DeSantis challenges Gavin Newsom to quit 'chirping from the sidelines' and run for president

15 June 2023

Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom have engaged in an ongoing feud over differences in policies regarding abortion, gun laws, and other political issues for months.

The pair's feud intensified when DeSantis helped to organize migrant flights from Texas to Martha's Vineyard in September, which Politico reports was "a move denounced by Democrats including the White House."

Earlier this month, DeSantis, who is now a 2024 GOP candidate, once again coordinated a migrant flight; this time — to California.

The Florida lawmaker did not admit to his ploy until nearly one week after 16 migrants were dropped off at the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, leaving Newsom to question whether the migrants were kidnapped.

According to Politico, DeSantis justified "his administration's decision" to organize the flight, and failed to "respond directly to the sharp criticism aimed at him by" Newsom.

The California governor has since stated he believes "a crime was committed and instructed the state of California to launch an investigation to the DeSantis administration's actions," NBC reports.

He said, "Now, who's ultimately accountable and responsible? I mean, the buck should stop with Ron DeSantis and the games he's playing. But it's the folks on the front lines that were doing the dirty work. And that's ultimately what we have to determine, is where the culpability lands and resides."

But DeSantis is not backing down. Instead, he's heckling Newsom by asking him "why he won't" run for president himself.

Per NBC, referring to his Democratic colleague, the Florida governor said Thursday, "He has a real serious fixation on the state of Florida. I mean, I think it's just bizarre that he does that. What I would tell him is, you know what — stop pussyfooting around."

The 2024 hopeful continued, "Are you going to throw your hat in the ring and challenge Joe? Are you going to get in and do it? Or are you just going to sit on the sidelines?"

Additionally, the DeSantis campaign Twitter account, Team DeSantis, tweeted, "If you're chirping from the sidelines.... this one's for you. Get yours before they're gone" along with a link to purchase T-shirts, which include a photo of DeSantis with the words: "STOP PUSSYFOOTING AROUND."

NBC's full report is available at this link. Politico's report is here.

From Your Site Articles