DeSantis and Gillum debate Trump, more
TAMPA Race, the economy, the environment and President Donald Trump were subjects of the first debate in Florida governor’s race.
Former Republican U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis and Democratic Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum squared off Sunday on CNN, clearly setting out their differences.
Gillum criticized DeSantis for a comment he made that Florida voters wouldn’t “monkey this up” by voting for the black mayor and implied DeSantis aligns himself with racists.
Gillum said DeSantis was trying to “draw all the attention he can to the color of my skin,” adding: “The truth is, I’ve been black all of my life. So far as I know, I will die black.”
DeSantis said Gillum would hurt Florida’s economy by raising taxes and hiking the minimum wage.
The two candidates were also asked if they think President Donald Trump is a good model for children of Florida.
DeSantis discussed the President’s work to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Gillum called Trump “weak” and said DeSantis was an “acolyte” and a “Trump apprentice.”
While Gillum criticized the president, he said he would be happy to work with him to bring money to Florida for needed projects.
DeSantis replied, “That’s just not the way it works,” DeSantis said his close relationship with Trump is better suited to securing his help.
Some of other exchanges in the debate revolved around the environment, and Gillum called out DeSantis for his skepticism on climate change while DeSantis accused the Tallahassee mayor of formulating a “California-style energy policy.”
DeSantis pushed Gillum about the FBI probe into possible corruption in Tallahassee, asking at one point about Gillum unwittingly spending time with undercover agents in New York by saying: “Did you pay for the Hamilton tickets?”
Gillum denied taking any gifts. Their final debate will be Wednesday night at Broward College in Davie.