Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a Rising Star of the American Right
Governor Ron DeSantis has emerged as one of the leading conservative figures in the United States, championing right-wing ideas and values while pushing back against progressive activism. DeSantis, a former Army lawyer, has been instrumental in transforming Florida into a laboratory of conservative ideas, boldly taking stances on a range of issues including immigration, abortion, and gender identity.
With his tough stance on these contentious issues, DeSantis hopes to propel himself into the White House in the near future. At 44 years old, he is seen as a rising star of the American right, but his ambitions may place him at odds with former President Donald Trump, who he shares many ideas with but not his excesses.
DeSantis’ Conservative Crusade Against Progressive Ideology
DeSantis has emerged as a key figure in the conservative crusade against what he calls “woke” ideology. In recent months, he has embraced numerous cultural battles around teaching, racism or gender identity. His emphasis on these issues has made him a prominent figure for the conservative electorate, especially when coupled with his stance on tightening abortion and immigration laws.
DeSantis’ Background and Political Career
DeSantis was born into a middle-class family of Italian origin and graduated from the prestigious Yale University, where he also excelled on the baseball team. He later attended Harvard Law School and practiced law in the military, serving as a consultant at Guantánamo and with elite troops in Iraq.
He made his entry into politics as a member of the right-wing of the Republican Party. In 2011, he published “Dreams of our Founding Fathers,” a book that criticized Barack Obama’s progressive views and breaking with the Constitution. A year later, he won a seat in the House of Representatives and was re-elected twice. In 2018, he became governor of Florida with critical support from Donald Trump.
DeSantis’ Controversial Stances on Covid-19 and Migration
DeSantis gained national attention during the Covid-19 pandemic, promoting a rapid reopening of businesses and criticizing the government’s response. Recently, he has also sparked controversy by joining the Republican governors of Texas and Arizona in sending newly arrived migrants to Democratic strongholds in the North and East. His stances on these issues have made him a divisive figure in American politics.
DeSantis’ Cold Image and Personality
Despite his growing popularity among conservatives, DeSantis has gained criticism for his rigid and distant personality. He has been known to walk the halls of the Capitol with wireless headphones in his ears to avoid impromptu conversations, which has led some to call for him to improve his image and personality.
Nevertheless, his supporters argue that DeSantis’ pragmatism and successful management of catastrophic events like Hurricane Ian in Florida demonstrate his qualities as a leader. They believe that he is the change necessary for the Republican Party, but the former President Trump doesn’t seem to be impressed with him.
