Yesterday, Sunday night, CNN hosted a 1-hour debate between the two nominees fighting for the Florida Governor position. Ron DeSantis (Republican) and Andrew Gillum (Democrat) argued in a heated debate with snide comments and petty rebuttals while attempting to sway the audience with their proposals.
With only 70 seconds to state their answers and 30 seconds to respond to the other’s, both candidates went over a few main issues that shouldn’t be taken lightly in the state of Florida. Three of the main topics discussed in the debate included the environment and climate change, the expansion of Medicaid, and taxation.
Both candidates’ opening statement did not hold back on the resentment they felt for one another. In addition to their introduction on former and current positions that might have gained them credibility, both candidates stated that their opponent holds misguided views on what Floridians seek in a leader.
The first topic was directed to Ron DeSantis on the issue regarding the environment and scientific evidence on climate change that may be the reason behind hurricanes. Ron DeSantis began his argument by stating that as governor, his main focus on restoring the Everglades would be removing toxic algae that are released in water, the real issue when it came to the environment.
Andrew Gillum asserted his rebuttal on DeSantis’ claim, stating that as the Sunshine State and as a global leader, he should follow science. In response to Jake Tapper’s questioning concern on the industry, Gillum believes that the main conflict at hand to be resolved should be a profit to hold those accountable for the pollution problem to protect Florida’s water.
Gillum’s proposal to expand Medicaid for those in need of medical attention faces the possible problem that expanding health care may limit those on Tricare due to the one-government confederacy policy. DeSantis constantly mentioned that Gillum’s proposal would not benefit any Floridian for it would become a money issue, including Gillum’s scheme on raising the minimum wage.
While DeSantis mentioned that Gillum’s tactic on raising the minimum wage will only make companies run out of business, Gillum denied this claim and emphasized that the taxes on corporation strategy will benefit public education and will not transform into a state income tax.
What became a debate on the main conflicts revolving Florida slipped into a chaotic personal battle on interests. DeSantis referred to Gillum’s campaign treasurer ongoing FBI investigation as “wining and dining with lobbyists and giving away a 2 million dollar grant from the city government” and Gillum criticized DeSantis’ racist “monkey it up” comment as using the campaign to his advantage to draw attention to Gillum’s skin color.
To add on to the back-and-force backlash between the two candidates, gun control in regards to the Parkland shooting was mentioned. DeSantis blames Sheriff Israel, the school, and the school administration for the tragedy, however, Gillum (as an advocate for gun restrictions and for school security) believes the NRA is at fault and should be held accountable. DeSantis purposely avoided any previous comments made on vetoing the law that would raise the minimum age requirement of owning a rifle and rather, stated that the court would find the law unconstitutional.
With a 2 minute argument on whether Donald Trump is a good role model to children (Gillum disagrees), the debate came to end with Gillum providing a closing statement. As of recent, Andrew Gillum is reported to have a 12-point edge ahead of Ron DeSantis. To watch the debate, CNN has a modified version of the debate, highlighting the key points and short clips. https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/florida-governor-gillum-desantis-debate/index.html
