| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Hello and welcome to Thursday. T.V. Eye — The spectacle that was CNN’s town hall with former President Donald Trump has certainly generated a lot of heat for the network and a lot of speculation about what it means for the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Gimme Danger — And on that front, it also marked an escalation in the confrontation between Gov. Ron DeSantis’ supporters and Trump world. The super PAC that is backing DeSantis (and is expected to have a lot of money to help him) has been ratcheting up its criticism of Trump in recent weeks ahead of the governor’s expected presidential run. Trump has been taking swings at DeSantis for some time now, although he only briefly tweaked his former ally during the town hall. No Fun — But Never Back Down last night went after Trump in real-time. The organization live-tweeted the town hall and, just as importantly, faulted Trump for focusing on the 2020 election and Jan. 6 insurrection. The group circulated a CNN clip from a focus group that listened to the town hall that said “Watch Trump supporters at Trump’s townhall say he’s stuck in the past.” Nightclubbing — Erin Perrine, the communications director for Never Back Down, nicked Trump for answers he gave on guns and abortion: “The CNN townhall was, as expected, over an hour of nonsense that proved Trump is stuck in the past. After 76 years, Trump still doesn’t know where he stands on important conservative issues like supporting life and the 2nd amendment. How does that Make America Great Again?” The Passenger — Now, it’s worth pointing out here that DeSantis himself has dodged questions on whether he thought the 2020 election was “rigged” as Trump has asserted. And Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, who is backing Trump over DeSantis in 2024, appeared on CNN last night and said it was the network that was focusing too much time on the election and Jan. 6 instead of issues that voters care about. “CNN’s top issues aren’t America’s,” he said in a tweet. — WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official announced for Gov. DeSantis. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com
| | | | DON’T MISS THE POLITICO ENERGY SUMMIT: A new world energy order is emerging and America’s place in it is at a critical juncture. Join POLITICO on Thursday, May 18 for our first-ever energy summit to explore how the U.S. is positioning itself in a complicated energy future. We’ll explore progress on infrastructure and climate funding dedicated to building a renewable energy economy, Biden’s environmental justice proposals, and so much more. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | |  | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | DIFFERENT DAY, SAME MESSAGE — Cable carnage: Trump turns CNN town hall into televised combat, by POLITICO’s Meridith McGraw, Kelly Garrity and Alex Isenstadt: Former president Donald Trump refused to say he had lost the 2020 presidential election and defended his actions on Jan. 6 during a town hall event in New Hampshire on Wednesday night. In what became an hour-long form of television combat on a variety of issues, Trump received routine applause from the Republican and Republican-leaning crowd, including over his dismissal of a recent verdict that found him guilty of sexual assault. — 5 takeaways from Trump’s CNN smackdown, by POLITICO’s Adam Wren, Natalie Allison and Meridith McGraw — “GOP lawmaker takes shot at Kaitlan Collins while on CNN panel after Trump town hall,” by The Hill’s Dominick Mastrangelo | 
Former President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he departs after speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2023, Saturday, March 4, 2023, at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. | Alex Brandon/AP Photo | SHADE — Trump world to donors: A dollar to DeSantis may be as well as a donation to Biden, by POLITICO’s Meridith McGraw: A pro-Trump super PAC is trying a new tactic to woo donors, warning that any cent spent on any GOP candidate other than Donald Trump is a de facto in-kind donation to President Joe Biden. In a memo sent to top Republicans on Tuesday, MAGA Inc.’s CEO Taylor Budowich painted the 2024 GOP primary as a fait accompli (even without all the candidates even in it). He cited Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ tumble in the polls and Nikki Haley’s inflated fundraising numbers as reasons for donors to unite around Trump. — E. Jean Carroll’s lawyer: Trump has ‘no legitimate arguments’ for appeal, by POLITICO’s Matt Berg — “Biden tops Trump by 2 points in new poll, leads DeSantis by 3 points,” by The Hill’s Olafimihan Oshin
| | CAMPAIGN MODE | | JENKINS MAKING THE ROUNDS — Brevard School Board member Jennifer Jenkins has recently emerged as a possible candidate to challenge Sen. Rick Scott in 2024 and it looks like the effort to recruit her is getting serious. Jenkins was invited last week to speak at the first annual conference of the Pipeline Fund, which was recently established by female donors and advisers. While she was in Washington, D.C., sources told Playbook, Jenkins also met with national Democrats and donors. Last weekend, Jenkins also appeared at a Florida Democratic Party unity rally in Tampa. Jenkins has drawn attention because she has battled notable Republicans including state Rep. Randy Fine. The state ethics commission — which includes Republican appointees — recently found probable cause in a case brought by Jenkins. The GOP and Gov. Ron DeSantis have already placed her on a target list of school board members they want to defeat in 2024. — “Nikki Fried promises to ‘stop the bleeding’ for Florida Democrats,” by WUSF’s Steve Newborn
| | DESANTISLAND | | DOCTOR MY EYES — Ron DeSantis can’t quit Covid, by POLITICO’s Arek Sarkissian: Now the governor will find out if he can sustain that strategy as he prepares to campaign more than three years after the pandemic began. Covid gives Gov. Ron DeSantis an opening to attack former President Donald Trump, whose administration was responsible for the federal government’s early response. DeSantis chided Trump — without saying his name — during a Utah GOP meeting in April, saying that real leaders “don’t subcontract out their leadership to health bureaucrats like Dr. [Anthony] Fauci.” ‘THIS IS ABOUT ONE THING’ — “Bob Iger chides Ron DeSantis: Do you want our biz, taxes or not?: Slams Florida governor’s ‘false narrative’ & retaliation over don’t say gay response,” by Deadline’s Dominic Patten and Ted Johnson: “'Does the state want us to invest more, employ more and pay more taxes or not?' Disney CEO Bob Iger rhetorically asked today of the on-going attacks on the Mouse House by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. 'There’s .. a false narrative that we’ve been fighting to protect tax breaks as part of this,’ the politically savvy executive added of the on-going war of words in the media and the courts with the would-be 2024 White House candidate. 'But in fact, we’re the largest taxpayer in Central Florida paying over $1.1 billion in state and local taxes last year alone.'” IN PLACE — “DeSantis signs immigration package as southern border political tensions escalate,” by Miami Herald’s Ana Ceballos: “As the Biden administration prepares to lift a pandemic-era rule that could bring a surge of migrants to the southwest border, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday signed an immigration legislative package that underscores the political tensions between the White House and the Republican governor as he prepares to run for president. With the new piece of legislation, DeSantis said Florida will be cracking down on undocumented migrant labor, ending community-funded programs that give undocumented immigrants identification cards and toughening penalties against those who transport undocumented immigrants into the state.” | 
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis arrives for a press conference to sign several bills related to public education and teacher pay, in Miami, Tuesday, May 9, 2023. | Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo |
HMM — “Senate refuses to confirm one of Gov. DeSantis’ New College trustees,” by Florida Politics’ Jacob Ogles: “After an earlier version of this story published, [Eddie] Speir tweeted he only learned the same day he had not been confirmed. ‘I just found out that the full Florida Senate did not confirm me as a Trustee of New College of Florida. While the reasoning given to me was that I ruffled some feathers in the Senate, I don’t believe that for one second. I am sure that I did ruffle some feathers, but not enough to overcome a supermajority in the Senate,’ he tweeted. ‘I am confident it was [New College interim president] Richard Corcoran working with his political allies to block me.”
— “DeSantis avoids commenting on Trump’s ‘controversies’ after jury verdict on sexual abuse,” by Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Zac Anderson
| | | | GET READY FOR GLOBAL TECH DAY: Join POLITICO Live as we launch our first Global Tech Day alongside London Tech Week on Thursday, June 15. Register now for continuing updates and to be a part of this momentous and program-packed day! From the blockchain, to AI, and autonomous vehicles, technology is changing how power is exercised around the world, so who will write the rules? REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | TO COURT — Florida teachers union sue DeSantis administration over ‘paycheck protection’ law, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: Unions representing K-12 teachers and university faculty sued the DeSantis administration in federal court Tuesday, claiming that a newly-enacted law imposing restrictions on labor groups unfairly targets those that have criticized the Republican governor. In a complaint filed at the U.S. District Court in Gainesville, the Florida Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, and the United Faculty of Florida are challenging the so-called paycheck protection bill on the grounds that it violates their freedom of speech and other allegations. END OF AN ERA — “Andrew’s Downtown closing coveted corner restaurant that’s been home for more than 50 years,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s TaMaryn Waters: “In the shadow of Florida's Capitol building, there was Andrew's Downtown. A restaurant every politician knew. It's where governors stopped in for a burger or a bite. Elected officials reveled in namesake menu items for decades before ownership changed hands and ushered in measures to keep the landmark restaurant relevant and fresh. At Adams and Jefferson streets, this corner of the capital city was famous for being a rite of passage during the legislative session and a place for college students looking for a good time.” FUNNY HOW THAT HAPPENED — “State Rep. Fred Hawkins named sole finalist for South Florida State College’s new president,” by Fox 13’s Aaron Mesmer — “‘I will not stand by silently’: Community sticks up for superintendent amid state threat,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Ana Goñi-Lessan | | DATELINE D.C. | | MOUSE TRAP — “GOP members of Congress take aim at Disney no-fly zones,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Skyler Swisher: “A group of congressional Republicans want to end no-fly zones over Disney World and Disneyland, calling them a special perk that no other theme park gets in the United States. U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas reintroduced legislation on Wednesday that would rescind the Disney flight restrictions. The no-fly zones were created in 2003 in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.” THE FLORIDA CONNECTION — “Case against Santos runs through Brevard County,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Jeffrey Schweers: “The heart of the federal case against infamous U.S. Rep. George Santos on fraud and money-laundering charges runs through companies in Brevard County, according to federal investigators. The indictment released Wednesday refers to two Brevard County companies created in 2021, about the time Santos began running for Congress on Long Island. It also identifies a Melbourne-based investment firm where Santos, R-New York, had worked that had been accused by the Securities and Exchange Commission of running a Ponzi scheme.” — “Florida lawmakers propose naming post office after the late Congressman Alcee Hastings,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Anthony Man — “Moskowitz proposes federal law to set minimum age of 25 to buy semiautomatic firearms, including AR-15 styled rifles,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Anthony Man | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | |
STEPPING DOWN — “Judge who presided over Parkland school shooting announces resignation,” by The Associated Press’ Terry Spencer: “The Florida judge who gained a national profile while presiding over the Parkland school shooting trial announced Wednesday that she is resigning June 30 to pursue unspecified career opportunities. Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer rose in prominence when she oversaw the televised penalty trial of Nikolas Cruz. He received a life sentence last year after a divided jury was unable to agree on the death penalty for the 2018 mass killing of 14 students and three staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. ‘It has been a a privilege to serve the people of the State of Florida for over 10 years,’ Scherer wrote in her brief resignation letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The resignation was first reported by Court TV.”
OVERSIGHT — “Disney board banned X-rated stores and liquor shops from property, overlooking prisons,” by The Associated Press’ Mike Schneider: “Before allies of Gov. Ron DeSantis took over, Disney World’s governing district, which at the time was controlled by Disney supporters, reached an agreement in February with the company to prohibit a long list of businesses from ever being operated on its property. Forbidden establishments included tattoo parlors, liquor stores, adult entertainment, oil refineries and trailer parks. But they didn’t include prisons, which the Florida governor recently mused could be built there, when talking in a trolling tone about his yearlong feud with the entertainment giant.” — “Disney board pays new leader more because of Disney lawsuit,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Steven Lemongello FINGERPOINTING — DeSantis-aligned group, former scientist trade blows in court, by POLITICO’s Bruce Ritchie: Lawyers representing a top environmental group aligned with Gov. Ron DeSantis and the group's former chief scientist angrily traded accusations Wednesday in a court hearing that could determine whether the scientist should be found guilty of criminal contempt. Jorge Piedra, a lawyer representing the Everglades Foundation, during the opening of a two-day hearing before a state circuit judge in Miami, accused Tom Van Lent of undertaking a "massive data destruction campaign" last year despite a settlement agreement and court order directing him to preserve data on his laptop computer. — “Officials: Florida sex offender charged with illegal voting,” by The Associated Press — “A wealthy businessman was gunned down 62 years ago. Police say now they know who did it,” by Miami Herald’s Grethel Aguila — “Wakulla pulls book about desegregation from elementary schools after complaint over racist slur,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Ana Goñi-Lessan | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | |
— “Florida’s iconic Tupelo Honey is in sticky situation. Can beekeepers bring it back?” by Flamingo Magazine’s Jessica Giles: “Passing roadway signs hint that I’m getting close to my destination. “Welcome to the City of Wewahitchka. Home of the Dead Lakes & Tupelo Honey.” I’ve driven five hours from my home in Jacksonville to Wewa, as the locals call it, in search of a golden Florida icon that has inspired legendary songs and Oscar-nominated films with its sweet nectar and the reason it’s not flowing like it once was here in the Sunshine State.”
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