'A jaw-dropping level of cynicism': Washington Post editorial board says DeSantis has reached an all-time low

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is displaying "a jaw-dropping level of cynicism" with his ongoing efforts to rail against COVID-19 mitigation guidelines, according to the Washington Post editorial board.

On Tuesday, September 15, the publication released a blistering op-ed as it lambasted DeSantis for governing off misinformation as he continues to push back against mask and vaccine mandates. The governor recently went a step further, announcing he would impose fines on local government agencies that try to enforce mandates.

Although DeSantis argues that he is "a defender of personal freedom," the publication says otherwise.

According to The Washington Post, DeSantis has contributed to "the vaccine hesitancy that has become a major roadblock to greater immunity and ending the pandemic."

"Mr. DeSantis harbors national political ambitions. But what he's displaying here is crass opportunism and disregard for the greater good," the board added. "As he stokes the ignorance and misguided impulses of some in the Republican base, he is acting against the very tools needed to save lives and stop the pandemic."

The negative impacts of DeSantis' governing are being felt in hospital systems across the state. As COVID case numbers continue to rise, hospitals are reaching intensive care unit (ICU) capacity. In worst case scenarios, some hospitals have even resorted to having to ration care as front-line workers are inundated with critically ill patients.

As students return to schools in Florida, there are more concerns for safety as DeSantis' opposition to mask mandates could endanger more adults and children.

As of Wednesday, September 15, the state of Florida has reported more than 3.4 million COVID cases and 49,254 deaths since the start of the pandemic.