Newsom says DeSantis ‘took the bait’ by accepting debate challenge
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he “baited” Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis into debating him during an interview with FOX 11.
Florida’s Voice previously reported that DeSantis and Newsom are set to debate Nov. 30.
Anchor Elex Michaelson asked Newsom why he wants to debate DeSantis.
“I don’t know if that’s the right question. Why is he doing it – is the right question. He’s running, I think, I’m not sure after tonight, but currently, he’s running for president of the United States,” Newsom said.
Newsom said “the fact he took the bait in relation to this debate, shows he’s completely unqualified to be president of the United States.”
“You’re baiting him with the debate offer?” Michaelson said.
“Of course, I mean why is he debating a guy that’s not even running for president – when he’s running for president?” Newsom said.
Although Newsom is not running for president, he first challenged DeSantis to a debate in Sept. 2022 after national attention was drawn to his flying 50 migrants north to Martha’s Vineyard.
Newsom then challenged DeSantis again in June while speaking to Fox News’ Sean Hannity. DeSantis accepted the debate challenge in August.
Newsom said he believes DeSantis is “distracted.”
“He’s showing up at the Reagan Library hallowed ground, and he puts out an ad today – not for his presidential campaign – to promote a debate against the governor of California… I mean, this guy’s distracted. So I don’t know that he has it in his heart.
DeSantis shared an ad Monday showing a montage of news clips about people leaving California, comparing the two states.
“I look forward to the opportunity to debate Gavin Newsom over our very different visions for the future of our country,” DeSantis said.
Decline is a choice and success is attainable. As President, I will lead America's revival.
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) September 25, 2023
I look forward to the opportunity to debate Gavin Newsom over our very different visions for the future of our country. pic.twitter.com/wuh0jRXFdg
Newsom also told Michaelson he believes thinks DeSantis “regrets running for president.”
“He made a huge mistake. He listened to his consultants. He bought his own hype,” Newsom explained.
Newsom said its a “terrible situation” for DeSantis.
.@GavinNewsom says he "baited" @RonDeSantis into debating him:
— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) September 28, 2023
"The fact he took the bait…shows he's completely unqualified to be President."
"Why is he debating a guy who is not even running for President?"
"My…opinion, he regrets running…he made a huge mistake." pic.twitter.com/ObzjQzEB6Y
DeSantis previously said that the debate with Newsom is “important” for the U.S., and is not about Florida vs California, but about the “future.”
“It’s an important debate for the country,” @RonDeSantis says about his November debate with Gavin Newsom.
— DeSantis War Room 🐊 (@DeSantisWarRoom) September 25, 2023
It’s not about “who's better, Florida or California, because that debate is over…People have voted with their feet. They've left California and come to Florida, not the… pic.twitter.com/4II3LbXdjA
