Why Ron DeSantis is the Most Dangerous U.S. Politician Today
Should we call him Ron DeFascist?
Originally published via my weekly newsletter, Politics Through History.
Ron DeSantis, the empowered governor of the great state of Florida, wants you to think he’s a woke freedom fighter. Many trending topics in conservative media inevitably find their way into Florida law. From protecting gas stoves to fighting critical race theory.
DeSantis’s efforts at regulating the latter are by far the most concerning. Championing himself as a conservative cultural warrior has brought him critical acclaim and decisive electoral victories. But it has also come at a cost. Not many of his voters may see it now, but how DeSantis has wielded the power of Florida’s administrative state is not aimed at creating more freedom. It’s reminiscent of oppressive regimes throughout history that have taken the dark road toward fascism.
Book banning is often one of the first steps. By controlling the minds of the populace, extremist political movements emotionally and intellectually conquer their voters. But before we go there, let’s first analyze DeSantis’s strategy to sell himself as Trump 2.0.