News: DeSantis and Disney: The ride is hurtling to the end

Monday, December 5, 2022

DeSantis and Disney: The ride is hurtling to the end

Dec 05, 2022

Hello and welcome to Monday.

All about the mouse — At some point, something has to be done about Florida's new law dealing with Disney. The question has always been when and how and who winds up being the one in charge and paying the bills.

Backdrop — A lot of national attention — and campaign trail flexing — occurred in the aftermath of Gov. Ron DeSantis' push to punish Disney for its stated opposition to Florida's "Parental Rights in Education" law, known as "don't say gay" by its critics. That attention flared back up with the ouster of company CEO Bob Chapek.

Flashback — The bill to dissolve the more than 50-year-old special district that allows Disney to operate as its own local government surfaced during the April special session that was called to deal with redistricting. It was introduced, debated (somewhat), passed and signed into law in less than a week. The full ramifications of the legislation were never ever really considered or looked at … and instead the DeSantis administration adopted a "trust us, it will all work out" mantra and left the details until after the governor's reelection.

Words matter — Of course, the Disney fight is now a key part of the DeSantis won't-back-down-to-woke-corporations branding. When it was reported that work had begun on a compromise bill — or a "U-turn" as it was characterized — the administration put out a statement on Friday to push back on the assertion.

What was said — In that statement, Bryan Griffin, the governor's press secretary, said: "Governor DeSantis does not make 'U-turns.' The governor was right to champion removing the extraordinary benefit given to one company through the Reedy Creek Improvement District. We will have an even playing field for businesses in Florida, and the state certainly owes no special favors to one company. Disney's debts will not fall on the taxpayers of Florida. A plan is in the works and will be released soon."

OK then — Let's set aside the debatable fact that Florida has an "even playing field for businesses in Florida" because every legislative session tests that theory if you listen to the lobbyists and business groups that show up to complain.

In the end — Instead, understand that the Legislature will pass something to deal with Disney. Otherwise there's a real big legal and financial mess. The real battle, of course, will be over branding and semantics and how it's framed. DeSantis has changed directions on issues in the past, but given his looming presidential campaign, everything he does now will get scrutinized by an energized national press looking at him as the alternative to former President Donald Trump. That makes it trickier to pivot or change course. In the end, there will probably be a bill. One part of the media eager to bash DeSantis will call it a turnabout regardless of what it says. Another part of the media will defend DeSantis regardless of the facts. It's a small world after all.

— WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis is holding a press conference in Punta Gorda with first lady Casey DeSantis and Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com

POLITICO APP USERS: UPGRADE YOUR APP BY DECEMBER 19! We recently upgraded the POLITICO app with a fresh look and improved features for easier access to POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Starting December 19, users will no longer have access to the previous version of the app. Update your app today to stay on top of essential political news, insights, and analysis from the best journalists in the business. UPDATE iOS APP – UPDATE ANDROID APP .

DESANTISLAND

U-TURN, HALF-TURN, NO TURN? — " DeSantis camp softens tone toward Disney with Bob Iger back as CEO and looking to 'quiet things down' in Florida ," by Fortune's Michael Smith and Bloomberg: "Florida lawmakers are reviewing ways to restore some of the privileges that the state stripped from Walt Disney Co., still reducing the company's benefits dramatically without going as far as ending them all, a key legislator said. Earlier this year, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law that in 2023 would dissolve a special government district that's granted sweeping benefits to Disney for half a century, called Reedy Creek, unless it's reinstated by the legislature."

— " Will Disney and Florida kiss and make up? With Iger back, DeSantis says 'a plan is in the works ,'" by USA Today's Jessica Guynn

The Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is seen in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is seen in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. | John Raoux/AP Photo

BRANDING ALERT — " Ron DeSantis is building his own media ," by Semafor's Max Tani: "[Former Gov. Ron] DeSantis declined the offer to chat with Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar. Instead, he sat down with Will Witt, the 26-year-old founder of the Florida Standard, a conservative website that launched just days earlier. The governor took the opportunity to complain about the mainstream media and tout his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, under the heading: 'EXCLUSIVE: Governor Ron DeSantis and Will Witt Interview.'

"Over the last year, DeSantis has given just a handful of interviews. Almost all of them have been with Fox News primetime or morning hosts or major conservative podcasters. But he's also carved out time for the Florida Standard and a similar site called Florida's Voice, which launched in 2021. The publications offer an unfiltered platform for his message."

'HE'S PLAYING A ROLE' — " Taking on the elite becomes go-to brand for DeSantis ," by The Hill's Amie Parnes: "Even Republicans acknowledge that the 44-year-old [Gov. Ron] DeSantis — who attended Yale University and Harvard Law School and served half a dozen years as a congressman — could be seen as a member of the elite itself. Yet like other Republicans — including former President Trump — rallying against the elite has become a major part of his political brand, his strategy and his blueprint for others in his party. 'All of this anti-elitist stuff … he's the first person to tell you where he went to school,' one top Republican strategist said of DeSantis's tack. 'It's the performance art, when you know better. When you're really smart and you act dumb.'"

— " Will Disney and Florida kiss and make up? With Iger back, DeSantis says 'a plan is in the works ,'" by USA Today's Jessica Guynn

— " The DeSantis/Warren battle: Takeaways from a Tallahassee courtroom ," by Tampa Bay Times' Sue Carlton and Dan Sullivan

TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP

'IT IS CERTAINLY NOT CONSISTENT' — No support for Trump's 'termination' of Constitution, but Republicans decline to condemn him , by POLITICO's Olivia Olander: Former President Donald Trump found no support Sunday for his suggestion Saturday to consider "termination" of the Constitution, but his fellow Republicans declined to say they wouldn't vote for him in 2024. "It is certainly not consistent with the oath that we all take," said Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio). "I vehemently disagree with the statement that Trump has made." But Turner, speaking to host Margaret Brennan on CBS' "Face the Nation," declined to say Trump's remarks were "disqualifying" when it came to his presidential candidacy.

— " Some Trump Jewish allies at breaking point after Kanye West, Nick Fuentes meeting ," by Wall Street Journal's Aaron Zitner

ON THE TEAM — " Trump has just a handful of vocal 2024 supporters in Congress. We asked them why they back him over Ron DeSantis and others ," by Insider's Bryan Metzger: "Reached for comment, Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida's office referred Insider to an op-ed the congressman wrote shortly after the election. In it, Gaetz wrote that 'Trump alone' can lead the party while criticizing GOP billionaire mega-donor Ken Griffin, who's reportedly ready to back DeSantis, as a member of the 'Swamp.' But Gaetz, who co-chaired DeSantis's gubernatorial transition team in 2018, avoided directly criticizing his state's governor."

— Trump's legal woes just keep piling up , by POLITICO's Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein

— " White House to Trump: 'You cannot only love America when you win ,' by POLITICO's Craig Howie

... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ...

EXPENSIVE FIGHT — " Florida defied public records law on child's death. Taxpayers' tab: $376,000 ," by Miami Herald's Carol Marbin Miller: "Child welfare authorities' refusal, for well over a year, to hand over documents detailing the state's failed efforts to protect a Miami toddler will cost Florida taxpayers $376,665 — money that otherwise could have been spent on services for at-risk children. It is one of several public records battles that have played out during the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Barbara Areces, who earlier this year censured the Department of Children & Families for defying the state's open government laws, awarded attorneys for the Miami Herald and other news organizations the money in an order that closes out a nearly two-year litigation."

CASE TO WATCH — " Florida Supreme Court justice targeted in challenges to appeals court candidates ," by News Service of Florida's Dara Kam: "Legal challenges to six candidates seeking to be appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to two appellate courts took another twist Friday, after plaintiffs filed requests to disqualify Florida Supreme Court Justice Renatha Francis from the cases. The challenges, originally filed Nov. 17 at the Supreme Court, contend the candidates vying for seats on the 5th District Court of Appeal and a newly created 6th District Court of Appeal are ineligible because they live outside the jurisdictions of those courts."

— " Records show more payments for migrant flights. Where did Florida's $3.4 million go ?" by Miami Herald's Mary Ellen Klas and Ana Ceballos

JOIN WEDNESDAY FOR A POLITICO DISCUSSION ON THE NEW TRAVEL EXPERIENCE : Americans are now traveling in record numbers — but the travel experience has changed drastically in recent years, not always for the better. What lessons can we learn from the pandemic and different responses around the globe? And in the face of a possible recession, what will help the travel industry remain vibrant and deliver jobs? Join POLITICO on Dec. 7 for "The Travel Experience Redefined" to discuss these questions and more. Breakfast and coffee will be provided. REGISTER HERE .

DATELINE D.C.

REACTION — " With Respect for Marriage Act about to become a law, same-sex South Florida couples relieved but not sanguine ," by South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Anthony Man: "The Respect for Marriage Act, which is on the verge of becoming federal law, is alleviating some of the concern same-sex couples have felt in recent months. But, legal experts and LGBTQ advocates warn, it's not a panacea and it isn't time to pop the champagne corks. 'I'm sort of divided. There's certainly a part of me that sees this as a win,' said Todd Delmay, whose marriage to husband, Jeff, was one of the first two same-sex marriages legally performed in Florida. 'I do see this as a positive step. I don't think we should celebrate too much.'"

— " Wasserman Schultz leads congressional call for Amazon to remove antisemitic film touted by Kyrie Irving ," by South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Anthony Man

— " Buchanan in hunt for coveted committee chairmanship in the U.S. House ," by Tampa Bay Times' William March

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

FOR YOUR RADAR — " COVID hospitalizations rising again in Florida after Thanksgiving ," by Palm Beach Post's Chris Persaud: "Patients with COVID-19 have been slowly filling hospital beds across Florida since Thanksgiving. Medical staff tended to 1,330 COVID-positive patients statewide on Friday, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department reported. That figure had hovered around 1,100 during the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving on Nov. 24 but has increased each day since. Statewide hospitalizations have yet to break 4,200, as Florida experienced this past summer, or more than 10,000 as during last winter's surge caused by the coronavirus' omicron mutation."

CAMPAIGN MODE

FROST IN GEORGIA — Soon-to-be-Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost will be on the campaign trail on Monday stumping for Sen. Raphael Warnock ahead of Tuesday's runoff. Frost, who won his House race last month, has gotten a lot of media attention as the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He will be on the campus of Georgia Tech University in Atlanta on Monday for a midday "Students for Warnock" rally that is also scheduled to include both Warnock and Sen. Jon Ossoff. Frost is also scheduled to attend a "Skaters for Warnock" rally later in the day in Atlanta.

Representative-elect Maxwell Frost speaks with reporters.

Representative-elect Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) speaks with reporters during new member orientation at the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 14, 2022. | Francis Chung/E&E News/POLITICO

MOVING ON — " Terrie Rizzo not seeking reelection as leader of Palm Beach County Democratic Party ," by Palm Beach Post's Stephany Matat: "Terrie Rizzo said this week she will not seek another term as chair of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party, ending decade-long tenure in county and state Democratic party leadership positions. Rizzo said she had planned for her current term, which expires Dec. 8, to be her last. But she leaves after a bruising election that saw Democrats lose broadly across the state and in the county. Rizzo, who used to juggle being chair of the state Democratic party and the county chapter, announced that she was ready to 'pass the baton' in a late Wednesday email to local party members."

PENINSULA AND BEYOND

'TIP OF THE ICEBERG' — " Innocence sold: Florida's legal system blurs the line between sex trafficking survivor and criminal, leaving lives ruined ," by South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Spencer Norris and Brittany Wallman: "A year-long investigation by the South Florida Sun Sentinel found that victims of sex trafficking, like Laura, are frequently retraumatized by a system that investigates, charges and prosecutes them for crimes they are coerced by their traffickers into committing. Their criminal charges can follow them for years or even decades, making it a challenge to find stable jobs or housing."

HMM — " Seminole Tribe of Florida used federal COVID funds for high-stakes raffle; Did chairman's son win $1 million ?" by Florida Bulldog's Dan Christensen: "The Seminole Tribe of Florida used at least $3 million in federal COVID relief money to stage a high-stakes raffle as an incentive to get tribal members as young as 12 vaccinated. Flyers pitched the raffle as the "Shot of a Lifetime!" and announced that anyone who was fully vaccinated and provided proof by Oct. 4, 2021 would be entered into the drawing to be held the next day.

Complaints — "Tribal critics accused Tribal Council Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. of improperly 'allowing the distribution of federal COVID funds for allowing a distribution through a system of lottery conducted by Dr. Vandhana Kiswani-[Barley], Tribal Executive Director of Health and Human Services.' A recall petition accusing Osceola of mismanagement adds, 'Many tribal members who received vaccinations and [were] eligible for entry were not entered into the lottery and did not receive any money from the federal funds.'"

'THIS ISN'T YOUR TYPICAL BUSINESS DEAL' — " Chevron's long game in Venezuela brings it political risk ," by Wall Street Journal's Collin Eaton, José de Córdoba and Patricia Garip: "Days after the U.S. authorized Chevron's return, the company's top executive there met with Venezuela's oil minister, a man the U.S. has accused of drug smuggling. Tareck El Aissami, who denies the U.S. accusations, tweeted congratulations to the company on its coming centennial in Venezuela following the meeting. He said Chevron and Venezuela would soon sign new contracts to boost production. 'TIME TO PRODUCE!!' tweeted Mr. El Aissami, for whom the U.S. has offered a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to his capture."

— " State ordered to pay $41,000 to a Broward doctor exonerated of molestation accusation ," by Miami Herald's David J. Neal

— " Space Force launches new regional headquarters in Tampa ," by Florida Politics' Jesse Scheckner

ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN

— " Tampa police chief Mary O'Connor placed on leave amid investigation into traffic stop ," by Tampa Bay Times' Tony Marrero: "Tampa Mayor Jane Castor on Friday placed police Chief Mary O'Connor on administrative leave as the city investigates a traffic stop involving O'Connor last month. Body camera video released Thursday shows O'Connor identifying herself to a Pinellas County sheriff's deputy as Tampa's chief, pulling out her badge and asking the deputy to 'just let us go' after she and her husband were pulled over in a golf cart in Oldsmar on Nov. 12. The deputy, who pulled over the O'Connors because the cart did not have a license plate, let them go without a citation."