National media tunes in, Democrats tune out DeSantis' State of the State address

The press galleries at the Florida Capitol may be more packed than usual this legislative session.

National and international media have their eyes on Tallahassee thanks to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ rise to presidential contender status. The governor’s State of the State address on Tuesday drew their coverage like moths to a bug zapper. The speech kicks off the annual 60-day regular session, which ends May 5. 

The speech was analyzed by conservative and liberal media alike, with some outlets and media personalities even taking notice of Casey DeSantis’ attire and how they think it could signal her husband’s presidential ambitions. (Those gloves!)

What got less attention was Florida Democrats’ response to DeSantis’ address. Outnumbered in the statehouse and elsewhere, Democrats now are relegated to a gadfly role. Their response to the State of the State was no different.

Here’s a breakdown of media and Florida Democratic reaction to DeSantis’ address:

National media picked apart the speech, looking for signs

Several of the national stories covering the State of the State speech were through the lens of DeSantis setting an agenda for a potential 2024 run: 

— CNN’s Steve Contorno wrote that DeSantis “conspicuously avoided much of the divisive rhetoric that has fueled his political ascent,” noting that he did not use the word “woke'' one time in the address. He did note DeSantis signaled that  “another round of cultural wars is coming in the weeks ahead.” 

— CNBC’s Kevin Breuninger focused on how DeSantis’ listed off his achievements while in office, including his “high-profile political fights” over COVID safety rules and classroom instruction. He also latched on to DeSantis’ “Florida is No. 1" declaration, as well as how the governor highlighted that Florida is the fastest-growing state amid high economic growth and tourism rankings.

— NBC’s Isabelle Schmeler said DeSantis “gave political watchers plenty to talk about when it comes to his future plans.” She focused on how he kept his address primarily focused on culture war issues, which could get watchers wondering how he would bring those policies to the White house.

— Fox News’ Chris Pandolfo wrote that DeSantis presented Florida as “a leader on conservative issues and a model of successful state government.” He also wrote that the governor “avoided the bombast and political showmanship that might be associated with a candidate” despite being considered among potential 2024 hopefuls.

— The New York Post’s Victor Nava focused on DeSantis’ messaging around Florida’s economy and his tough-on-crime approach. He pointed out that the state’s 50-year low crime rate and support for law enforcement were mentioned during the address.

Was Casey DeSantis’ dress White House worthy?

During the speech, DeSantis gave a shout out to his wife Casey. His mention of her advocacy work and successful fight against breast cancer was highlighted by some outlets.

Others took more of an interest in what she was wearing. Insider’s Aditi Bharade pointed out that Casey’s pink gown with white gloves bared a striking resemblance to a famous Jackie Kennedy outfit. She also took note of several other outfits Casey had previously worn that resembled other First Ladies.

Susan Rinkunas, a reporter with Jezebel who has written about Casey’s outfits before, wrote in a Twitter post that her outfit choice could be a signal for Ron’s ambitions. “I am once again here to tell you that I know Ron DeSantis is running based on his wife's clothes alone,” she wrote.

Critics of the DeSantises also weighed in on her outfit choice. Laura Loomer, a far-right personality who supports Donald Trump and has called DeSantis a "tyrant," jeered the outfit on Twitter. “Ron & Jill are stuck in Fantasyland at Disney World pretending to be the Kennedys,” she wrote. (Mrs. DeSantis' first name is Jill, but she goes by her middle name of Casey.)

Florida Democrats not impressed, but few listen

Florida Democrats’ response to DeSantis’ speech was met with very little fanfare or attention.

A condensed version of Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book’s response to his address received a little over 500 likes on Twitter. Her full address received under 100 YouTube views. Former state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith’s tweet about the State of the State address got more interaction than Book’s post.

Book’s message was mainly centered on Florida's economic success not being felt by most Floridians. “When Floridians can’t earn a living wage to create their own version of the American Dream, it’s time to ask ourselves why,” Book said. “This is the true State of our State and Floridians, you deserve better.”

Some in the Florida Democratic legislative caucus didn’t listen to the speech at all. State Rep. Angie Nixon posted a picture of herself on Twitter in the House chamber during the speech reading Angie Thomas’ controversial novel, “The Hate U Give.” The caption: “Current situation during the State of the State Address.”