Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and California Governor Gavin Newsom—two longtime political rivals embodying the conflict between left and right in America—have finally agreed to a debate. The televised faceoff is set to be hosted by Fox News’ Sean Hannity in an as-yet-to-be-determined place and time.
“I’m game. Let’s get it done. Just tell me when and where. We’ll do it,” DeSantis told Hannity on Wednesday.
The idea of a public debate between the two governors was first floated by Gavin Newsom in 2022 in response to a tweet from journalist Dan Rather. “Since you have only one overriding need — attention –let’s take this up & debate,” Newsom tweeted. “I’ll bring my hair gel. You bring your hairspray. Name the time before Election Day.”
Hey @GovRonDeSantis, clearly you're struggling, distracted, and busy playing politics with people’s lives. Since you have only one overriding need — attention –let's take this up & debate. I’ll bring my hair gel. You bring your hairspray. Name the time before Election Day. @CNN https://t.co/vTJHQxfArW
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) September 16, 2022
The idea continued to gain traction as the two men have squared off on key issues like immigration, law enforcement, and other “culture war” issues. DeSantis frequently claimed Newsom’s leadership is responsible for a mass exodus of California citizens, many of whom have moved to Florida.
“Florida has been the number one state for net in-migration. We have the number one ranked economy, [we’re] number one now in education, crime rate at a 50-year low. But in another sense, this is the debate for the future of our country because you have people like Joe Biden. They would love to see the Californication of the United States,” DeSantis explained.
In a letter sent to Hannity last week ahead of DeSantis’ appearance, Newsom again raised the idea to a debate, proposing two dates—November 8th and 10th—and three locations: Nevada, Georgia, and North Carolina.
“Ron DeSantis should put up or shut up. Anything else is just games,” a Newsom spokesperson said to ABC News.
With both governors in agreement, the date and location of the debate is expected to be announced in the coming days.
Add comment