| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout |
Hello and welcome to Monday. Florida Democrats this past weekend descended on the famed Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach for their annual Leadership Blue Gala and gathering — and in the spirit of the hotel that once featured Frank Sinatra and his pals, they put on a show. There were dance performances, a fiery speech from actor and keynote speaker Bradley Whitford (who called Gov. Ron DeSantis a “f----- coward”) … and even a drag show at the very end. So the point was clear: The main target of Democrats ire wasn’t former President Donald Trump — it was Gov. Ron DeSantis. That same evening, across town, DeSantis spoke to Miami-Dade Republicans about how they had flipped the county in the 2022 midterms. Whitford — noting DeSantis' struggling presidential campaign — used a Broadway term to call him a “show that closes out of town.” Here’s a few other highlights and observations from the weekend: The pitch — Florida Democratic Chair Nikki Fried and other Democrats talked about it being a “new day” and a new era coming after the disastrous 2022 election that saw Democrats routed up and down the ballot. Fried, whose has struck a more aggressive tone than past party leaders, rolled out a 70-second video at the evening gala called “not on our f------ watch” meant to highlight this new combative effort. Promises, promises — Fried, during her speech, pledged to start targeting some upcoming legislative races as well as Sen. Rick Scott. During the daytime events at Leadership Blue, Democrats were told by Danielle Hawk, the new campaign committee chair for the party, that candidate recruitment is “essential” and that the Democrats' goal is to compete for every legislative and congressional seat in 2024. Hawk acknowledged that the party may not be able to spend a lot of money, but they plan to offer digital tools, mentoring and workshops to aid Democratic candidates. About that Senate race — So while Fried said that taking out incumbent Sen. Rick Scott is a top priority for 2024, it’s not clear yet who will take on that job. Some of those whose names have been bandied about — former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, Brevard School Board member Jennifer Jenkins — were at Leadership Blue. Jenkins got a brief speaking slot before the crowd, where she mentioned her battles with state Rep. Randy Fine (whose name drew a loud chorus of boos). Also worth noting: Former Rep. Val Demings, who ran last year against Rubio, was also hand. Both Mucarsel-Powell and Demings politely sidestepped questions about any future political moves. Spotted — at both the main event, and at one of the crowded after parties held at the hotel: suspended Hillsborough prosecutor Andrew Warren, who continues to fight to get his job back but whose own political future remains a source of speculation. Reaction — Many Democrats called the reboot of the annual Leadership Blue event — which is just as much about raising money and networking as it is putting on a good show for the faithful — as fun and entertaining. One Democratic elected official told Playbook she had skipped recent ones because they were “boring” … yet some Democrats said they remained confused about tapping an actor as the main speaker … The selection of Fontainebleau, despite its rich history and oh-so-Miami vibe, also had its drawbacks. Whitford himself joked about all the “bikinis” because Miami Swim Week had taken over the hotel. And getting in and out of the hotel itself was an ordeal, taking many people anywhere from an hour to two hours to check in on Friday due to a major traffic jam at the entrance. — WHERE'S RON? — Nothing official announced for Gov. DeSantis. ALL THINGS MUST PASS — Kimberly Leonard will soon take over as author of Florida Playbook, and will also work as a political correspondent based in Miami where she will play an important role covering DeSantis, Trump and the future of the conservative movement in Florida. Leonard is coming from POLITICO from Insider where she has been a senior politics and policy correspondent. Gary Fineout, who has helmed Florida Playbook for more than four years, will focus on the intersection of politics and policy in Tallahassee. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com | | | | JOIN 7/11 FOR A TALK ON THE FAA’S FUTURE: Congress is making moves to pass the FAA Reauthorization Act, laying the groundwork for the FAA’s long-term agenda to modernize the aviation sector to meet the challenges of today and innovate for tomorrow. Join POLITICO on July 11 to discuss what will make it into the final reauthorization bill and examine how reauthorization will reshape FAA’s priorities and authorities. REGISTER HERE. | | | | |
|  | CAMPAIGN MODE | |
ON THE SCENE — “Ron DeSantis’ presidential bid is giving life to a struggling Florida Democratic Party,” by NBC News’ Matt Dixon: “The mood that hung in the air for most of the weekend, though, was not that of a party in decline. The faltering of DeSantis’ presidential campaign — he trails Donald Trump by significant double digits in most public polling — has given a burst of energy to Democrats who desperately needed one. The event’s keynote speaker was the actor Bradley Whitford, a Democratic activist best known for his role in the early-2000s TV show "The West Wing." Whitford spent much of his remarks hyping up a Florida Democratic Party in need of momentum and trashing DeSantis. ‘Ron DeSantis is a f----- coward,’he said, a remark that got a standing ovation. ‘He is a f----- coward. He is afraid of history. He is afraid of people different than him. He is afraid of Donald Trump.’”
— “In jab at DeSantis, Florida Democrats cap fundraising dinner with raucous drag show,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Anthony Man AFTERMATH — GOP states quit the program that fights voter fraud. Now they’re scrambling, by POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro: [Ohio Assistant Secretary of State Amanda] Grandjean declined to share a complete list of participants, but said there has been a “bipartisan” working group which also includes states that remain active members of ERIC. She said states have been meeting weekly to discuss the structure of the program. States she mentioned that have been actively involved in conversations include West Virginia, Florida and Virginia — three states that left ERIC — as well as Georgia, which remains in ERIC and whose Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, has been one of the organization’s chief public defenders. — “Trump and DeSantis began eyeing Super Tuesday states as they prepare for 2024 long game,” by Associated Press’ Sara Burnett — “Hillsborough newcomer announces primary challenge to state Rep. Pittman,” by Tampa Bay Times’ William March — “In Miami-Dade’s first race for elections supervisor, a divide over who won in 2020,” by Miami Herald’s Douglas Hanks | | DESANTISLAND | |
BLAME GAME — DeSantis brushes off early campaign obstacles, by POLITICO’s Kelly Garrity: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Sunday he isn’t concerned that there’s a perception that he has struggled to gain ground in the GOP primary since launching his campaign in May. “Maria, these are narratives,” he said to Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo of reports on polls that show his support waning since January. “The media does not want me to be the nominee. I think that’s very, very clear.” DeSantis has consistently been polling second in the crowded Republican presidential field, behind former President Donald Trump. But that position has made him a target for the GOP front-runner, who has ceaselessly attacked DeSantis on the campaign trail, while largely avoiding direct hits on some of his other opponents.
MAYBE IT’S NOT JUST THE MEDIA — “DeSantis campaign stalls as he tries to court Trump’s fans and foes alike,” by The Wall Street Journal’s Alex Leary and John McCormick: “While DeSantis clearly sits in second place and many Republican voters say they like him, an expansive field of candidates makes it harder for him to consolidate support among those looking to move past the former president. He is trying to sell himself to Republican Trump foes, many of whom are moderate. At the same time, he is appealing to Trump fans by portraying himself as more conservative on key issues. ‘There is this real conflicted nature to the DeSantis messaging,’ said Craig Robinson, a former political director of the Republican Party of Iowa.” | 
Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his wife Casey, walk in the July 4th parade on July 4, 2023, in Merrimack, N.H. | Reba Saldanha/AP Photo |
MEME ME— We investigated the deepest, darkest corners of the internet to understand Ron DeSantis’ bizarre new video, by POLITICO’s Ian Ward
ICYMI — A supporter’s plane flew from Florida to N.H. DeSantis won’t say if he was on it, by POLITICO’s Sally Goldenberg and Gary Fineout: — “National organization pulls conference out of Florida because of DeSantis’ attacks on DEI,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Ana Goñi-Lessan | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | |
— “Trump in Las Vegas speech attempts to rally voters against DeSantis: ‘He’s highly overrated,’” by The Hill’s Steff Danielle Thomas
— Trump attacks DeSantis in Iowa over ethanol stance, by POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino — “Florida man linked to Proud Boys gets 5 years in prison for pepper-spraying police at Capitol riot,” by Associated Press | | | | UNLEASH THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE WITH POLITICO, A 7/20 INTERACTIVE EVENT: Imagine a future where rare genetic diseases are not only treatable, but potentially curable. Where our approach to chronic illness takes a monumental leap forward. That future is already taking shape in the form of next-generation health care treatments such as gene therapy. Join POLITICO on Thursday, July 20 and delve into the burgeoning field of gene therapies, which hold the power to redefine our health care landscape. Are you ready to explore this new frontier in health care? Don't miss this chance to be part of the conversation. REGISTER NOW. | | | | | | | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | |
MARK YOUR CALENDAR — “Florida Supreme Court to hear 15-week abortion law case in September,” by News Service of Florida’s Jim Saunders: “The Florida Supreme Court on Friday said it will hear arguments Sept. 8 in a case that could play a major role in the future of abortion rights in the state. The court issued an order scheduling a hearing in a challenge to a 2022 law that prevented abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The outcome of the case also will affect a law passed this year that would bar abortions after six weeks of pregnancy — and could determine whether a privacy clause in the Florida Constitution will protect abortion rights.”
| | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | |
NOT SO FINE FAU — FAU pauses president search after Florida officials flag ‘anomalies,’ by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: Florida Atlantic University leaders agreed this weekend to pause an ongoing presidential search at the behest of state higher education officials who flagged the school’s headhunting firm for “potentially illegal” conduct such as asking candidates about their gender and preferred pronouns. In a response Saturday to Florida’s university system chancellor, FAU defended its search and remained adamant about choosing a new president from the top three finalists that were just named and on the cusp of visiting campus.
SPEAKING OUT — “Thousands flood the streets in South Florida to rally for Haiti as kidnappings, violence surge,” by Miami Herald’s David Goodhue: “More than 2,000 people filled the streets marching under sweltering heat in North Miami Sunday afternoon to rally in support for the people of Haiti and to protest ongoing gang violence, political instability and corruption. “We are marching against violence, we are marching against kidnapping,” Anna Dorvilier, 40, from West Palm Beach, yelled waving a sign that read “If we are not on the table, we are on the menu.” Chanting and singing “Jistis pou Ayiti” and “Souf pou Ayiti” — Creole for “Justice for Haiti” and “Relief for Haiti” — the crowds waved tiny Haitian flags and followed a tractor trailer truck with an elevated platform carrying dignitaries like Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, clergy and musicians.” ‘WE WERE GIVEN THIS AGENDA’ — “African American history summer program rescheduled in Florida but qualms remain, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: Florida’s task force for helping local schools teach about Black history has rescheduled a summer seminar that was postponed by new DeSantis administration appointees, but proposed changes to the event were opposed Friday by the longstanding members who planned the original. Now scheduled for Aug. 7, the professional development summit was condensed to a one-day program focused on upcoming new Black history education standards, with the state scrapping several pieces of the initial agenda. ABOUT THAT TOLL RELIEF PROGRAM — “Florida Turnpike quietly raises tolls for Sunshine Skyway Bridge,” by WFLA’s Dylan Abad — “‘Unfriendly political environment’: Broward convention cancellations blame Florida as reason for exodus,” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Lisa J. Huriash — “It’s toxic slime time on Florida’s Lake Okeechobee,” by The New York Times’ Dan Egan — “Bold New York developer bets $2 billion on Miami Beach, starting with Raleigh High redo,” by Miami Herald’s Andres Viglucci and Rebecca San Juan — “Miami federal magistrate backs ex-Rep. Rivera’s bid to unfreeze assets to pay lawyer,” by Miami Herald’s Jay Weaver | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | |
— “The mango is the king of the Miami summer,” by The New York Times Patricia Mazzei: “The Miami summer scares off tourists and part-timers who only care to experience the glorious winter. The roads get emptier. The days get slower. The reward for hardy locals who remain year round, sweating and suffering through hurricane season, comes in the form of the seductive mango, blushing from trees in yards, streets and strip malls. ‘This,’ said [Zak] Stern, who grew up in suburban Kendall, ‘is a gift to the folks who stay.’”
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