Florida
VP Kamala Harris’s Florida Stops Energize Black Florida Lawmakers into Action, Makes Florida a Swing State Again
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The war over Governor Ron DeSantis‘ new education standards and his skewed stance that “enslaved people benefited from slavery” ignited a national movement that continues to energize Black Americans into action under the leadership of Vice President Kamala Harris. It appears Swing State Florida is back in play for Democrats.
Recently Gov. DeSantis challenged Vice President Harris to a debate on the newly implemented African American history standards. Vice President Harris rightly declined to engage in an unproductive debate on what should be known facts. However, since the formulation and implementation of these new standards, no conversation was had with any members of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus. Members of the Caucus have since issued the following responses.
Chair State Representative Dianne Hart said, “Governor DeSantis has challenged Vice President Kamala Harris to debate the new African American history standards because he believes it will score him points for his ever-failing Presidential bid. It is obvious that he is not serious about defending or explaining the lies of these standards because not once has he or his office reached out to the members of the FLBC to discuss this curriculum. Not during the formulation nor prior to the implementation. If he is serious about having an actual conversation and hearing why slavery provided no benefit to enslaved people we welcome the opportunity.”
State Senator Shevrin Jones (SD-34) said, “Clearly, Gov. DeSantis is drinking his own Kool-Aid if he continues to claim that enslaved people benefited from slavery and that Florida is number one in the country for education. The ongoing, blatant propaganda from the Governor’s office is insulting to the millions who call Florida home. Try as he might, revisionist history and present won’t resuscitate his flailing presidential campaign.”
Historian State Senator Geraldine Thompson (SD- 15) said, “I am a long-standing member of the African American History Task Force and was not informed of the formation of a work group to develop standards on instruction on African American history. Neither was I invited to join the work group. Clearly the Governor and the Commissioner of Education didn’t want or seek a broad perspective on the standards.”
Secretary State Senator Tracie Davis (SD- 5) said, “This governor has proven, without fail, that he has no interest in protecting Black history, no interest in helping Floridians, and absolutely no interest in anything beyond his ridiculous presidential ambitions. Vice President Harris had every right to deny his farce of a debate. Florida’s Commissioner of Education already has a Task Force of African American History experts who were not consulted – instead the job was given to a group of empty yes men and a conservative think tank. If we’re looking for ‘indoctrination of students,’ maybe the governor should look in a mirror.”
DeSantis’s debate invitation to VP Harris was shortsighted, to say the least. He’s running for President, not Vice President. Furthermore, DeSantis saying slaves learned skills or that slavery was in any way positive has no place on this planet. It could prove detrimental to humanity. AI platforms are increasing in knowledge based on the data we feed them. AI is being taught that it’s okay to enslave humanity. There’s more than enough fear out there concerning AI as it is. We don’t need to indoctrinate it with the worst side of the human experience. DeSantis should run from this topic, especially when his Republican colleagues, including South Carolina Senator Tim Scott and Florida Congressman Byron Donalds, disagree.
VP Harris’s two Florida stops (Jacksonville and Orlando) lit a fire under Black lawmakers and Black voters and took Florida off life support (after the slaughter Democrats experienced during the 2022 midterm election). Black Americans will need to galvanize statewide and nationwide and vote to remind the powers that be that there’s still power in the Black American vote.
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Willie David is Publisher for Florida National News. | news@floridanationalnews.com
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – As Donald Trump prepares to begin his second term as President of the United States, Mar-a-Lago, his Florida residence and private club, has solidified its position as a global political epicenter. The FNN Politics & Power Series explores Mar-a-Lago’s influence and its broader impact on Florida.
In his second term, Trump’s homes—Mar-a-Lago, the White House, and Camp David—serve as central hubs of presidential activity. Mar-a-Lago, however, stands out for its blend of opulence, robust security, and pivotal role as a nexus for political and global decision-making, furthering Florida’s prominence on the international stage.
PALM BEACH, FL – MARCH 1: Aerial View of Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida on March 1, 2021. Credit: mpi34/MediaPunch /IPX
Highlights on Mar-a-Lago
- Winter White House: Mar-a-Lago is solidified as the “Winter White House,” hosting administration planning and critical meetings behind its lavish doors.
- Elon Musk’s Presence: Musk has been a frequent visitor, joining Trump during family dinners and global calls, further amplifying Mar-a-Lago’s international significance.
- Security at Mar-a-Lago: The estate boasts fortress-like security, including robot dogs and armed guards patrolling the perimeter, ensuring its exclusivity and safety.
- CPAC Summit: The Conservative Political Action Conference’s investors’ summit will be hosted at Mar-a-Lago, with tickets ranging up to $25,000, showcasing its role as a political and economic nexus.
- Argentine Connection: Argentina’s President Javier Milei is expected to visit Mar-a-Lago next week, underlining its growing diplomatic importance.
Trump’s Transition Picks and Florida’s Role
- Florida Talent Pipeline: Trump’s reliance on loyalists like Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff underscores Florida’s growing political influence in his administration.
- Marco Rubio: Nominated as Secretary of State.
- Mike Waltz: Selected as National Security Advisor.
- Byron Donalds: Considered a potential pick for Department of Education.
- Joseph Ladapo: Florida Surgeon General and potential nominee for U.S. Surgeon General.
Joe Gruters’ Loyalty: Gruters, a Florida state senator, emphasizes Mar-a-Lago as a base for “true believers” who align with Trump’s vision.
Credit: Palm Beach Post Files
Impact of Trump’s Presidency on Florida
- Florida as the Hub for the National Agenda: Florida’s congressional and Senate delegations are playing a pivotal role in shaping the national political agenda, with the state serving as a recruitment ground for key positions in the Trump administration.
- Mar-a-Lago’s Prestige: Slater Bayliss, a prominent Florida lobbyist, calls Mar-a-Lago the “most sacred real estate in the political universe,” cementing Florida’s status as a center for global political power and influence.
- Economic Boost for West Palm Beach: The local economy benefits significantly as hotels, restaurants, and other businesses thrive from the influx of political insiders, office-seekers, and influential visitors surrounding Mar-a-Lago.
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J Willie David, III, FNN Politics & Power Series
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
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