| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Hello and welcome to Wednesday. The tale of two Florida Republicans — Quite another split screen day between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump ... and a reminder of how hard it's going to be for DeSantis to flip his campaign around. In Iowa — Trump did a town hall on Fox News just hours after he let the world know he is now the target of another investigation, this time into his actions following the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. Omission — The event was filled with many of Trump’s grievances, especially about his legal troubles and lots of pokes at President Joe Biden …. But interestingly, not a single word about DeSantis, which is a bit of a departure from Trump’s usual routine. Maybe it was the news of the day. Maybe it was the questions from Fox's Sean Hannity. On another cable outlet — Meanwhile DeSantis, who continues to trail Trump in the polls, was supposed to have a big day on Tuesday as he rolled out his military policy and did an interview on CNN with Jake Tapper. But the first big topic that Tapper wanted to talk about was Trump. Topline — The dynamic sums up the challenge for DeSantis in a Republican presidential campaign that will continue to focus more on the former president than what the challenger can offer. This isn't the Florida governor's race anymore. And while DeSantis world complains about the campaign being Trump-centric, and media coverage is focused on horse race coverage, the fact is that policy platforms don't seem to be move the needle in presidential primaries. Ask Jeb Bush. What he said — DeSantis, who continually sidesteps questions about the 2020 election and whether he agrees with Trump that it was rigged, when he talked to Tapper tried to walk a fine line about the latest news — and in the process may not have pleased anyone but his current supporters. The landing — Pressed by reporters at a press conference in South Carolina, DeSantis said that Trump should have acted more decisively and “forcefully” in challenging the actions of the Jan. 6 rioters but questioned the idea of “criminalizing” what the former president did. (Trump and DeSantis supporters quickly clashed over this answer online). But, but, but — Then during his interview with Tapper, DeSantis said that “I hope he doesn’t get charged. I don’t think it’ll be good for the country.” He also added that he doesn’t want to “look back” and wants to “focus on looking forward.” The dance continues. — 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 | | | | JOIN 7/26 FOR A TALK ON THE NEW ENERGY ECONOMY: Join POLITICO's lively discussion, "Powering a Clean Energy Economy," on July 26 at 5:15 PM ET. We'll explore the effectiveness of consumer-targeted policies to boost sustainability and create clean energy jobs. How are the Inflation Reduction Act's provisions faring? Which strategies truly sway consumer behavior? How are advances in technology shaking things up? And, what's the future for energy consumption reduction? Hear from featured speaker, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), among other experts. Don't miss this insightful event — register today and be part of the conversation driving America's clean energy future! REGISTER NOW. | | | | | |  | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | |
THE RESPONSE — Looming indictment wrenches open the central question of 2024: Is Trump fit to serve? by POLITICO’s Adam Wren and Natalie Allison: In South Carolina, Ron DeSantis said Trump “should have come out more forcefully” as rioters ransacked the Capitol, but added that it fell short of criminal activity. Vivek Ramaswamy told POLITICO in a statement he “would have made very different judgments than President Trump did” on Jan. 6. And Nikki Haley said the rest of the primary is threatening to be drowned out by Trump’s legal “drama.” The answers represented at least a small crack in the deference that some previously courteous candidates had shown to Trump following his earlier two indictments. But only a small one.
— “Florida’s Matt Gaetz to introduce bill defunding Jack Smith investigation targeting Trump: ‘We must act,’” by Fox News’ Brandon Gillespie TICK, TICK, TICK — Judge mulls timing of Trump classified documents trial, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury and Josh Gerstein: A federal judge heard lengthy arguments Tuesday over when to start a criminal trial for former President Donald Trump on charges that he hoarded classified information at his Florida home and then obstructed a grand jury investigation, but the hearing concluded without a trial date being set. Defense lawyers and prosecutors for special counsel Jack Smith squared off for nearly two hours in front of U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon at the first hearing she has held in the case. — Biden takes aim at Trump in campaign’s first shot of 2024, by POLITICO’s Natalie Allison and Holly Otterbein — “Brevard church leaders, member found guilty in Capitol attack,” by News 6’s Erik Sandoval | | DESANTISLAND | |
TIME FOR A CLOSEUP — Trump probe knocks DeSantis off course - and to the back of the news, by POLITICO’s Sally Goldenberg and Lucy Hodgman: DeSantis did get his chance during the late-afternoon show to pitch himself to a newer audience: The second-place GOP candidate has almost exclusively appeared on conservative media outlets since entering the race eight weeks ago. But as he grapples with lagging poll numbers, a staff overhaul and concern from the donor class — despite a hefty early fundraising haul — DeSantis is seeking to shake up his media strategy. On Tuesday, that meant appearing for about 15 minutes on CNN.
MORE CHANGES? — “Ron DeSantis allies press for a campaign shake up,” by NBC News’ Matt Dixon, Natasha Korecki and Jonathan Allen: “The long knives are out for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ campaign manager amid a cash crunch and flagging poll numbers. Generra Peck, DeSantis’ top aide, is “hanging by a thread,” said a DeSantis donor who is close to the campaign. Some allies communicated themselves or through proxies that they want DeSantis to fire Peck or “layer” her — a less public demotion in which she would have to report to a new boss — according to two more DeSantis allies familiar with discussions around the campaign’s struggles.” Response — One source with knowledge about campaign operations told Playbook that Peck will not be removed. “She’s not going anywhere,” the source said. — “Don’t know DeSantis’ campaign manager? Generra Peck would like to keep it that way,” by McClatchy D.C.’s David Catanese PARTNERS — “DeSantis and Abbott’s awkward immigration alliance,” by POLITICO’s David Kihara: Call it a red state marriage of convenience. Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott — leaders of the two most-populous Republican-led states — have become the most controversial and influential conservative governors on immigration in the country. Over the last year, they’ve transported tens of thousands of migrants to Democratic-led cities, sued the Biden administration in federal court over border policies and deployed Black Hawk helicopters, unmanned aircraft and thousands of troops to the southern border. RELATED READ — “Florida aided Texas’ border security. Now Texas is under scrutiny for ‘inhumane’ actions,” by Miami Herald’s Ana Ceballos — “Ron DeSantis says he might get a ‘sublease’ in South Carolina for presidential bid,” by Florida Politics’ A.G. Gancarski — “DeSantis’ latest policy plan, this time on the military, again focuses on ‘woke,’” by Miami Herald’s Max Greenwood | | | | 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 ... | |
SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARDS QUESTIONED — A coalition of groups is calling on the State Board of Education to delay approval of new proposed teaching standards for social studies, saying that they “purposely omit or rewrite key historical facts about the Black experience” and ignore the intent of a current law requiring the teaching of Black history.
The letter adds: “We owe the next generation of scholars the opportunity to know the full unvarnished history of this state and country and all who contributed to it- good and bad. As organizations who represent the interests of millions of Floridian’s, we ask that you forgo adopting these standards until you have an opportunity to meet with key stakeholders and address our concerns. Black history has educational value and our laws must be enforced. Please do the right thing and withhold approval of these standards.” The letter was signed by Equal Ground Action Fund, the Florida Education Association, the Florida state conference of the NAACP, Florida Rising and several other organizations. The state board is scheduled to meet in Orlando today to consider the new standards which come after Florida has enacted several laws surrounding how race and gender can be taught in the classroom, including the anti-woke law touted by Gov. Ron DeSantis. TO COURT — Federal judge hears arguments on new state law restricting foreign land ownership, by POLITICO’s Bruce Ritchie: A federal judge on Tuesday heard arguments, but did not rule, on a request by the American Civil Liberties Union to block a new state law that restricts land ownership by some Chinese residents. U.S. District Judge Allen C. Winsor did not indicate how he might rule in the case and said a decision is "not imminent." But he repeatedly questioned ACLU lawyer Ashley Gorski on the claims of the plaintiffs, four Chinese immigrants and a real estate firm, that they face discrimination under the new law even though the state says they do not. | 
Echo King, president of the Florida Asian American Justice Alliance, introduces speakers at a rally outside the U.S. District Court in Tallahassee Tuesday after a hearing on a lawsuit challenging a new state law restricting land purchases by some Chinese people. | Bruce Ritchie |
| | DATELINE D.C. | |
DELEGATION BACKS PRO-ISRAEL RESOLUTION — POLITICO’s Mia McCarthy reports: The Florida House delegation came together on Tuesday to help pass a pro-Israel resolution.
The resolution, introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas), declares that Israel is not a racist or apartheid state and passed 412-9-1. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wa.) called Israel a racist state over the weekend and Pfluger’s resolution came as a direct response. Of Florida’s eight Democrats in the House, six signed on to a letter condemning Rep. Jayapal’s remarks. Members included Reps. Darren Soto, Kathy Castor, Shelia Cherfilus McCormick, Jared Moskowitz, Federica Wilson and Debbie Wasserman Schultz — a strong Israel supporter. Jayapal, who has since apologized and clarified her remarks, voted yes on the resolution. When asked if Wasserman Schultz approached her during the vote, Jayapal declined to answer. Republicans were quick to call out Jayapal after her comments over the weekend. Rep. Byron Donalds condemned Jayapal's remarks and collected signatures online in support of Israel on his website. "These anti-semitic remarks from Democrat leaders endanger our Jewish community and our relationship with our greatest ally," Donalds said in a tweet. The letter and resolution come before the Israeli president Isaac Herzog is scheduled to speak before Congress. Many progressives who voted against the resolution plan to boycott the speech. Rep. Maxwell Frost, a member of the progressive caucus, said he had not decided whether he will attend the session. While he voted yes on the resolution, Frost called Republican votes on the resolution hypocritical. Frost was also seen chatting with Wasserman Schultz prior to the vote. “We literally have a rise in Nazis in the state of Florida right now and Republicans refuse to do anything about it,” Frost said. “Refuse to do anything about white supremacy.” Republicans remain supportive of the resolution and the speech, with all House Republicans voting for the resolution. Meanwhile, Moskowitz said there was “no reason to” boycott the speech. “I'm hoping that even people who might disagree with him or policies out of Israel come and listen to what he has to say,” Moskowitz said. “I just don't like all the cancel culture.” | | ...HURRICANE HOLE... | |
CRISIS, WHAT CRISIS? — “After devastating 2022 hurricane season, AAA not renewing some insurance policies in Florida,” by Associated Press’ Mike Schneider: “AAA won’t renew ‘a very small percentage’ of homeowners and auto insurance policies in hurricane-wracked Florida, joining other insurers in limiting their exposure in the Sunshine State despite efforts by lawmakers to calm the volatile insurance market, the company said Tuesday. AAA said in a statement that it wasn’t leaving Florida, but that last year’s devastating hurricane season had led to an ‘unprecedented’ rise in reinsurance rates, making it more costly to operate.”
| | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | |
HMM — “Politicians got spots in a VIP suite for Lionel Messi’s big unveiling. Was it official duty or a perk?” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Anthony Man: “Among those granted admission to the VIP suites, attendees said, were three of the five members of the Fort Lauderdale City Commission; Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who is a candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination; U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and elected Miami-Dade County officials. Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Warren Sturman brought his three children to the event and got invites for two other people. Commissioner Pamela Beasley-Pittman, who could not be reached for comment, attended with her husband, another commissioner said.”
FALLOUT — “At New College of Florida a ‘ridiculously high’ number of faculty are gone,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Ian Hodgson: “More than one-third of New College of Florida faculty will not be returning in the fall. That’s according to Provost Bradley Thiessen, who called the 36 departures in a single year a ‘ridiculously high’ number for a school with fewer than 100 full-time teachers. Some of those were retirements or sabbaticals that were planned long before the school made national headlines in January, when Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed six trustees with a mission to transform the small liberal arts school. But many are teachers and researchers who — frustrated and dismayed by the school’s new leadership — saw no other option but to resign or take leave to look for opportunities elsewhere.” — “Report: Cavities, abscesses, tooth decay are driving children to Florida emergency rooms,” by Florida Politics’ Christine Jordan Sexton — “This Tampa Bay ex-lawmaker thinks he can solve Florida’s housing crisis,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Rebecca Liebson — “Ken Griffin purchases Palm Beach property for $83 million,” by Bloomberg’s Amanda L. Gordon — “Miami-Dade takes landmark step toward protecting outdoor workers from rising heat,” by Miami Herald’s Nicolás Rivero — “Another malaria case reported in Sarasota County, bringing total to 7,” by Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Anne Snabes — “‘Nontheistic’ nonprofit calls for Bible ban in schools, citing Moms for Liberty efforts,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Alaijah Brown | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | |
BIRTHDAYS: Former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry
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