You’re at a Miami event for a new soccer stadium, but it quickly turns political. Gov. Ron DeSantis takes the mic and launches into an attack on Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’ VP pick. He slams Minnesota’s COVID policies, claims the state is losing people, and criticizes laws allowing minors medical treatment without parental consent. The $8 million grant announcement is overshadowed by DeSantis’ fiery rhetoric dubbing a potential “Harris-Walz” ticket as one that would “make America burn again.” The 2024 campaign trail is already heating up in the Sunshine State.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Attacks Tim Walz During Miami Event
A New Front in the Culture Wars
During an event announcing infrastructure funding for a new soccer stadium in Miami, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis launched a blistering attack on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Walz was recently announced as Kamala Harris’ running mate for the 2024 presidential election.
DeSantis referred to Walz as a “shyster” and claimed a Harris-Walz ticket “would make America burn again.” He criticized Minnesota’s COVID-19 policies under Walz as draconian, cited disputed claims of the state’s population decline, and slammed its laws allowing minors to access certain medical care without parental consent.
The Feud Escalates
The feud between the two governors dates back months. In February, Walz lambasted Florida’s policies prohibiting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, calling them “radical.” DeSantis fired back, accusing Walz of trying to “indoctrinate” kids.
With Walz now a top Democratic VP candidate, the clashes have intensified. DeSantis is positioning himself as a cultural warrior defending conservative values nationwide. Meanwhile, Walz says DeSantis spreads “unAmerican” divisiveness.
As the 2024 race heats up, the DeSantis-Walz skirmishes preview the broader ideological battle looming over American society and politics. The simmering feud seems poised to take center stage.
DeSantis Criticizes Walz’s COVID-19 Policies in Minnesota
NEW: Florida governor Ron DeSantis announced an $8 million grant to construct a roadway to alleviate traffic in and around Miami Freedom Park, the new Inter Miami soccer stadium under construction near Miami International Airport. The money comes from the governor’s job growth… pic.twitter.com/1lHtun9YVI
— Safid Deen 💯💯💯💯 (@Safid_Deen) August 8, 2024
During the event, DeSantis aimed at Tim Walz’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as governor of Minnesota. He lambasted the state’s strict lockdown measures and business closures, claiming they devastated the economy and led to a steep population decline.
“Walz’s draconian policies killed jobs and forced hard-working Minnesotans to flee for greener pastures,” DeSantis declared. “His lockdowns were among the most extreme in the nation, crippling small businesses and violating personal freedoms.”
Parental Rights Concerns
The Florida governor also voiced concerns over Minnesota laws allowing minors to obtain certain medical treatments without parental consent. He argued such policies undermine family values and parental rights.
“In Minnesota, kids can make life-altering decisions about their health without their parent’s knowledge or approval,” DeSantis stated. “That’s just wrong. Parents should be involved every step of the way when it comes to their children’s wellbeing.”
Population Loss Claims
DeSantis cited data purportedly showing Minnesota experienced a significant population drop during Walz’s tenure as governor. However, recent census figures indicate the state’s population remained relatively stable over that period.
“The mass exodus from Minnesota under Governor Walz speaks volumes,” DeSantis claimed, though experts have questioned the validity of his population loss assertions.
Governor Claims Harris-Walz Ticket Would “Burn America Again”
NEW: Florida governor Ron DeSantis announced an $8 million grant to construct a roadway to alleviate traffic in and around Miami Freedom Park, the new Inter Miami soccer stadium under construction near Miami International Airport. The money comes from the governor’s job growth… pic.twitter.com/1lHtun9YVI
— Safid Deen 💯💯💯💯 (@Safid_Deen) August 8, 2024
Ramping up his attacks, DeSantis dubbed the potential Harris-Walz presidential ticket as the “Make America Burn Again” campaign. He accused Vice President Harris of egging on rioters and raising bail money for arrested protesters during the unrest following George Floyd’s murder in 2020.
DeSantis Blasts Harris’ Riot Response
“Kamala Harris actively encouraged the riots, the burning, and the looting that we saw in cities across this country,” DeSantis claimed. “She raised money to bail out rioters from jail who were apprehended for their destructive actions.”
The Florida governor painted Harris as an extremist bent on chaos, suggesting she would take the same approach as the president.
Minneapolis “Engulfed in Flames” Under Walz
DeSantis also aimed at Walz’s handling of the protests and riots in the Twin Cities in the aftermath of Floyd’s killing by Minneapolis police.
“When Minneapolis was being engulfed in flames, Tim Walz was nowhere to be found,” he said. “He failed to uphold the rule of law and allowed wanton destruction across the city.”
DeSantis claimed a Harris-Walz administration would “embolden the mob” and side with “rioters over law-abiding citizens” if elected.
Political Motivations Behind DeSantis’ Attacks on VP Candidate
At an event announcing an $8 million infrastructure grant for Miami’s new MLS stadium, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis seized the opportunity to launch a scathing political attack on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Walz was recently announced as Kamala Harris’ running mate for the 2024 presidential election.
DeSantis Seizes the Spotlight
DeSantis wasted no time in criticizing his counterpart Walz, echoing comments he made the previous day on FOX News that “A Harris-Walz ticket would make America burn again.” He aimed at Minnesota’s COVID-19 policies under Walz’s leadership during the pandemic, alleged decreases in the state’s population, and laws allowing minors to seek certain medical treatments without parental consent.
Distancing from Trump VP Rumors
The Florida governor also firmly ruled out being former President Trump’s potential running mate in 2024. He dismissed such speculation as coming from “bitter, ex-staffers” trying to stir up controversy. DeSantis seemed intent on painting himself as a frontrunner for the Republican nomination, seizing the chance to critique a key member of the opposing Democratic ticket.
With his sights firmly set on the White House, DeSantis appears to be leaving no opportunity untapped to raise his national profile and rally the Republican base behind his candidacy – even if it means co-opting local events to launch political broadsides.
What This Means for the 2024 Presidential Race
DeSantis’ Attacks Hint at Potential Rivalry
DeSantis’ pointed attacks on Walz could signal the beginning of a fierce rivalry between the two politicians ahead of the 2024 election cycle. By criticizing Walz’s record as Minnesota governor, DeSantis may be attempting to undermine the Harris-Walz ticket and position himself as a formidable challenger.
VP Pick May Impact DeSantis’ Aspirations
Harris’ selection of Walz as her running mate is a strategic move that could impact DeSantis’ political ambitions. A strong showing by the Democratic ticket in 2024 could dampen DeSantis’ prospects for higher office, making these early attacks an effort to get ahead of the narrative.
Shaping Voter Perceptions for 2024
Ultimately, DeSantis’ criticism appears calculated to shape voter perceptions well in advance of the 2024 race. By aiming Walz now, the Florida governor is likely hoping to plant seeds of doubt that could bear fruit as campaign season heats up. Whether this aggressive tactic pays dividends at the polls remains to be seen.
Conclusion
As DeSantis continues his attacks against Walz on the campaign trail, it remains to be seen whether these partisan jabs will resonate with voters or simply be seen as political theater. With the 2024 election still over a year away, the coming months will reveal if DeSantis’ criticisms gain traction or if Americans grow weary of the divisive rhetoric from both sides. For now, the battle lines have been drawn in what’s shaping up to be a highly contentious race for the White House.
