The ongoing feud between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and California Governor Gavin Newsom continues to escalate. In a recent interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Newsom discussed President Joe Biden’s fitness for office and addressed rumors about his own presidential ambitions. However, DeSantis used a budget event in Fort Pierce, Florida, to challenge Newsom to stop “pussyfooting” and open a Democratic primary challenge against President Biden.[0]
DeSantis accused Newsom of having a “fixation” about Florida and criticized him for not mounting a challenge to President Biden. He took aim at Newsom for his frequent national posturing, noting that if the California governor is going to keep focusing on states that aren’t California, he should hurry up and announce he intends to challenge President Biden for the White House.[1] The DeSantis campaign is now even selling T-shirts emblazoned with the words: “STOP PUSSYFOOTING AROUND.”[2]
Newsom, a rising star in the Democratic Party, has been rumored as a possibility for the White House.[3] However, in an interview with Insider in April, he reiterated his support for President Biden’s reelection and praised his “record of substantive accomplishments.”[4] Nevertheless, with Democrats privately and publicly fretting about their enthusiasm level for the candidacy of the 80-year-old President Joe Biden, who has performed admirably for two-and-a-half years, it’s probably not surprising that Newsom is keeping a lot more than a toe in the 2024 water.[5] He’s sinking quickly, up to his waist.[6]
The interview with Hannity was beneficial for both Newsom and Hannity.[7] Newsom had yet another chance to enhance his national image as a prominent liberal figure by engaging in a head-to-head dialogue with the most renowned host of the conservative news channel.[7] The media was watching—along with 2.9 million viewers—on Tuesday night when Hannity interviewed Newsom in a spirited but cordial exchange that generated a huge amount of news coverage.
During the interview, Hannity asked Newsom about receiving pressure to compete against Biden for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination. Newsom responded, “I’m rooting for our president, and I have great confidence in his leadership.[8]
0. “Gov. DeSantis mocks California governor’s ‘fixation’ with Florida” Florida Phoenix, 15 Jun. 2023, https://floridaphoenix.com/2023/06/15/gov-desantis-mocks-california-governors-fixation-with-florida
1. “‘Challenge Joe’: DeSantis finally responds to Newsom’s criticisms” SFGATE, 15 Jun. 2023, https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/desantis-finally-responds-to-newsom-criticisms-18154387.php
2. “Ron DeSantis questions why Gavin Newsom won’t challenge Biden” NBC News, 15 Jun. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/ron-desantis-questions-gavin-newsom-wont-challenge-biden-rcna89515
3. “Gavin Newsom offers rare praise for Trump, defends Biden’s health in first Fox News interview since 2010” Fox News, 10 Jun. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/media/newsom-desantis-migrant-flights-different-spirit-worse-biden-hannity
4. “DeSantis taunts Newsom about 2024: ‘Stop pussyfooting around'” Business Insider, 15 Jun. 2023, https://www.businessinsider.com/desantis-taunts-newsom-about-2024-presidential-race-stop-pussyfooting-around-2023-6
5. “DeSantis jabs Newsom over 2024: ‘Are you going to throw your hat in the ring?'” POLITICO, 15 Jun. 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/15/desantis-newsom-2024-asylum-seekers-00102174
6. “Gavin Newsom will appear on Sean Hannity’s Fox talk show” Sacramento Bee, 8 Jun. 2023, https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article276234026.html
7. “Sean Hannity: Democrats Should Be ‘A Little Courageous’ And Come On His Show” Forbes, 15 Jun. 2023, https://www.forbes.com/sites/markjoyella/2023/06/15/sean-hannity-democrats-should-be-a-little-courageous-and-come-on-his-show/
8. “DeSantis taunts Newsom over 2024 run as California governor celebrates Disney Pride” The Independent, 15 Jun. 2023, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/desantis-newsom-2024-election-run-b2358474.html
