The completely opposite ideologies of prominent Governors Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom have turned them into natural rivals, especially as both are stars of their parties and could be their parties' strongest candidates for the president.
The politicians' conflicting visions have become more evident since DeSantis was reelected in Florida and Newsom in California. Although the states appear to be quite similar at first glance in terms of their beaches and tourist attractions, their stark differences in policy have sparked major debates at the national level.
The ways in which both have manifested their ideologies were evident during their previous terms. This was highlighted by both governors in their inauguration speeches, which focused largely on the mistakes made by their rivals.
DeSantis' speech focused largely on the successes of his previous term as well as the policies he would focus on for this second term. He also stated that one of his main objectives is to end the "progressive mafia."
During his concise message, DeSantis avoided personal stories and took the opportunity to thank his wife, whom he refers to as the "First Lady."
On the other hand, Newsom spent much of his speech talking about himself and some of the difficulties he had during his childhood and youth. The California governor also made an overt insinuation about DeSantis and accused the right of wanting to "silence speech, fire teachers, kidnap immigrants, subjugate women, attack the Special Olympics and even demonize Mickey Mouse, all camouflaged under a hijacking of the word 'freedom.'"
"San Francisco and Miami are peaks into the future for those respective political philosophies.. Newson and DeSantis have come to be the face of those movements" - @antoniogm
"Do we ever get a return to the center?" - @APompliano pic.twitter.com/jk7sAYfe3K
— Pomp Podcast (@PompPodcast) September 19, 2022
Security vs. 'soft' policies on crime
One of the most obvious differences is that while Ron DeSantis has focused on supporting law enforcement and improving Florida's safety, the Newsom-led state's laws appear to be increasingly soft on crime.
In fact, California has entered into a sort of crisis, and experts say it is due to the policies that have been implemented by Democratic leaders.
"They govern by impoverishing the population with increases in taxes, basic services and housing, with hypersexualized education in public schools for children, promotion of abortion and gender ideology. In addition to contributing to the increase in drug addiction, homelessness and crime," noted Primera Plana.
In Florida, the population has been increasing. However, California is witnessing an exodus of citizens and businesses, and the cause may be Newsom's new leftist policies.
