Andrew Gillum Did Not Come To Play With Ron DeSantis During Florida Gubernatorial Debate
By Breanna Edwards ·
Florida Democrat Andrew Gillum was pouring some scalding tea during the gubernatorial debate on Wednesday evening, calling his opponent Republican Ron DeSantis’ out for his history of cozying up with racists.  It’s just as delicious as you expect it to be. “First of all, he’s got neo-Nazis helping him out in this state,” Gillum said, pulling up the receipts. “He has spoken at racist conferences. He’s accepted a contribution — and would not return it — from someone who referred to the former president of the United States as a ‘Muslim n – i – g – g – e – r.’ When asked to return that money, he said no. He’s using that money to now fund negative ads.” Then Gillum delivered the final, but oh so polite blow, making it clear that he’s not accusing DeSantis of being a racist, but also adding, “I’m simply saying the racists believe he’s a racist.” Or, in maybe not-as-polite terms, and as Gillum’s grandma used to tell him, “A hit dog will holler.” I told you, very delicious tea. And DeSantis was not let off the hook easily at all. Moderator Todd McDermott apparently had time to shake the table Wednesday evening as well, asking DeSantis about his ties to extremist groups including the David Horowitz Freedom Center, which was founded by David Horowitz, who has been described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a “driving force of the anti-Mulsim, anti immigrant and anti-black movements.” “You’ve made appearances at four of David Horowitz’s Freedom Center events,” McDermott said, starting out with a hard bat. “Again, four separate times, four speeches. Among some of Mr. Horowitz’s statements, quoting here, ‘This country’s only serious race war is against whites…’” “You can play the McCarthyite game—” DeSantis said, cutting in. “I’ll ask the questions, it’s not a McCarthy game,” McDermott bit back. “Wait for the question, sir. He also said, ‘If blacks are oppressed in America, why isn’t there a black exodus?’ Now, in 2015 in your speech before the Freedom Center, you said of Mr. Horowitz, ‘David has done great work, and I’ve been an admirer. I’ve been to these conferences in the past, and I’ve been a big admirer of an organization that shoots straight, tells the American people the truth, and is standing up for the right thing. Those are his words—” “He had not even made those statements then,” DeSantis interrupted again, arguing. “Yes he had, sir,” McDermott politely corrected. “The first statement was made—” “Well, how the hell am I supposed to know every single statement that somebody makes?” DeSantis said in obvious ill-tempered frustration as the crowd gasps in shock. Wow, well that was some reaction. But what was it that Gillum’s grandma used to always say? Oh that’s right. A hit dog will holler. TOPICS: