From October 25, 2022 post.
Last night, in the Gubernatorial Debate, Charlie Crist held Ron DeSantis accountable time and time again for refusing to commit to serving a full four year term if re-elected and for attacking women’s right to abortion – and time and time again, DeSantis refused to respond:
Bloomberg:
“Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declined to say whether he’ll run for president as Democratic challenger Charlie Crist accused him of being too distracted by a bid for the White House in 2024.”
Politico:
“Throughout the debate, Crist tried to push DeSantis to say whether or not he would serve a full four years if re-elected instead of running for president — but the Republican incumbent either did not answer or sidestepped the question.”
Orlando Sentinel:
“Crist, a Democrat, asked DeSantis twice whether he would commit to serving all four years of a second term. DeSantis didn’t answer either time.”
“DeSantis also did not answer when asked by the moderator at what stage of pregnancy abortion should be banned, a question he has avoided for weeks.”
Washington Post:
“Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) dodged questions about a potential presidential run and abortion restrictions at his first and only debate Monday with Democratic challenger Charlie Crist, in a race where DeSantis’s national ambitions have loomed.”
CBS News:
“At different moments in the debate, Crist asked DeSantis if he would carry out a full second term in office, suggesting his opponent would forgo the remainder of a second term in order to run for president in 2024…DeSantis never directly answered whether he would serve the entirety of a second term as governor were he to be re-elected.”
NBC News:
“Time and again Monday night, Crist returned to the issue of DeSantis’ looming decision about whether he would run for president in 2024. Each time, DeSantis refused to take the bait.”
“DeSantis, who signed a bill to outlaw abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy without exceptions for rape or incest, wouldn’t say whether he would enact further limitations — an issue he has ducked from reporters, as well.”
Miami Herald:
“DeSantis was silent for about 10 seconds as he looked into the camera in the split-screen, as Crist asked the same question again. DeSantis eventually asked the moderator: “Is it my time?” before responding.”
Associated Press:
“Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis refused to commit to serving a full four-year term if reelected when pressed by his Democratic rival, Charlie Crist, at their only gubernatorial debate on Monday…DeSantis skirted several attempts by Crist to get him to say he’d serve a full second term.”
“In April, DeSantis signed a law banning abortions at 15 weeks of pregnancy, with no exceptions for rape or incest. When asked by the moderator, DeSantis declined to say whether he supports a complete abortion ban.”
Original source can be found here.
