Ron “Don’t Say Gay” DeSantis’ presidential bid keeps going from bad to worse… to even worse
poll numbers crater before even announcing his presidential campaign, and he’s the subject of relentless attacks from Donald Trump and his MAGA surrogates.
The Florida governor seemingly wanted to bill himself as “MAGA without the drama.” Instead, he’s become a cautionary tale.It was another rough week for DeSantis, who spent the weekend testing out his awkward brand of retail politics in Iowa, which will hold the first caucus for Republicans in the 2024 cycle.
The New York Times published an extensive story about his recent woes, including quotes from some disillusioned donors and former supporters.“I was in the DeSantis camp,” said businessman Andrew Sabin, who donated $50,000 to the anti-gay politician last year. “But he started opening his mouth, and a lot of big donors said his views aren’t tolerable.”DeSantis has taken a far-right turn ever since winning reelection in November, leaning hard into the culture wars.
Most recently, he signed a bill legalizing anti-LGBTQ+ medical discrimination, which allows healthcare providers to deny care on the basis of “a conscience-based objection.”In February, the Florida board of medicine outlawed gender-affirming care for trans minors, and a bill recently passed the Florida House that would make it a felony to provide transgender-affirming care to minors.
