Florida Gov. DeSantis Sworn in for Second Term
Amid questions surrounding a potential 2024 presidential run, Ron DeSantis on Tuesday was sworn into his second term as Governor of Florida. He was accompanied by his wife, three children, and former Gov. Jeb Bush.
Facts
- Amid questions surrounding a potential 2024 presidential run, Ron DeSantis on Tuesday was sworn into his second term as Governor of Florida. He was accompanied by his wife, three children, and former Gov. Jeb Bush.
- DeSantis took his oath in front of the state's Capitol, where the Tallahassee streets were renamed "Ron DeSantis Way" for the day. He spoke before more than 4K attendees as banners hung behind him that read "The Free State of Florida."
- In a 15-minute address, DeSantis called Florida under his watch "a promised land of sanity," adding that the state "is where the woke goes to die." The governor's reelection victory in November was the widest margin in a Florida governor race in four decades.
- During the speech, DeSantis didn't detail his top priorities for his second term or touch on topics such as gun rights or abortion restrictions. Rather, he focused on juxtaposing Florida with other states and the federal government, though he didn't mention Pres. Biden by name.
- DeSantis criticized what he called a "floundering federal establishment" as well as the government's "pandemic restrictions and mandates." Though seen as a likely 2024 candidate, DeSantis hasn't stated whether he will run for president or commit to serving another full term as governor.
Sources: One America, Business Insider, CNN, Politico, and New York Times.
Narratives
- Democratic narrative, as provided by New Republic. DeSantis, like his fellow Republicans, is against real governance and would rather spend his time targeting the so-called "woke" agenda with authoritarian impulses. DeSantis should be careful — despite being hyped by supporters as the future face of the GOP — as his continual onslaught against minorities and progressive values may come back to bite him on a national stage.
- Republican narrative, as provided by FOX News. As the Republicans in Washington debate which establishment elitist to anoint as House speaker, DeSantis' inauguration speech has inspired further praise and speculation surrounding a 2024 presidential run. Rallying against far-left ideology, global elites, and government overreach, DeSantis is not only a top contender for the White House but someone who could co-headline the primary circuit with Trump.
