| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Hello and welcome to Friday. Same Old Scene — Over the past two days, most of the political world’s attention has been focused sharply on former President Donald Trump’s town hall on CNN that was a steady stream of misdirection and falsehoods. There’s also the looming debt ceiling crisis and the chaotic situation at the nation’s southern border with Mexico. The Main Thing — Meanwhile, the team behind Gov. Ron DeSantis’ planned presidential campaign is inching closer to go time, and they are preparing to give Republican voters a clear alternative to Trump. More Than This — “Everyone knows the majority of the Republican Party wants to move on,” said Generra Peck, who was DeSantis’ campaign manger for his reelection told POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin who was given a sitdown with key members of the DeSantis team. Over You — Martin’s epistle from Tallahassee — which included access to the normally press-reticent DeSantis team — depicts a crew that remain optimistic despite the hand-wringing among political pundits. They have done polls in several key states that point to a higher favorability rating for DeSantis than Trump. Additionally, DeSantis hosted eight dinners at the governor’s mansion this month for donors who are “committed and curious.” One donor told Martin that many are ready to move from Trump to DeSantis. The Thrill of It All — Of course, this plan is dependent on how Team DeSantis engages with Team Trump. Both Ends Burning — There was initially little direct response from DeSantis’ political operatives amid an onslaught of attacks from Trump and his allies. Dave Abrams, who served as a senior adviser on the reelection campaign, told Martin that Trump “knows that his greatest threat is Ron DeSantis and that he was coming and coming strongly at some point.” In recent weeks, Never Back Down, the super PAC that is supporting DeSantis, has begun to respond including ripping into Trump’s town hall performance as “nonsense” and “stuck in the past.” Street Life — But the tone will change even further once DeSantis officially enters the race. “Once he’s a candidate the cuffs will be off,” a Republican consultant familiar with discussions among the DeSantis camp told Playbook. “He will have to punch back both on policy and on false narratives they are spewing… I don’t expect him to be a Trump punching bag. He has to show Republican voters and independent voters he’s not going to be a doormat to Trump and he’s going to be a doormat to Biden.” Get ready to rumble. — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis is holding a press conference this morning in Fort Myers with Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. He is also scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the Tazewell and Peoria County Republicans Lincoln Day Dinner in Peoria, Ill. 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. | | | | | |  | DRIVING THE DAY | | LATE NIGHT RULING — “Federal judge blocks Biden from using emergency parole powers in post-Title 42 surge,” by McClatchy D.C.’s Michael Wilner: “A Florida judge on Thursday night blocked an emergency program from the Department of Homeland Security that would allow some migrants arriving at the U.S. southern border to enter the country for a limited period while they await processing, just hours before Title 42, a pandemic-era immigration rule, is set to expire. The ruling, by T. Kent Wetherell II, a judge appointed by former President Donald Trump, claims the emergency program closely resembles a similar parole program vacated by him back in March. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody filed the emergency motion for a temporary restraining order in the the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida.” | | DESANTISLAND | | GETTING READY — DeSantis team to Trump: Wait and see, by POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin: Gathered around a conference table at the Florida Republican Party’s headquarters here late last month, Gov. Ron DeSantis inner circle did little to hide their eagerness to get into the presidential race or mask their frustration over the rising skepticism about their candidate-in-waiting. Nearly six months after DeSantis won a landslide reelection in what was once a battleground state, emerging as one of the few good news stories in a disappointing year for Republicans, the Florida Story has been overwhelmed by a pair of countervailing narratives, to borrow one of the governor’s favorite words: his own inadequacies and the suffocating reemergence of one Donald J. Trump. — DeSantis stays mum on Trump, for now, after town hall, by POLITICO’s Gary Fineout MAGIC 8 BALL SAYS — “Could DeSantis use $86 million of state campaign money to run for president?” by Tampa Bay Times’ Kirby Wilson: “Could DeSantis use that extra money to aid his expected run for president? It’s possible but unprecedented, campaign watchdogs say. ‘I don’t think anyone has tried to transfer this kind of money,’ said Saurav Ghosh, the director of federal campaign finance reform at the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center. It’s not clear DeSantis will try to move the money from his state committee to groups aiding his anticipated run for the White House. A political spokesperson didn’t respond to requests for comment. But Ghosh said he expects him to.” | 
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis listens to a question during a news conference to sign several bills related to public education and increases in teacher pay, in Miami, Tuesday, May 9, 2023. | Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo |
WILL IT PLAY IN PEORIA? — “All eyes on Peoria ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Friday appearance at GOP dinner,” by WCBU’s Tim Shelley: “In a statement, [Illinois Gov. JB] Pritzker said [Gov. Ron] DeSantis' career of ‘punching down and othering anyone’ who stands against his so-called ‘petty tyranny’ makes him a natural fit for the Lincoln Day Dinner co-hosted by the Peoria and Tazewell County Republican Central Committees. The Tazewell County Republican Party called Pritzker a ‘progressively liberal Marxist Governor,’ and said the Democrat's agenda is exactly why they've invited DeSantis to speak.”
— “Florida Gov. DeSantis to hit Peoria this week – and how he’ll play depends entirely on which party you ask,” by Chicago Sun-Times’ Tina Sfondeles — “Protests predicted for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Peoria appearance,” by WEEK-TV’s Sam Matheny SWAMPLIKE — “DeSantis ally with no higher-ed experience says he’s getting a state college’s top job,” by Miami Herald’s Ana Ceballos: "A Republican politician with no higher education experience has emerged as the lone finalist to lead a Central Florida state college after three other candidates abruptly withdrew from a selection process that has raised concerns about political influence. Republican state Rep. Fred Hawkins, a close ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis, was picked by the South Florida State College District Board of Trustees on Wednesday morning — two days after Hawkins submitted his application and five days after the board voted to lower the education requirements for the position, a move that allows Hawkins to qualify." — “DeSantis ramps up executions as bid for president nears,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Steven Lemongello: — “Majority of Americans not invested in feud between Disney, DeSantis: poll,” by The Hill’s Julia Mueller — “Party man: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis helps haul in $4.3 million this year for Republicans from coast to coast,” by Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | |
AS THE PAGES TURN — “Trump suggests he knowingly took documents from White House,” by New York Times’ Alan Feuer and Maggie Haberman: “Former President Donald J. Trump admitted more directly than before on Wednesday that he knowingly removed government records from the White House and claimed that he was allowed to take anything he wanted with him as personal records, appearing to misstate the law and undercut some assertions by his own lawyers. The remarks by Mr. Trump at a televised CNN town hall event in New Hampshire were the most extensive he has made in recent weeks about his handling of classified material after he left office.”
— “E. Jean Carroll may sue Trump a third time after ‘vile’ comments on CNN,” by New York Times’ Benjamin Weiser, Lola Fadulu and Kate Christobek — Trump appeals verdict finding him liable for sexual assault, by POLITICO’s Kelly Garrity — “Justice Department moves to block Trump deposition in Strzok, Page lawsuits,” by Washington Post’s Spencer S. Hsu
| | | | 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 ... | | WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed into law 37 bills, including a sweeping public records exemption that shields records involving the governor’s taxpayer paid travel and the travel of other top state officials. The bill (SB 1616) takes effect immediately and not only applies to future records — but past travel records. This means state officials can now cancel standing public record requests that have already been filed by media organizations and political opponents. The bill was passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature, which used its supermajority to cross the two-thirds threshold needed for public records exemptions. Proponents argued the new law is needed so someone could not see “patterns” in DeSantis’ movements. One open government advocate called it the “most eviscerating exemption” she had ever seen. There is already growing talk about a potential legal challenge on the grounds that it goes beyond what is allowed in the state constitution. MOUSE TRAP — “DeSantis signs Disney monorail inspections, Tyre Sampson bills,” by News Service of Florida’s Jim Turner and Ryan Dailey: “Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed 37 bills, including a measure will require the state to inspect Walt Disney World’s monorail system. The bill (HB 1305) came amid a feud between DeSantis and Disney that started last year when the company opposed a law that restricts instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. Under the bill, the Department of Transportation, starting July 1, will be required to complete compliance reports for the monorail every three years and conduct annual onsite evaluations. Disney and other large theme parks currently conduct their own safety inspections because of a carve-out from oversight by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Disney is the only property affected by the bill.” THE AGENDA — “End of public health emergency brings new round of COVID-inspired laws,” by Florida Politics’ Christine Jordan Sexton: “Gov. Ron DeSantis’ COVID-19 policies will now be enshrined in state law as the Governor signed bills that will make permanent bans on vaccine and mask mandates as well as give a shield to doctors who deviate from other medical professionals. ‘All in all we set out to prescribe freedom in Florida. We made an announcement a few months ago and I think we actually accomplished more than what was even promised then,’ DeSantis said, noting that the Legislature also agreed to ban hospitals from refusing to treat a patient who hasn’t been vaccinated against COVID-19.” — “What’s in their wallets? Gov. DeSantis approves bill for more financial disclosure from local officials,” by Florida Politics’ Gray Rohrer — “No ‘baby drivers’: Gov. DeSantis OKs requiring licenses or permits for minors driving golf carts,” by Florida Politics’ A.G. Gancarski — “Gov. DeSantis signs measure to shift hundreds of millions in taxes to charter schools,” by Florida Politics’ Anne Geggis | | Transitions | | Glenn Rininger is now chief legal counsel at the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. He most recently was associate attorney at the Bolin Law Group. Rikki Miller has been named senior communications director for Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.). She most recently was communications director for Rep. Kathy Castor. Jay Rhoden is now communications director for Castor. He previously was digital press secretary for Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.). Reed Powell has been named a legislative assistant for Rep. Greg Steube. He most recently was professional staff member for the House Communications Standards Commission and is a Jody Hice and Stephanie Bice campaign alum. | | | THE GUNSHINE STATE | | | ‘AMERICA IS FED UP’ — “Parkland dad’s book looks at NRA’s grip on America: ‘Stop listening to the liars,’” by Palm Beach Post’s Hannah Phillips: “For every prayer offered after a mass shooting, Fred Guttenberg is ready with a plea. ‘Stop listening to the liars,’ the father of a victim in the Parkland mass shooting tragedy said this month. His new book, ‘American Carnage,’ spells out how. Guttenberg's 14-year-old daughter Jaime was one of 17 people killed in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14, 2018. Five years later, Guttenberg has teamed up with a Canadian criminologist to combat fiction with fact in the debate surrounding guns in America.” | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | — “Florida nursing schools peddled fake degrees. Another wave of defendants plead guilty,” by Miami Herald’s Jay Weaver — “‘Kill them one by one’: Broward man pleads guilty to threatening election workers,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Shira Moolten: — “Full Weeki Wachee River protection gets boost from state wildlife commissioners,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Barbara Behrendt — “For the first time ever, FIU law school surpasses UM’s in national rankings,” by Miami Herald’s Jimena Tavel — “No more commission districts? Miami weighs options as it awaits gerrymandering ruling,” by Miami Herald’s Joey Flechas — “500,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled from Clearwater treatment plant,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Max Chesnes
| | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — “Famed FBI informant White Boy Rick busted in Miami for allegedly smacking girlfriend,” by Miami Herald’s Charles Rabin: “White Boy Rick — whose drug dealing days and work as an FBI informant in Detroit as a young teen inspired a motion picture starring Matthew McConaughey — was arrested in Miami Tuesday on domestic battery charges. According to Miami Police, the youngest known informant in FBI history, whose real name is Richard John Wershe, got into a fight with his girlfriend at their Edgewater apartment Saturday after accidentally calling her another woman’s name while they were having sex. He then allegedly threw a shoe at her, punched her and snatched jewelry from her body.” BIRTHDAYS: Former Florida Supreme Court Justice Alan Lawson … Leslie Dughi with Metz, Husband & Daughton (Saturday) Kim Hill with ReliaQuest … Adam Weinstein, writer and producer at MSNBC … Phil Musser, VP and head of federal government affairs at NextEra … (Sunday) Susie Wiles, Republican strategist and adviser to former President Donald Trump …. Craig Fugate, former FEMA director and former state emergency management director …. Todd Reid with Firehouse Strategies. | | | | 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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