Staff Reports
In a recent interview with The Florida Standard, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made a comment that has Team Trump up in arms. DeSantis dared to point out that there are Republicans who support Trump no matter what, even if it means abandoning their conservative principles. Well, cue the outrage! The Trump camp wasted no time comparing DeSantis to none other than Hillary Clinton and her infamous “deplorables” comment from 2016. They claim that DeSantis calling some Republicans “listless vessels” is just as insulting as Clinton dismissing Trump supporters as deplorable. Oh boy, do they love their dramatic comparisons.
But let’s take a step back here. DeSantis was merely pointing out a sad truth about some members of his own party. There are those who view supporting Trump as the ultimate litmus test of Republican loyalty, regardless of whether it aligns with their own conservative values. It’s like saying, “Hey, I could be the biggest conservative superstar, but if I don’t kiss Trump’s rear end, I’ll be labeled a RINO (Republican in Name Only) in their eyes.” And let’s be honest, there are Trump supporters in Congress who claim to be conservative but have records filled with liberal leanings. It’s hard to argue with that.
Now, the Trump campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, is clutching his pearls and screeching about DeSantis parroting Hillary Clinton’s failed playbook. Seriously? Comparing DeSantis, a respected Republican governor, to Clinton, a career politician with more scandals than a soap opera, is a stretch. But hey, the Trump team loves their melodrama, so why not?
DeSantis’s press secretary, Bryan Griffin, entered the fray with a statement clarifying the governor’s comment. He insists that DeSantis was referring to Trump and some congressional endorsers as the “listless vessels.” It seems DeSantis believes that trust and support should be earned, not blindly given. Shocking, I know! But let’s not forget that Trump and his “DC insiders” often believe they are entitled to the support of the American people. DeSantis, on the other hand, believes that trust should be based on his proven vision, plan, and record. Quite refreshing, if you ask me.
“If all we are is listless vessels that are just supposed to follow whatever happens to come down the pike on Truth Social every morning — that’s not going to be a durable movement.” pic.twitter.com/zAaxdYOGbk
— Marina Medvin ?? (@MarinaMedvin) August 19, 2023
Of course, DeSantis has his defenders among fellow conservatives. It’s no surprise that some Republicans see the value in his words. After all, blindly following any leader without questioning their actions or principles is hardly the mark of a durable movement. But heaven forbid anyone point that out when it comes to Trump. The Trump loyalists would have you believe that questioning their beloved leader is tantamount to treason.
So, let’s recap: DeSantis made a remark about some Republicans being “listless vessels” who blindly follow Trump, and the Trump camp threw a tantrum of epic proportions. They compared DeSantis to Hillary Clinton, because, you know, why not? Oh, and let’s not forget that DeSantis has defenders who understand the importance of critical thinking and conservative principles. But hey, this is politics, folks, and drama always sells.
