TL/DR –
Florida Governor and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis and California’s Democratic governor Gavin Newsom, who is not running for president, debated on Fox News, discussing topics like Biden’s administration, their responses to COVID-19, and the migrant crisis. DeSantis criticized the Biden administration’s economic policies and handling of inflation, while Newsom defended it and claimed it had created more jobs than the last three administrations. Both governors criticized each other’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Newsom slamming DeSantis for Florida’s higher death rate and DeSantis accusing Newsom of damaging California through business and school lockdowns.
2024 Presidential Primary Debate: Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom Face Off
In a unique match-up in the 2024 presidential primary campaign, Florida GOP governor and presidential candidate Ron DeSantis debated with California’s Democratic governor Gavin Newsom. The event, dubbed “The Great Red vs. Blue State Debate,” was moderated by Fox News’ Sean Hannity and took place in Alpharetta, Georgia.
DeSantis, Newsom Debate Biden Administration
Newsom participated in the debate to “set the record straight on the Biden-Harris administration and contrast Ron DeSantis’ record.” When asked to grade Biden’s performance, Newsom gave an “A”, while DeSantis graded it as a “fail.” DeSantis countered Newsom’s praise for the Biden administration, claiming that Newsom is “joined at the hip with Biden and Harris,” and criticized the Biden-Harris agenda as mirrored in California.
Newson and DeSantis also sparred over “Bidenomics.” DeSantis criticized the Biden administration’s failure to control rising inflation, while Newsom defended the administration, arguing that it has created more jobs than the last three administrations.
Governors Review COVID-19 Responses
DeSantis and Newsom, governors of two of the most populous states, compared their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hannity cited data showing that both states had similar COVID-19 death rates. Newsom criticized DeSantis for Florida’s slightly higher rate and accused him of catering to the Republican party’s “fringe.” DeSantis countered by blaming Newsom for harming Californians through lockdowns of businesses and schools.
DeSantis, Newsom Debate Border Policies
Newsom supported the Biden administration’s $14 billion border request and blamed Republicans for blocking it. DeSantis countered, claiming the Biden administration failed to secure the southern border and hold drug cartels accountable.
Background on DeSantis and Newsom
DeSantis and Newsom, both elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022, have become a symbol of their respective parties’ futures. Their public disagreements over education, immigration, and economic policy have escalated in the past two years. Both governors have been engaged in a heated exchange of criticisms in ads and news conferences for over a year.
The two could potentially be running against each other in 2028, according to Sonoma State political science professor David McCuan. In recent months, the DeSantis campaign has hinted at a possible Newsom candidacy in 2024.
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