If DeSantis Ran For President and What It Would Mean For Panthers

Robert Crohan/Staff Writer

Just over two short years ago, the Sunshine State elected its next governor, Ron DeSantis. Much to just about everyone’s surprise, Florida, in typical fashion, chose the Republican over the Democrat by just a handful of votes in a race widely expected to go the other way.

But ever since that crushing upset for Democrats, Florida’s “homeboy” has endured a challenging term, defined by COVID-19, a wrecked economy, the fluctuating legacy of Trumpism, and, most surprising, the transformation of Florida from a swing state into a bastion of conservatism.

But the Governor of Florida has managed to turn things his way. Despite a fumbled pandemic response and attack on free speech, he has delighted the right and has emerged as a top Presidential contender for 2024. Yes, the man who famously taught his young daughter how to build Trump’s wall with building blocks just might be our 47^th president.

He is widely expected to win reelection in 2022 by a substantial margin, unusual for these elections. For this, he can credit himself and Donald Trump. How did all this happen, from the cutting of a hair very recently to the highest office in the land? Many factors play a part.

Let’s not mince words: DeSantis is a very controversial figure in politics. For Democrats, he is the embodiment of Trumpism, rising to the 2018 nomination after the President’s endorsement, and promoting his populist brand of GOP politics with a streak of elitism and political incorrectness. 

For Republicans, he is the embodiment of the new GOP, a party following Trump’s example by “owning the libs” with what is seen as a Republican success story. For conservatives, DeSantis’ Florida is the perfect counter to Newsom’s California and Cuomo’s New York.

In a certain sense, geography plays a big role in DeSantis’ elevation.

As I have previously argued, Florida is being eyed by the Republican Party as the next Texas: the quintessential capital of the party that can boast of population growth, low taxes, a reasonable cost of living, and resistance to left-wing policy. There are signs that Texas is slipping away from the GOP, so a blood-red Florida could be the key to winning it back.

Not to mention, Trump had a unique and targeted appeal to the Sunshine State: despite its diversity and the liberalization of the I-4 corridor, his demeanor and politics resonated with working-class suburbanites, retirees, and Hispanics whose families fled socialist countries. DeSantis has largely followed the same playbook, providing his rebuke of Democratic policies, downplaying the pandemic response as an assault on freedoms, and promoting deregulation and tax cuts.

But for DeSantis, that is not enough: he has wisely gone one step beyond. He has promoted environmental action with 2018 campaign ads and the $1 billion Resilient Florida program, which makes him stand out from his Republican brethren. In addition, he reached out to minority voters in the 2018 campaign, promoting school choice to black families and freedom against socialism to Hispanics. These measures won DeSantis significant support before COVID-19 hit.

For these reasons, a DeSantis nomination for 2024 could mean a lot for the GOP and for us Panthers.

For one, Florida would be a lock for Republicans. Barring an extreme case of gross negligence, he would certainly win his home state by the strongest margin for a presidential candidate since 1988. This would especially be the case if he ran against a progressive Democrat like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is reviled by many in South Florida. This seems likely given the Democrats’ ceaseless move to the left and progressives’ frustration with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

Even though progressive Democrats’ brand of politics is not authoritarian socialism, DeSantis could easily concoct a winning message around freedom from tyranny and ride it across Middle America. His Sun Belt persona might even make Georgia and Arizona tougher for Democrats to hold. Plus, given DeSantis’ appeal to young conservatives including those of college conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA, a successful campaign could see Democrats lose some young voters.

But for us students, a lot could be at stake. FIU is very politically diverse, and I recollect significant support for both DeSantis and Andrew Gillum, his opponent, in 2018. Such a campaign with a candidate from ground zero could incite hefty divisiveness and feelings of hopelessness among South Florida progressives, who might face violent hostility, too. It could also embolden campus Republicans and promote cross-party dialogue.

Local politics could be affected in another way. Trump generated a massive red wave over Florida’s State House, State Senate, US House seats and a US Senate seat. If Trump’s influence could flip two important House seats in Miami-Dade County, just imagine what DeSantis could do. This could mean lower taxes and corporate jobs for South Floridians, but a loss of healthcare access, voting rights, environmental action and protection from discrimination at the same time, with daunting consequences.

Going further, DeSantis is trying to show the world what Florida can do, in very troubling ways. A draconian anti-protest bill is being pushed by the Governor, in response to last summer’s occasionally violent Black Lives Matter protests. This could inspire worse assaults on free speech in more conservative states. Plus, DeSantis’ lax approach to the pandemic could set the stage for more denial of science across the country.

But for many Floridians, the pride of having someone from their state in the White House, a first ever phenomenon if you don’t count the New York-born and raised Trump, would be inspiring and a gateway to national relevance for Florida and its politics. Florida has long been seen as the weird and undeserving state, but if a President that many approve of comes from here, it could grow a reputation as a nest for future leaders. This might help national scholarship initiatives and other movements look to this often-overlooked state full of hard-working families and students.

All in all, should DeSantis decide to shoot for the White House and Trump abstain, we could see a dramatic shift in US politics for both parties, with good and bad effects. The future might lie in this guy’s hands, so he must choose wisely, and make proper changes for himself and others. As the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. 

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

Photo from flgov.com