Position Paper 3 - Social Media

Ron DeSantis 

During the midterm elections of 2022, several candidates were mentioned in headlines and across social media platforms. Of course, the claims against these candidates could be positive or negative in any election. One of these candidates that I witnessed in the news and on social media was Ron DeSantis. There were many reasons for this, some due to his actions, rumors, accusations, and through DeSantis' social media and campaign strategy. 

Ron DeSantis has been governor of Florida since 2019, securing his spot in the 2022 midterm elections. Hurricane Ian was one of the most notable events in Florida during the midterm campaigns. Although Hurricane Ian was a tragic natural disaster, catastrophes in any state will affect a governor's campaign. A governor's reaction to disasters will draw attention from citizens of that state and will ultimately be reflected at the ballot box. According to President Biden, DeSantis' response to the hurricane was "remarkable."  DeSantis' response to Hurricane Ian is seen throughout his social media. The governor was sure that the public saw his efforts for hurricane relief. Although this was the second hurricane to make landfall in Florida during his time as governor, it is an opportunity for Floridians to see if he could handle another crisis if it were to arise. 

 

Many posts like those above are scattered throughout the governor's Instagram. Of course, the most essential thing for Floridians is recovering from the hurricane, and DeSantis has reassured the people of Florida. Eight weeks after the storm and weeks after the election, governor DeSantis has continued his efforts toward rebuilding Florida towns. His ability to quickly restore structure is fantastic and does not go unnoticed. 

Although not a prominent social media platform, Desantis' website could use a little work. It does the job of getting information to interested voters; however, it seems dated compared to other candidates and political officials. His website could have a more modern approach with a video welcoming you to his home page. Maybe one of his campaign ads or notable things he has done for Florida during his time as governor. 

With more than 500,000 followers on Facebook, DeSantis posts updates and announcements for the state of Florida. His most recent announcement is a book available for preorder, The Courage to be Free: Florida's Blueprint for America's Revival. The book will be available on February 28, 2023. One personal touch he uses across his social media is his children being in his profile photos. On his Facebook, he uses a picture of himself and his son. His daughters are used on his Instagram page. This gives the impression that the governor is a "family man," an approach often used by governors for a campaign. 

DeSantis has been a governor to watch, primarily due to speculation that he is considering running for president in 2022. He has had primarily positive press; however, after announcing that he will run for president again in 2024, former President Donald Trump has chosen to attack DeSantis, despite endorsing him in 2018. According to Trump, DeSantis is "playing games" and is an "average Republican governor with great Public Relations." DeSantis has not responded to Trump's statement, ironically a tremendous public relations move for the Florida governor. The brewing rivalry between the former president and reelected governor hints at DeSantis growing support to run for president. According to YouGovAmerica.com, "Republicans prefer Ron DeSantis to Donald Trump as their 2024 presidential nominee." Further proving that Desantis' media use has caught the attention of Floridians and Americans across the country.

With most of Ron DeSantis' social media posts being dedicated to hurricane relief in Florida, it gives the impression that the governor cares deeply for his state and its citizens. After defeating democratic candidate Charlie Crist by a 20 percent margin, it is easy to say that Florida noticed his dedication. What was recently known as a swing state, Florida, is quickly turning red. It is impossible not to see DeSantis' impact on the state of Florida and what he could do for the country as President in 2024. Although he could update his website, DeSantis' use of his social media and overall media coverage from publications and news stations has brought speculation about his future in American politics. 





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