Talk about a friendly audience — Gov. Ron DeSantis opened the floor for questions at the end of a Jacksonville news conference Monday and left after allowing a single person in the crowd to shout what sounded like, “We love you.”
“Oh, I love you, too,” the governor responded. He then said, “God bless, everybody.” He waved with both hands and added, “We’ll see ya.”
DeSantis then turned his back and left the stage at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center in Jacksonville, where he’d gone to personally hand over $1,000 pay bonus checks to 50 first responders under the second year of a legislatively approved program.
He said nearly 100,000 cops, firefighters, EMTs, and other public servants would receive checks in the mail during the next few weeks. The amounts have been calculated to cover any federal income tax, the governor said.
News organizations definitely attended the event, gubernatorial press secretary Bryan Griffin told the Phoenix by email but the governor’s quick departure gave them no time to question him.
“Yes, the press conference was advised as normal on our advisory listserv, and press attended. Today’s RSVPs included Hola News, Action News Jax, WJCT, First Coast News, and WJXT,” Griffin wrote.
“I wasn’t there today, but it would appear that the press had no questions and people love the governor,” he added.
However, deputy press secretary Jeremy Redfern, who said by email that he did attend the event, confirmed: “I was standing in the back and no one from the press asked questions.”
The Phoenix, based in Tallahassee, observed the press conference via the Florida Channel. On that medium, it can be difficult to hear questions asked of the governor because his interrogators often are unmiced.
‘Press’ conferences
It’s hardly unheard of for the governor to call a press conference but decline to take questions from the actual press, either through failing to open the floor to them or by basking in praise from the supporters who attend his audiences.
And it’s not like there were no pertinent questions the press and public might want answered some eight weeks before the conclusion on Nov. 8 of his reelection bid against Democrat Charlie Crist, the congressman from Pinellas County.
The Florida Democratic Party posited a list of such questions in advance of the governor’s scheduled appearance, including whether he is he OK with Attorney General Ashley Moody’s court pleading asking the Florida Supreme Court to reverse the state’s constitutional protection for abortion access?
Does he support a complete abortion ban (existing state law cuts off access after 15 weeks’ gestation)?
Additional questions involved DeSantis’ relationship with Florida Power & Light and its rate increases, whether to bus Cuban immigrants out of state, and the DeSantis-Crist televised debate schedule.
–Michael Moline. Florida Phoenix
Jim099 says
I hope this guy gets voted out. One of the worse things that has happened to Florida. We don’t need a authoritative governor like him here in Florida. His politics is more of the kind you would find in Russia, N. Korea, or China. The Do as I say or else governing isn’t needed here. Some people praise him for “keeping Florida open” but I see it as a lot of peopled died due to inactions of the governor and his office. His lack of using proved science and his “I know best” attitude. The hiding of Florida’s real statistics on covid hurt all residents in the state. His hiring of an off the wall doctor for Florida’s department of health hurt Florida residents. Misleading people down the wrong path during covid. Taking government money supposed to be used for covid and he is now using it to hand out to buy votes for reelection.
He’s a want to be politician making a lot of noise about nothing but making himself look big. His Top Gun advertisement is an insult to anyone who served. He was a pencil pusher who never came close to combat. He was in the tent learning how to type.
Remember when he represented our area here in Florida? I didn’t think so because he didn’t do anything for the area he served.
He’s a Trump want to be. (Who would ever want that as a goal?) He’s even afraid to have debates. Coward.
We don’t need someone who doesn’t listen to their constituents because he thinks he knows what’s best and tosses out and criticizes anyone who speaks against him. We had someone in the white house who did that for 4 years, and continues, and we tossed him. Now its time to toss you and get someone in office who cares about all Floridians.
Gordon says
Why don’t they start taking away the incentives as Mitt said, and start arresting and jailing Employers that hire the illegals.
Jim B says
Governor DeSantis is the greatest FL governor. Ever. What he did flying 2 plane loads of illegal immigrants to Martha’s Vineyard is brilliant.
Governor DeSantis for president!
Mark says
Just another daily posing moment for the “governor” of Florida, at least it was done in State and not in another.
larry krasner says
Say what you will, he’s a quick leaner: acting “presidential” already
Dave says
He is justanother trump magott
john stove says
Governor DumbSantis is the worst FL governor. Ever. What he did flying 2 plane loads of illegal immigrants to Martha’s Vineyard with taxpayers money is Republican idiocy at its finest.
Governor DeSantis is a tool just like his mentor Trumpo
Mary Kay Hayward says
Have you ever been to Marth’s Vineyard? Do you understand that EVERYTHING for that island has to be flown or boated into the community? Do you understand the housing, food, etc. for those people (yes, human beings) does NOT EXIST there? This is the pinnacle of bullish behavior to prove a political point at the expense of innocents. I shutter to think what indecent things he would do to those he feels are not “worthy” (i.e. anyone who is not a white heterosexual) if he were to become president. Want to spread the responsibility of processing immigrants amongst the states? Fine idea. Create legislation to prepare states for intake. Work within the laws and rules of government as a government official and create a better way. Had he done that, I would have applauded him.
Dennis C Rathsam says
Another hit job on our gov… get over it all ready. Now that flip flop Charle,s going dirty, thats what democrates do…They like rolling in the mud like pigs….He called our fearless governor satin while liking himself to CHRIST. How many more lies can he tell? How many more 1/2 truths can he destort? We saw his act already, it was pretty bad….We dont need a Biden puppet here in Fl
Brian says
Next pothole you slam into just remember that idiot used money that could have fixed it to fly those HUMAN BEINGS out. Don’t give a f*ck what party you are with, those were HUMAN BEINGS not cattle. Some Christian values. That was trying to get votes and steal more money. If he wants to do that put it on his account, let him pay for it.
Bob says
Good old Charlie. Wants his old job back. Funny because he could have been a 2 term governor back in the day . But wanted to move to.DC and be a senator. But he blew that . And then became a congressman. That makes no sense. Usually a congressman wants to become a senator and usually a senator tries to be a governor. Charlie has it A$$ backwards.
Tony Mack says
What next? If you are gay — he will ship you out. If you are a single mother of color – he will ship you out. If you are a black Democrat – he will bus you out. If you are a registered Democrat – he will ship you out. If you don’t believe in his religion – he will ship you out. If you don’t read the books he wants you to read – he will ship you out. You are not welcomed in his pure state. Germany – 1933! Pay attention, everyone…it is happening now.
Laurel says
Well, that DeSantis sure showed Mickey who the real rat is! Whattaguy!
Jim099 says
The worse governor not just in Florida but American history. What is such a joke.
Tony says
Jim , Not if Trump has anything to do with stopping Alfred E. Newman’s primary for president. He will never allow a disciple who sucked so well to succeed.
Tony says
Jim B ,not if Trump has anything to do with allowing Alfred E. Newman’s to primary for president. He will never allow a disciple who sucked so well to succeed.