DeSantis Is Fearful of The Former President. Is He Fearful Of Disney Too?
By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
Who will be the next president of the United States of America? That is a question on the minds of many people.
Just last week, President Joe Biden announced he is seeking reelection. He wants to finish the job. Of course, we the people will decide if he does finish the job.
The Republican field has a list of candidates, some of whom have not announced their intentions yet. Most notable among them is former vice president, Mike Pence, South Carolina senator, Tim Scott and Florida governor, Ron DeSantis.
Ron DeSantis has been on everyone’s radar screen for a while as the possible nominee for the GOP. He has been making appearances at Republican-themed events and is giving indications that he will run.
The good news for him is that he can remain as governor and run for president. The Florida legislature passed a bill recently giving him the right to do so.
GOP representative Ralph Massullo said, “It is an individual office that is unique. It is the chief executive of our country. This isn’t just for governor, it’s for anyone in politics.”
However, the Democrats in the Florida legislature have another view. Representative Angela Nixon said, “He needs to resign to run if he wants to run for president, period. Last time I checked, being governor is a full-time job. Running for president takes a lot of work.”
There is presidential polling that is still taking place. In a Fox poll taken on last Wednesday, former president Trump has a double-digit lead over Governor DeSantis. Trump has 53% of respondents supporting him while DeSantis has 21% of respondents supporting him.
Those numbers haven’t changed in a while. There were 1,004 registered voters who participated. Should those polling numbers worry Mr. DeSantis? Will his official announcement give him the bump that he needs?
Reports say that an exploratory committee will be formed during the next few weeks. His announcement is to follow shortly.
In the meantime, Donald Trump has levied numerous attacks on him. Will DeSantis be able to withstand the daily assaults? We will soon see.
His reluctance to enter the race is viewed by some as intimidation. The former president has made him fearful and frightful.
At this moment, Ron DeSantis is on the sideline with his uniform on, but he doesn’t have any shoulder pads. This will be a rough and tumble campaign. That is my opinion.
While Governor DeSantis is mulling over whether to run, he is also engaged in a battle with Disney World in Orlando Florida.
The entertainment giant is in a political and land skirmish with the governor. How can you do battle with Mickey Mouse and friends?
DeSantis rivals, Donald Trump and Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina have already weighed in on this matter. Trump said, “DeSantis is being absolutely destroyed by Disney.” Haley said, “If Disney would like to move their hundreds of thousands of jobs to South Carolina and billions of dollars with them, I’ll let them know I’ll be happy to meet them in South Carolina and introduce them to the governor and legislature that would welcome it.”
All of this started last year after DeSantis signed the “Don’t say Gay” bill into law. Almost immediately Disney provided a statement saying the bill should have never been signed into law.
According to a report by NPR (National Public Radio) and NY Times reporter, Brooks Barnes, Disney employs 75,000 people and generates more than 1 billion dollars in tax income. Additionally, Disney World attracts 50 million visitors.
These are staggering numbers by any scale as Disney has a huge footprint in central Florida.
Ron DeSantis is facing a huge uphill battle on both fronts. His uncertainty regarding the race for president and his turf war with Disney loom large. Stay tuned as there is more to come.
