and DeSantis exceeded the 60-second limit set by Hannity for their answers. The questioning largely mirrored the content of Hannity's show, aiming to put Newsom on the defensive.
The California governor frequently chose to evade the questions posed to him, potentially harming his connection with the audience. Additionally, Newsom attempted to take on the role of the moderator at times. In a heated discussion about abortion, he directed a question to DeSantis, asking, "Ron DeSantis, would you sign a six-week ban if you were to become president of the United States?"
Sharp differences on abortion
Among the debates most pointed moments was the clash on abortion rights.
Newsom emphasized DeSantis' approval of a law that prohibits most abortions in Florida after six weeks of pregnancy.
"Your ban is so extreme that it makes women and doctors criminals, even Donald Trump found it too extreme," Newsom stated.
When asked by Hannity why he signed the bill into law, DeSantis mentioned his belief in a culture of life. Despite Newsom's repeated questions about signing a national abortion ban into law, DeSantis never gave a direct answer, and Hannity did not press further.
When asked if he would support any restrictions on abortion rights, Newsom expressed his support for such rights. He emphasized that late-term abortions are very uncommon and usually occur due to fetal abnormalities or threats to the mother's health. "It is a very rare occurrence," he stated, adding that the decision should be left up to the mother, her doctor, and her own moral beliefs.
Whats the value of a debate like this?
Whatever the merits of a clash of progressive, blue-state ideas and conservative, red-state policies might be, what played out Thursday night was something different.
The debate lasted over 90 minutes, with DeSantis and Newsom primarily accusing each other of lying and misrepresenting each other's records. In the closing minutes, Newsom called DeSantis a bully.
"Youre a bully," DeSantis responded.
Hannity, near the end, attempted to shift to what he called a "lightning round," seeking quick answers from both debaters.
"Itd be great if both of you guys cooperated. Im not a potted plant here," Hannity said.
Neither cooperated.
