Former Vice President Mike Pence weighed in on the feud between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Walt Disney Co. recently, saying that DeSantis’ actions went beyond the scope of limited-government conservatism.[0] Pence spoke on the issue on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” Wednesday, criticizing DeSantis for his actions in response to Disney’s opposition to the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, which critics deem the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.[1]
At first, Governor DeSantis proposed to end Disney’s autonomy in its area, yet eventually the Florida legislature determined that this could lead to higher taxes for the region’s inhabitants, so in the beginning of this month, they decided to give DeSantis control over the board responsible for Walt Disney World’s growth.[2]
Pence said, “I would say two things. No. 1: I fully supported Florida’s initiative to protect kids and protect parental rights. I was just in Iowa last week where there’s literally a school [district], the Linn-Mar Community School [District], that will allow a student to get a transition plan without parental at notice or approval. I fully support what Florida did about protecting kids under the third grade. But look, Disney stepped into the fray; they lost. But the idea of going after the taxing authority — you know, that was beyond the scope of what I, as a conservative, limited-government Republican would be prepared to do.”[2]
Pence also argued that Social Security and Medicare should be discussed during current debt ceiling negotiations.[3] “We have to have a conversation about reforming entitlements in the days ahead. We can replace the New Deal programs with a better deal. In Social Security, you can keep all the promises that you made to seniors and people that will retire in the next 20 years — no changes. But to give options to younger Americans to invest a portion of their Social Security in a private savings account, I think is an idea whose time will come,” he said.[4]
When asked if he planned to seek the presidency in the next election cycle, Pence answered, “I’ll keep you posted.”[5] Pence has been a vocal critic of President Joe Biden’s suggestion that some party members want to cut Medicare and Social Security.[6] He has also been critical of DeSantis’ actions against Disney, saying that it was beyond the scope of what he, as a conservative, limited-government Republican, would be prepared to do.[7]
0. “Mike Pence Calls for Privatizing Social Security in Fox News Interview” Truthout, 17 Feb. 2023, https://truthout.org/articles/mike-pence-calls-for-privatizing-social-security-in-fox-news-interview/
1. “Pence Criticizes DeSantis for Escalating Disney Battle Ahead of 2024” Yahoo! Voices, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/now/pence-criticizes-desantis-escalating-disney-180714553.html
2. “Pence: DeSantis’ Disney Actions Not a ‘Limited-Government’ Response” Newsmax, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/mike-pence-ron-desantis-florida/2023/02/22/id/1109756
3. “Pence swipes at DeSantis’s ‘big government’ attack on Disney” Washington Examiner, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/business/mike-pence-swipes-ron-desantis-disney-policy
4. “Opinion: Pence’s plan for a ‘better deal’ on Social Security should be a non-starter” CNN, 20 Feb. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/20/opinions/mike-pence-social-security-obeidallah/index.html
5. “Mike Pence Might Have Already Killed His Presidential Hopes” Newsweek, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.newsweek.com/mike-pence-medicare-social-security-trump-2024-1783280
6. “Pence: Cutting Medicare, Social Security Ultimately Needs to Be ‘On the Table’” Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/mike-pence-cutting-medicare-social-security-1234684328/
7. “Mike Pence Defends Disney and Crucifies DeSantis” Disney Dining, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.disneydining.com/mike-pence-defends-disney-and-crucifies-desantis-em1
