Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has made headlines for his no-nonsense attitude and unorthodox pandemic leadership, and young voters should take note of his rise to prominence.
By taking bold steps such as banning critical race theory from being taught in public schools and stopping a vaccine passport program, he has arguably emerged to a new status as the Republican Party’s rhetorical leader, a space that was once held exclusively by former President Donald Trump.
What makes him impressive is his unique ability to clap back at his detractors in the media and politics without coming across as crass, giving him the power to appease both centrist Republicans and Trump’s most loyal supporters.
When 60 Minutes ran a “deceptively edited” hit job on the governor’s coronavirus response, DeSantis’s retorts showed that he is ready to take on cultural battles as well.
“They know that they got caught, so they never even addressed that. They just issued these mealy-mouthed statements, but what I would say to 60 Minutes and the American people — they have so much contempt for their viewers to try to gaslight them like this,” DeSantis told Fox & Friends Wednesday morning, making it clear that the CBS show acted dishonestly.
As the United States’s youngest governor, DeSantis is a fresh face for those who are tired of seeing baby boomers and the silent generation continue to dominate the political landscape. But great power comes with great responsibility, and he should remain aware of his standing.
Young voters who came of age during the Trump administration are now looking at other Republican leaders to see how conservative values are applied in the 21st century. If DeSantis should decide to run for president in 2024, he should consider developing dynamic solutions to the issues millennials and Generation Z care about, such as the environment and criminal justice reform.
Three years is an eternity in politics, so DeSantis must remain steadfast to secure his place as a top contender for the presidency. An 81-year-old President Joe Biden will not stand a chance against the 42-year-old, who could make his case by promoting a message of hope and prosperity for the next generation.
Cameron Arcand is a political commentator from Orange County, California. He is the founder of YoungNotStupid.com and a contributor to the Western Journal.
