Florida governor joins the race for the GOP nomination
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis officially announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, in a news conference at the state Capitol Building in Tallahassee. He was joined by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass.
DeSantis, who has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, said he was running to “restore America’s greatness” and “defend our constitutional rights and freedoms”. He also criticized the Biden administration for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, immigration, foreign policy, and inflation.
“I am running for president because I believe that America is worth fighting for. I believe that our nation is at a crossroads, and we need a leader who will stand up to the radical left and their destructive agenda,” DeSantis said. “We need a leader who will protect our sovereignty, our security, and our prosperity. We need a leader who will uphold the rule of law, the sanctity of life, and the dignity of every human being. We need a leader who will defend our Constitution and our God-given rights. And we need a leader who will always put America first.”
DeSantis touted his record as governor of Florida, where he has implemented policies that have made the state a “beacon of freedom” and a “model of success” in the country. He said he has lowered taxes, balanced the budget, created jobs, improved education, protected the environment, supported law enforcement, banned critical race theory, and resisted lockdowns and mask mandates.
“As governor of Florida, I have proven that conservative principles work. I have proven that we can protect our people from the virus without destroying their livelihoods. I have proven that we can secure our borders and enforce our laws without compromising our values. I have proven that we can stand with our allies and confront our enemies without endless wars. And I have proven that we can preserve our heritage and culture without apologizing for our history,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis faces a crowded field of contenders
DeSantis is not the only Republican who has declared his intention to run for president in 2024. He joins a crowded field of contenders that includes former President Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota, and former Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas.
DeSantis has been seen as one of the frontrunners in the race, especially among Trump’s loyal base. He has received high praise from Trump himself, who has called him “a great governor” and “a friend of mine”. DeSantis has also been endorsed by prominent conservative figures such as Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson, Mark Levin, and Rush Limbaugh.
However, DeSantis also faces some challenges in his bid for the White House. He has been criticized by some Republicans for being too divisive and polarizing, especially in his clashes with the media and the federal government. He has also been accused by some Democrats of being too extreme and reckless, especially in his response to the COVID-19 pandemic and his opposition to voting rights legislation.
DeSantis said he was not afraid of criticism or controversy, and that he was ready to take on anyone who stands in his way.
“I am not running to be liked by the Washington establishment or the fake news media. I am not running to appease the woke mob or the cancel culture. I am not running to appease anyone but the American people,” DeSantis said. “I am running to win. And I am running to make America great again.”
DeSantis launches his campaign website and social media accounts
DeSantis also launched his official campaign website and social media accounts on Wednesday, where he invited supporters to join his movement and donate to his cause.
His website features his biography, his platform, his endorsements, his achievements as governor, and his vision for America’s future. It also features a video titled “Ron DeSantis: A Leader for America”, which showcases his leadership skills and highlights his accomplishments.
His social media accounts include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Parler, Gab, Rumble, Telegram, and Getter. He said he was using multiple platforms to reach out to different audiences and to avoid censorship by big tech companies.
“I want to communicate with you directly, without any filters or interference from the biased media or the big tech oligarchs,” DeSantis said. “I want to hear from you, and I want you to hear from me. I want to share with you my ideas, my plans, and my vision for our country. And I want you to share with me your thoughts, your concerns, and your hopes for our future.”
DeSantis said he was looking forward to hitting the campaign trail and meeting voters across the nation. He said he was confident that he had what it takes to win the nomination and the election, and to lead America into a new era of greatness.
“I am ready for this challenge. I am ready for this fight. And I am ready for this job,” DeSantis said. “With your help, your support, and your prayers, we will make history together. We will make America stronger, safer, and freer than ever before. We will make America great again. Thank you, and God bless America.”
