On Monday evening, Ron DeSantis and Charlie Crist squared off for the first and only time this cycle in a gubernatorial debate.
The Daily Wire writes, DeSantis ripped Crist during the debate after Crist repeatedly attempted to make speculation about DeSantis running for president in 2024 a topic of discussion.
"I know Charlie wants to talk about 2024 and Joe Biden, but let me be clear: The only worn-out old donkey I want to put out to pasture is @CharlieCrist." – @RonDeSantisFL 🐐 pic.twitter.com/2LAqHqmxac
— DeSantis War Room 🐊 #FloridaStrong (@DeSantisWarRoom) October 24, 2022
Earlier in the debate, Crist attacked DeSantis’ handling of the state’s response to Hurricane Ian, prompting the governor to respond strongly. He then turned his attention to Crist and what he was doing during and after the hurricane.
Governor DeSantis SLAMS @CharlieCrist for soliciting campaign donations from #HurricaneIan victims 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YENVK8eqIE
— DeSantis War Room 🐊 #FloridaStrong (@DeSantisWarRoom) October 24, 2022
With respect to education, DeSantis remained in his element, hammering Crist for opposing a bill that would stop kindergarteners from being taught sexuality.
.@RonDeSantisFL: I would say when you oppose the Parents’ Rights in Education Bill, which prevents 6, 7, & 8-year-olds from having sexuality & gender ideology injected into their curriculum, you are the one that’s waging the culture war.
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) October 24, 2022
I’m simply defending parents & students. pic.twitter.com/tkLDNG6Q1C
Also mentioned was Crist’s support for closing schools and forcing vaccinations on children.
WATCH: Charlie Crist claims reopening Florida was "politically convenient"
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) October 24, 2022
DeSantis responds: "His supporters sued me to keep the kids out of school in 2020." pic.twitter.com/tvLQ6gNSDQ
Crist then attempted to portray himself as tough on crime after previously wanting to defund the police in 2021.
.@RonDeSantisFL on #DefundCharlie: "He used to be tough on crime, six political parties ago. Now, he has admitted he softened up on crime." pic.twitter.com/yTtYOMxlPN
— DeSantis War Room 🐊 #FloridaStrong (@DeSantisWarRoom) October 25, 2022
As noted by The Daily Wire, It is widely predicted that DeSantis will win the election next month, as he has out-raised and outspent Crist.
In addition, a recent FAU poll shows Gov. Ron Desantis leading his Democratic opponent Charlie Crist by 11 points.