Posted on 02/16/2021 8:05:02 PM PST by Brilliant
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried unveiled an online video Tuesday many politicos are calling the strongest proof yet Florida's sole statewide elected Democrat is preparing to challenge Gov. Ron DeSantis next year when he runs for re-election.
The video features Fried speaking directly to the camera, condemning DeSantis' handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
"This pandemic has been painful," she says in the video. "While he lashes out at everyone else like he's the victim, we all know who the real victims are: every Floridian who's lost a loved one, lost a job, lost a way of life."
Democratic media consultant Kevin Cate produced the ad, which was paid for by Fried's political committee. His firm, CateComm, has handled image making for Florida's last two Democratic gubernatorial nominees and oversaw the media strategy of 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer.
In an interview, Cate said the contrast presented in Fried's new video is designed to start a dialog as the 2022 election cycle begins.
"What you've seen is a reaction to this video, saying this is exactly what Floridians need in the governor's office," Cate said. "And so, the video is a catalyst to having those conversations. That's great, but the primary objective of that goal is to show the empathy and leadership that Floridians need right now, not in two years."
DeSantis, however, is being buoyed by polls that find a majority of voters approve of his performance. In a recent one-on-one interview, the governor told Spectrum News that his rejection of large-scale coronavirus restrictions has prevented Florida's tourism-based economy from entering a tailspin.
"I think we're further along than most people would have predicted, I think we have a lot of momentum, and here's the thing: People are looking to Florida around the country for leadership," he said.
On that, there's a sharp difference of opinion.
"You won't hear this from Gov. DeSantis, but you need to hear it," Fried says in the video, highlighting a dispute that could just dominate the 2022 campaign.
And show an ad of this person praising Governor Cuomos response that should end the campaign right there
We need a link to make a DeSantis contribution.
I knew this broad had ambition when she violated state law and posted her picture on every fuel pump in the state on the stickers declaring the pump’s volume accuracy in compliance. She was called out for this and was forced to replace millions of stickers without her face on them. All at tax payer expense of course.
Not bad looking-those things count.
Fried should not be taken lightly. The marijuana industry is behind her She isn’t AgSec for nothing.
She’s the only Dem holding a statewide elective office so it was inevitable. I’m at a loss to explain how she got elected ag commissioner though. Doesn’t seem like she’d be too popular with the farmers.
I agree he’s a great governor and under his watch Tampa Bay has become Champa Bay that alone should get him re-elected with ease
you never seen the thing in person .
Unfortunately, Farmers/Ranchers are not the only people allowed to vote for that office. She’s rather young and easy on the eyes. Her RINO opponent was not well-liked by the Florida base but, he was the chosen Pubbie by the state party. Predictable outcome.
Florida agriculture is largely corporate.
Really? Only for idiots who vote with their emotions. Are you one of those?
Nikki, good looking ? you’re kidding, right?
You may need new glasses. She’s gag worthy.
Providing the Dominion Voting Machines can be kept out of Florida then Governor DeSantis will easily win re-election.
The future of the Republican Party is with people like Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump Jr.
Haley is a Neo-Conservatives, it’s her ilk that need removing from the Republican Party, all Neo-Conservatives and obviously the RINOs need removing.
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