Virginia’s Republican governor sidesteps questions about Ron DeSantis’ feud with Disney

21 April 2023

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin repeatedly dodged the same question regarding Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' ruthless campaign against Walt Disney Company, Mediaite reports.

After the company publicly criticized the Florida governor's "Don't Say Gay" law, "DeSantis and the Florida Legislature restricted Disney's autonomy in February by appointing a handpicked oversight board for a special tax district, enacted in 1967, that has effectively allowed the company to self-govern Disney World. Previously, Disney selected the board members," according to The New York Times.

Disney Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger has described DeSantis' political crusade against the corporation as "anti-business" and "anti-Florida."

Fox News host Brian Kilmeade asked the Virginia governor during an interview how he would govern given an equivalent scenario.

"I looked at Chris Sununu, looked at Donald Trump, looked at Chris Christie, and Mike Pence. They're all against what Governor DeSantis is doing with Disney and the fight with Disney," Kilmeade said.

He asked Youngkin, "Would you take them on? Would you let them know who's boss?" like his fellow GOP governor.

The GOP leader replied, "Well, I've been very clear from the beginning about where I stand on all things. I mean, Virginians elected a Republican governor. They understand that they have hired someone to go to work to cut taxes, to stand up for law enforcement, to put parents back at the chair seat of the table, not to have bureaucrats and politicians telling pants you have no role in your kid’s life."

The governor was not "very clear" in his response, and as he proceeded to elaborate, Kilmeade interrupted, saying, "Governor, Governor. But if they took you on and called you out about a proposal you might be putting–coming down the pike in six weeks, what would do you?"

Youngkin said, "Well, the first thing that I'd do is, I explain why we're doing what we’re doing. And what I find over and over again is that common sense prevails. And common sense has been a leading indicator for winning states. And that's why Virginia's winning now."

Recognizing the governor still did not distinctly answer, the Fox host attempted to ask the question differently.

"Is DeSantis right? Or is Trump, Sununu, Christie, [and] Pence right?" Kilmeade asked.

"Well, I think each circumstance is gonna be different," Youngkin replied, again avoiding offering a clear response.

Watch the video below or at this link.

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