Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has won praise from citizens and politicians across the state and across the nation for his handling of Hurricane Idalia, with some strategists telling Fox News that he has the leadership Republican voters are looking for. said to have shown
Hurricane Idalia made landfall near Keaton Beach, Florida, as a Category 3 hurricane on the morning of August 30, causing storm surges as high as 7 feet, causing massive flooding and devastation across the state’s west coast, killing hundreds of thousands of people. has lost power.
Governor DeSantis widely praised While he has been criticized in the media for his handling of the storm and maintains his position that the storm should not be politicized, political strategists interviewed by Fox News Digital said Republican voters are certain said he would look to his leadership.
As pollster and political strategist Dustin Olson explained to Fox News Digital: his poll results “Strength and determination” and “getting things done” are two of the top three qualities Republican voters most care about in candidates, according to his polls.
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Florida Governor and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis (left) hugs residents during a visit to Horseshoe Beach, Florida, after Hurricane Idaria. (Photographer: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg, Getty Images)
Two Floridians who were on the ground near where the hurricane made landfall told Fox News Digital that DeSantis displayed just that quality in the personal exchanges they had with him in the aftermath of the storm. Ta.
A longtime resident of Crystal River, Fla., who wished to remain anonymous, said of her experience with DeSantis, “There was no political activity, no podiums, no publicity. ‘” he told Fox News Digital. “I was very impressed with his presence, but it wasn’t about him at all.”
The resident said DeSantis took a break from the presidential campaign to care for Florida residents and was on a “fact-finding mission” when he visited the Florida town on Sunday after the devastation.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (middle) shakes hands after a press conference after Hurricane Idalia affected August 31, 2023 in Steinhatchee, Florida. (Shawn Rayford/Getty Images)
“He kindly entered some of the flood-damaged buildings,” a resident said. “In fact, he was exactly what you wanted him to be, and if he was in a position to run for president, he certainly could have stepped on the podium and declared, but he didn’t.” No. In my opinion, he did exactly what he was supposed to do.””
One of the many people DeSantis met in Crystal River, Fla., was Crystal River Mayor Joe Meek, who told Fox News Digital that the majority of homes in the town were submerged in two to four feet of water. “I’m really grateful,” he said. “Both a call from DeSantis the morning the hurricane made landfall and a visit a few days later.
“He spent nearly two hours with me as we walked down Citrus Avenue, the historic main street, and visited the small business owners who are the lifeblood of our economy here in Crystal River. We talked and visited their facilities.” Meeke said of DeSantis’ visit that the town had the necessary resources, both state and federal, to begin the difficult task of rebuilding. added.
“Then we got in his car and drove around the city, stopping at many of the houses he toured. I just want to say that you have given our citizens a boost, they really appreciate it and it has been great.”It has brought a level of energy to our city that will help us rebuild.. ”
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On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, flooding from Hurricane Idaria devastated local businesses and homes in Crystal River, Florida. (Jenna Alves)
“It has energized our people and made us feel that the governor is here and watching over us. We are very grateful for that,” Meek added. . “And when it comes to state aid, everything we asked for will be provided now.”
Olson, head of Olson Strategies and Advertising, told Fox News Digital that DeSantis is currently running for both parties and is “actively demonstrating executive leadership in real time.” He added that he was “the only serious candidate” who could, and “most Democrats don’t even expect it.” It’s about Joe Biden these days. ”
“As the old saying goes, ‘Don’t talk, don’t show’. Our polls show Ron DeSantis is the top second-choice choice for Trump supporters, and when DeSantis can show he can get the job done, Any day, he will further cement his status as an ‘Emergency Glass Breaker’ candidate.”
of the governor’s office said We have opened shelters and distributed over 400,000 meals, 300,000 liters of water and 10,000 tarps, coordinating responses through several state agencies. Four days after landing on Idaria, DeSantis said power had been restored to 93 percent of the population and dozens of rescues were successful in the aftermath.
“Mr. DeSantis, state and local officials, first responders, and brave frontline workers prepared the state for this Category 4 hurricane and ensured that Floridians were fully aware of the dangers posed by the storm. We have been well informed, taken appropriate safety precautions and made aware of the resources available to people in the affected areas,” supply chain expert Robert Salvador told Fox News Digital. .
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On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, flooding from Hurricane Idaria devastated local businesses and homes in Crystal River, Florida. (Mayor Joe Meek/Facebook)
“Voters across the country have seen his leadership in action, and he has set aside partisan politics and garnered praise from both sides of the aisle for his response, along with the rest of Florida.” CEO and co-founder Salvador said. Added DigiBuild.
“Ron DeSantis’ ability to provide consistent leadership during a time of crisis has been fully demonstrated over the past week,” said Andrew Romeo, director of campaign communications for DeSantis, in a statement to Fox News Digital. Ta.
