Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been facing increased scrutiny over his record in office and potential presidential ambitions. Despite his claims of success, statistics show that Florida falls short in almost every measure of social and economic well-being important to its citizens.[0] Healthcare, school funding, long-term elder care, and public safety are just some of the areas where Florida ranks poorly compared to other states.[0] Even its ranking for equality has dropped because of DeSantis’ mean-spirited education policies.[1]
DeSantis, who wrote a book in 2011 titled “Dreams from Our Founding Fathers,” is a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus and has focused on fiscal restraint, immigration, and identifying the shortcomings of the modern Republican establishment.[2] His political memoir, “The Courage to Be Free,” describes him as geographically raised in Tampa Bay but culturally reflecting the working-class communities in western Pennsylvania and northeast Ohio.[3]
However, as DeSantis eyes a potential presidential campaign, he is realizing that he can’t out-Trump Trump while also discovering that he alienates mainstream Republicans when he tries.[4] This leaves DeSantis on an increasingly small electoral island.[4] A White House campaign that Team DeSantis once envisioned as a coronation is struggling to find its balance.[4]
Moreover, some of the claims DeSantis has frequently made in Florida aren’t surviving national scrutiny.[5] For example, his contention that population growth in Florida proves America loves him is flawed. Florida’s population has been booming for about 50 straight years, even before DeSantis took office.[4] National observers are also noting that, once they get past DeSantis’ tough-on-crime talk and blue-state bashing, Florida’s homicide rate is actually worse than both New York’s and California’s.[4]
In conclusion, while DeSantis may have been successful in his congressional run and governorship, his record on social and economic well-being, as well as his potential presidential campaign, are facing increased scrutiny. Only time will tell if he can overcome these challenges and win the support of voters.
0. “No One Is Talking About What Ron DeSantis Has Actually Done to Florida” Yahoo News, 29 Mar. 2023, https://news.yahoo.com/no-one-talking-ron-desantis-110000499.html
1. “DeSantis is not good for Florida | Letters to the Editor | chronicleonline.com” Citrus County Chronicle, 20 Mar. 2023, https://www.chronicleonline.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/desantis-is-not-good-for-florida/article_2855c8e2-b97d-5a5c-8eb3-e79c1a17c0ef.html
2. “With contempt for ‘corporatists,’ DeSantis pitches GOP voters on the power of the state” msnNOW, 27 Mar. 2023, https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/with-contempt-for-corporatists-desantis-pitches-gop-voters-on-the-power-of-the-state/ar-AA197rjv?li=BB141NW3
3. “Ron DeSantis Says He Was “Geographically Raised” in Tampa Bay as if That Means Anything” The Mary Sue, 22 Mar. 2023, https://www.themarysue.com/ron-desantis-geographically-raised-in-tampa-bay/
4. “DeSantis is wildly popular in Florida, but the rest of the US is not like the Sunshine State” Bangor Daily News, 27 Mar. 2023, https://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/03/27/opinion/opinion-contributor/desantis-ukraine-election
5. “Commentary: Can DeSantis go too far? Not for Florida. Maybe for America” Press Herald, 25 Mar. 2023, https://www.pressherald.com/2023/03/25/commentary-can-desantis-go-too-far-not-for-florida-maybe-for-america/
