| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Hello and welcome to Friday. Great Scott — Well, Florida Sen. Rick Scott had quite the day. Unity — Scott found himself getting bashed in bipartisan fashion on Thursday as President Joe Biden swung at him, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell piled on. Hardball — Let’s start with McConnell. The veteran Republican senator was asked by a Kentucky radio station host about Biden’s contention during the State of the Union that Republicans want to sunset Social Security and Medicare. McConnell wasted little time in blaming Scott for that line of attack because of his “Rescue America” plan, which calls for reauthorizing all federal programs every five years. Calling him out — “It’s clearly the Rick Scott plan, it’s not the Republican plan,” said McConnell, who defeated Scott’s effort to oust him as Senate GOP leader late last year. McConnell went on to call Scott’s plan a “bad idea,” adding that “I think it will be a challenge to deal with this in his own reelection in Florida, a state with more elderly people than any other state in America.” Response — Scott has insisted that he would not support cutting Social Security and has said Biden is lying about his Rescue America plan, but now has McConnell undercutting him. When word of the radio interview got out on Thursday evening (h/t AP’s Seung Min Kim), Chris Hartline from Scott’s political team said on Twitter: “Lol. Rick Scott knows how to win Florida a hell of a lot better than Mitch McConnell does. Some DC Republicans can keep parroting Democrat lies, but that won’t stop Rick Scott from fighting for conservative principles instead of caving to Biden every day." Sunshine State showdown — The contretemps with McConnell came hours after Biden touched down in Tampa and once again hit Scott. Ahead of Biden’s appearance at the University of Tampa, the president’s team even handed out copies of Scott’s Rescue America plan to reinforce the point. “The very idea the senator from Florida wants to put Social Security and Medicare on the chopping block every five years I find to be somewhat outrageous,” Biden said. “So outrageous that you might not even believe it.” Hitting back — Scott sought to put up an aggressive response. He already had a television ad airing in Tampa labeling Biden a liar and calling on him to resign. Then he also took to the airwaves on Thursday, including on CNN, trying to make his case. “Nobody believes that I want to cut Medicare or Social Security. I never said it.” — WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official for Gov. Ron DeSantis. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com
| | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | | |  | Bidenology | | DROPPING IN — “In GOP-held Florida, Biden vows no cuts to Social Security,” by The Associated Press’ Seung Min Kim, Josh Boak and Steve Peoples: “With an eye toward the 2024 campaign, President Joe Biden took direct aim at Republicans who have floated cuts to Social Security and Medicare — telling an audience in Florida on Thursday that he would create a 'nightmare' for anyone who dreamed of trying them. Venturing into a state defined by its growing retiree population and status as the unofficial headquarters of the modern-day Republican Party, the president sees a chance to use Social Security and Medicare to drive a wedge between GOP lawmakers and their base of older voters who rely on these government programs for income and health insurance.” | 
President Joe Biden speaks about his administration's plans to protect Social Security and Medicare and lower healthcare costs, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, at the University of Tampa in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) | AP |
THE TARGET — “How one question from Joe Biden explains his feud with Rick Scott,” by CNN’s Phil Mattingly: “As Marine One lifted off from the South Lawn of the White House, President Joe Biden had a last-minute question for his aides seated nearby. Riding the momentum of a strong State of the Union address and the elevation of a political battle he and his top advisers relish, he needed assurance on one detail for his scheduled remarks in Florida a few hours later. ‘We have copies of the Scott plan at this event, right?’ Biden asked.”
— “Ron DeSantis once expressed support for privatizing Social Security and Medicare giving his rivals an opening,” by CNN’s Andrew Kaczynski and Em Steck
| | DESANTISLAND | | BACK AND FORTH — “DeSantis admin and College Board continue fight over African American studies course,” by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: The DeSantis administration and College Board are continuing to clash over whether Florida’s loud objections to an African American studies course played any role in shaping the curriculum. In a letter this week, Florida education officials allege that they initially raised questions in July about whether the Advanced Placement coursework was legal under the state’s anti- “woke” laws restricting how race can be taught in the classroom. The new timeline detailed by Florida directly conflicts with recent statements by the nonprofit and comes as the state is reviewing the updated curriculum. CHALLENGE — ‘Sorry, Ron, you’re No. 2’: Sununu says he’s top dog among conservative governors, by POLITICO’s Kelly Garrity: Chris Sununu, the New Hampshire governor and potential 2024 candidate, has developed a profile as a center-right alternative to Donald Trump. On Thursday, he pushed back on that perception while taking a swipe at another prominent likely 2024 hopeful: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Rankings — Sununu, known for being outspoken against Trump, tried to shed the moderate label he’s earned as he spoke with POLITICO at The Fifty: America’s Governors. “I’m ranked the most fiscally conservative governor in the country,” Sununu, who is considering a 2024 presidential bid, told POLITICO’s Lisa Kashinsky. “I’m No. 1 in personal freedoms. Sorry, Ron, you’re No. 2,” he added, a jab at the Florida governor, considered a frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. | 
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu answers a question from a reporter after taking part in a panel discussion during a Republican Governors Association conference, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, in Orlando Fla. | Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP Photo |
— “DeSantis tied with Trump, everyone else far behind in fresh 2024 GOP presidential primary poll,” by Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser
— “The two questions that will decide DeSantis’s likely 2024 bid,” by Washington Post’s Philip Bump — “Delray Beach man arrested in DeSantis roundup enters plea deal in voter fraud case, sentenced to probation,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Angie DiMichele — “GOP lawmakers follow Florida’s lead with DeSantis copycat bills,” by Washington Post’s Tim Craig — “Rick Scott wants ‘better understanding’ of Ron DeSantis’ Disney government changes,” by Florida Politics A.G. Gancarski | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | ‘A NEW LEVEL’ — “Florida Senate permitless carry bill proposes expanding Parkland school safety moves,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Romy Ellenbogen: “The Senate now has its version of a bill that would allow Floridians to carry concealed firearms without a permit or training — but unlike the House bill, this one includes several provisions aimed at continuing to make schools safer from shooters. ... It would establish a standard process for handling student behavioral threats, create a Florida-based data portal to report threat information statewide and expand the program that allows school district employees to carry firearms on campus.” DEMS PICK PIZZO — South Florida Sen. Jason Pizzo has been officially picked by Senate Democrats to be their leader for the 2024-2026 term. Pizzo will succeed State Sen. Lauren Book, meaning that he will be in charge of trying to get Democrats elected in the next election cycle. Pizzo, an attorney and former assistant state attorney, was first elected in 2018. “My gratitude for the trust Senate Democratic colleagues have bestowed upon me, is exceeded only by the sense of duty I am thrilled to undertake,” Pizzo said in a statement. — “Florida House panel backs bill on renter fees, swapping security deposits for monthly fee,” by News Service of Florida’s Jim Saunders — “Florida House votes 113-0 to effectively repeal name, image, likeness law,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Matt Baker — “Legislation might help save endangered Black cemetery,” by Florida Politics’ Anne Geggis
| | | | DOWNLOAD THE POLITICO MOBILE APP: Stay up to speed with the newly updated POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. The sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need, reimagined. DOWNLOAD FOR iOS– DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID. | | | | | | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | BACKING TADDEO — Former state Sen. Annette Taddeo announced Thursday that she has picked up support from four groups in her bid to become the next chair of the Florida Democratic Party. Taddeo picked up endorsements from the Florida Grassroots Coalition, the American Muslim Progressive Caucus, Downtown Dems and the Democrats of Coral Way. Taddeo’s announcement came the same day a substantial number of voting members of the state Democratic Executive Committee said they want former Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried to run for chair. Taddeo did not directly address Fried's potential candidacy. But she did say in a statement that “I would not be in this race if it weren’t for grassroots supporters that call on me to lead the party into a new era. An era of collaboration, unity and ultimately rebuilding the FDP from the bottom up. I’ve been in this race for a little over two weeks answering questions from the voters, attending caucus forums, submitting questionnaires and truly putting in the work to have my name on the ballot.” | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | ‘WHAT THE PRESIDENT SAYS’ — Proud Boys sedition trial shows group keying off Trump comments, by POLITICO’s Kyle Cheney: In private messages, revealed Thursday by prosecutors at a seditious conspiracy trial stemming from the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, members of the group discussed [Donald] Trump’s Sept. 29 debate-stage exhortation to the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by” ahead of the November election. Some Proud Boy leaders, like Joe Biggs — one of five seditious conspiracy defendants — saw Trump’s comment as a command to prepare to violently confront antifa. “Trump basically said to go fuck them up,” Biggs said on Parler, the social media platform popular with conservatives. “This makes me so happy.” FAMILIAR FACE — Trump brings back Jason Miller, by POLITICO’s Meridith McGraw: Longtime Donald Trump adviser Jason Miller is joining his 2024 presidential campaign as the operation starts building out its team based in West Palm Beach, Fla. Miller — who worked on Trump’s 2016 and 2020 bids — is stepping down from his role as the CEO of GETTR, a right-wing social media site that was developed to rival Twitter but was often overshadowed by Trump’s own platform, Truth Social. Miller’s 2024 role will be as senior adviser, similar to the one he played in 2020, in which he provided strategic guidance for the campaign. — “Mike Pence subpoenaed by special counsel overseeing Trump probes: Sources,” by ABC News’ Katherine Faulders and John Santucci | | DATELINE D.C. | | ANOTHER FLORIDA CONNECTION — “George Santos spent 9 months in Orlando, but doing what?” by Orlando Sentinel’s Steven Lemongello: “Infamous New York Republican congressman George Santos is caught in the middle of seemingly endless lies and investigations into his background, businesses, and campaign spending. But one of the biggest question marks about his past is his time in Orlando. When the Pulse nightclub shooting took place in the city on June 12, 2016, Santos was living in a gated community in east Orange County near Timber Creek High School, according to voting records.” — “‘Opinion and pure conjecture’: Democrat attacks credibility of witness Jonathan Turley at GOP-led hearing,” by Mediaite’s Alex Griffing | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | REVERSAL — Florida athletic association will no longer ask high school students about menstruation cycles, by POLITICO’s Anna Wilder: A Florida high school athletic association will no longer ask female athletes questions about their menstrual cycles after facing widespread backlash from parents, educators and state lawmakers. The Florida High School Athletic Association, which is responsible for governing interscholastic sports, voted 14-2 on Thursday to amend its form sent to schools to ask students only about their health and will only verify if an athlete is fit to participate. Four questions regarding a female athlete's menstrual cycle and history will be removed. DIVIDED — “Florida school choice supporters spar as voucher organization is targeted,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Jeffrey S. Solochek: “The debate over how to expand Florida’s school voucher program has launched a rift between two influential groups tied to conservative politics. The Florida Citizens Alliance, a southwest Florida group better known for efforts to have books pulled from schools, has called on lawmakers to pin back the power of Step Up for Students, the Tampa-based organization that helped create the state’s scholarship and voucher programs and manages about 99% of them.” INCONSISTENT — “Florida judges arbitrarily denied minors’ requests for abortions, report finds,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Caroline Catherman: “The Human Rights Watch released a report on Thursday suggesting that when a child’s ability to get an abortion is left up to Florida courts, the decision may just come down to luck. ‘Court records confirm that young people face judges with the power to make highly subjective determinations on their maturity and interests,’ the report reads. ‘... Lawyers who have represented young people in these cases talk about how a young person’s clothing, their posture, or their manner of speaking can influence a judge’s decision.’” — “Abortion protests at Clearwater clinic like a ‘tinderbox ready to explode,’ workers say,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Lauren Peace — “Disney’s job cuts affect theme parks, but frontline workers spared,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Katie Rice — “LeAnna Cumber refuses to cooperate with investigation she calls a ‘political attack,’” by Florida Times-Union’s David Bauerlein — “Son of Trump’s CDC chief seriously hurt in the Florida Keys. His family wants answers,” by FLKeysNews.com’s David Goodhue — “USF seeking $22 million for next phase of proposed on-campus football stadium,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Matt Baker — “National Transportation Safety Board to investigate Brightline-SUV collision that killed two in Delray Beach,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | BIRTHDAYS: Franco Ripple, vice president Direct Impact at BCW Global, is 40! … Jamie Wilson, VP government relations at Moffitt Cancer Center (Saturday) Former Gov. Jeb Bush … Ann Scott … Alex Conant, founding partner Firehouse Strategies ... Broward school board member Lori Alhadeff … (Sunday) Former state Sen. Jeff Brandes … Marc Caputo … Gil Ziffer, former Tallahassee city commissioner | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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