[ad_1]
like hurricane ian Desolated area of FloridaAmerica’s national political spotlight shines brighter than ever on Republican governor, far-right rising star and likely 2024 presidential candidate Ron DeSantis.
Since the 2018 election, DeSantis has made a name for himself as a ruthless cultural warrior. He is Trump’s ally and perhaps his most serious rival in the race for the presidential nomination.
Related: Hurricane Ian Leaves a Trail of Destruction in Florida – In Photos
DeSantis embraces extremist agendas, from immigration to electoral integrity, and has established himself as a Trumpist in policy, but more mainstream in character and temperament. He”don’t say gayLegislation in Florida schools and this month with taxpayer money immigration plane From the southern border of Texas to Democratic-dominated Massachusetts.
Its final move sparked a blizzard of anger and resentment. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said DeSantis “hurts people for attention.” But such accusations did not deter the governor playing for Trumpist base.His next move, DeSantis was suggestedhe sent the next plane of unsuspecting asylum seekers to Delaware, where Joe Biden has a weekend home.
However, Hurricane Ian hit directly.And like the ambitious Republicans before him – most famously Chris Christie of New Jersey, whose photo shoot with Barack Obama After 2012 Hurricane Sandy was considered hurt him In the 2016 primary, DeSantis realized he needed to talk to the president.
Wednesday, Fox News host Tucker Carlson Asked: “Given how politicized things are right now, are you confident that Florida will get the federal help it needs?”
DeSantis Said: “So I actually spoke with the President and he said he wanted to help. So I submitted a request for a 100% refund for the next 60 days. This is important support, but a big storm is.”
“…we live in a very politicized time, but when people are fighting for their lives, when their whole lives are at stake, when they have lost everything, because If you can’t put politics aside, you just can’t.
“That’s why I work with anyone who wants to help the people of Southwest Florida and our entire state.”
Critics were quick to point out how DeSantis tackled Hurricane Sandy, which hit the East Coast ten years ago, and the issue of federal aid at the time.
DeSantis is Elected Introduced to Congress in November 2012, he became a founding member of the Freedom Caucus, a far lower house group that morphs into today’s nest of Trump supporters and election deniers.
Sandy made an unusual northward raid in late October, wreaking havoc in New Jersey and New York. over 100 US dead. A few months later, in January 2013, DeSantis became one of his 67 Republicans. vote against $9.7 billion federal aid package for Sandy victims.
he then said: “I sympathize with the victims of Hurricane Sandy and believe that those who purchased flood insurance should be covered. , it would be financially irresponsible to allow it to increase its debt by another $9.7 billion.
“Congress should not authorize billions of dollars in new borrowing without offsetting spending in other areas. We will be forced to prioritize reducing our spending on , which is one of the reasons we are spending nearly $17 trillion in debt.”
Times change.Now DeSantis – Who budgeted $12 million from the federal Covid relief fund faces “one of the biggest flooding events we’ve ever experienced” for efforts to move immigrants to Democratic states, and federal help is needed I know it is necessary.
“Dear President”, his formal aid request I started. “I ask you to issue a Major Disaster Declaration in Florida as a result of Hurricane Ian to authorize and make available all categories of personal and public assistance.”
Ironically, in light of Sandy’s comparison of aid to victims to irresponsible home economics, DeSantis argues that federal aid through individual and household programs is not effective because Ian “hampers local activity.” It will help alleviate household budget deficits,” he said.
A reporter noticed.response to new york timesa spokesperson said DeSantis is “totally focused on responding to the hurricane,” adding, “As the governor has said before, we don’t have time for politics or petty stuff.”
But the late-night comedian had plenty of time to point out DeSantis’ hypocrisy and pettyness.
Perhaps CBS’s Late Show host Stephen Colbert put it Most acrimoniously: “Get off the stormy road if you can. Worst case scenario, tell Ron DeSantis that you’re Venezuelan and he might fly you to Martha’s Vineyard.”
[ad_2]