Our estimable erstwhile Congressman from St. Johns County, Florida, RONALD DION DeSANTIS debates Democratic nominee for Governor Andrew Gillum tonight at 8 PM.
Let's see how solemn, sibilant, other-directed De$ANTI$ justifies his habitually venal voting record (2013-2018) against health insurance and in favor of the maniacal forces that are contaminating our democracy with campaign ca$h, and ruining the natural beauty and the history of the State of Florida.
Andrew Gillum preparing for 'gutter conversation' in CNN debate
Andrew Gillum says he’s preparing for a “gutter conversation” in the first nationally televised debate in Florida’s race for governor.
Gillum, the Democratic mayor of Tallahassee, and Republican Ron DeSantis will clash Sunday night in Tampa
“If I have to measure my opponent by his actions up to this point, it is probably going to be a gutter conversation, and I’ll try my best to keep it above board,” Gillum told reporters after a campaign rally in Riviera Beach.
Gillum campaigned Saturday in Pahokee and Riveria Beach, two days before voters start heading to the polls for early voting in South Florida.
His morning started with a tweet from President Donald Trump accusing him of leading one of the “worst and most corrupt cities” in the country.
Gillum said he wasn’t surprised by the tweet bashing his city, which was hit by Hurricane Michael on Oct. 10.
“It is disappointing to see the commander in chief attack a community the same week when we are recovering from a Category 4 hurricane that came through,” Gillum said. “The truth is I have no leadership expectations of the president.”
Gillum laid out his platform during a rally at a park in Riviera Beach. He touted his proposals to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour, boost starting teacher pay to $50,000, expand Medicaid and restore voting rights to nonviolent felons.
Republicans have called Gillum a radical. He’s faced attacks over an ongoing FBI investigation into Tallahassee city government. Gillum has not been publicly named as a target in the corruption probe.
He said he’ll try to focus on outlining his vision for Florida in the debate and is hoping for an “elevated” discussion of the issues.
“If Mr. DeSantis continues running this race like it is … this is likely to end up in a Trump-style conversation where facts are rare and the conversation remains low,” Gillum said. “I am going to do my part to keep it high.”
In Riviera Beach, a predominantly black city, Gillum whipped up the crowd into a chant of “let’s bring it home.” Gillum is poised to make history as the state’s first black governor.
Ana Miranda, 63, of West Palm Beach, said she has knocked on more than 200 doors to support Gillum’s campaign. She thinks his message will draw voters who normally skip midterm elections.
“It’s not going to be a blue wave,” she said. “It’s going to be a blue tsunami, and I’d bet my pension on it.”
Herman Smith, 61, of Riviera Beach, said he first became involved in politics during former President Barack Obama’s candidacy in 2008. He wore a shirt with Gillum’s photo on the front.
“Every time someone sees this shirt, they want one,” he said.
As Trump tweets, Gillum is enlisting the support of Democratic allies to boost his campaign. Former Vice President Joe Biden will host rallies Monday and Tuesday in Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey has joined Gillum on the trail. Past presidential contender Hillary Clinton will host closed-door fundraisers for Gillum, but no public events are planned.
DeSantis’ campaign schedule Saturday included stops in Orlando, Tampa and The Villages.
The debate will be aired at 8 p.m. on CNN.
sswisher@sunsentinel.com, 561-243-6634 or
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