Get the Ricochet app

Ricochet will work fine in a browser on your mobile devices, but for the best experience please download our app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Become a member.

Tired of the toxicity of social media? Why not join Ricochet for just $5/month? Think of it as an online bar. Come in, have a drink, hang out, say whatever you want. But don’t badger, bully, or berate the other drinkers. That's our only rule.

Governor Ron DeSantis and The Free State of Florida

Peter Robinson
@PeterRobinson
Join to bookmark3likesJoin to like3comments

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis joins Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee to explain how Florida transformed from a razor-thin swing state into one of the fastest-growing and most politically distinct states in the country. DeSantis outlines his governing philosophy—pairing conservative policy with a focus on competence—and details the results: rapid population growth, rising revenues without an income tax, debt reduction, and a dramatic political realignment. He reflects on controversial decisions during COVID, his approach to education reform and school choice, and high-profile battles with corporations, universities, and cultural institutions. The discussion also explores broader themes, including the decline of identity politics, the future of the Republican Party, and the enduring relevance of America’s founding principles.

Recorded on March 9th, 2025

This post was promoted to the Main Feed by an editor.

Discussion (3)

  • Chris Williamson@ChrisWilliamson

    This is a spectacular interview. Thank you for conducting it, Peter. I'll be sure to tell my friends at the coffee klatch tomorrow to watch it, and I recommend my fellow Ricochetti watch it all the way through. (Who knew that statues could be so important to the nation's legacy?)

    At one point during the interview I thought, "This is Ronald Reagan revived", and then you pointed out the similarity. I was struck by the fact that the governor used the line-item veto to remove nice things to have but not necessary in a state budget. Brilliant.

    I'm a New College alum, and I couldn't be more pleased about what the governor did with that school, and what he is doing for education at all levels. Would that I were 18 again to learn from The Greats that are gathering in Florida, although Russian Professor Schatz at New College in the early 80s was pretty special.

    Governor Desantis has my vote for president any time he runs. Again, thanks, Peter.

  • Stad@Stad
    Peter Robinson (View Post):

    to explain how Florida transformed from a razor-thin swing state into one of the fastest-growing and most politically distinct states in the country.

    It's easy: Conservative principles applied to government policy and societal norms. I'm rooting for DeSantis to get rid of property taxes in Florida. If he and his legislature succeed, I'm hoping the rest of the red states follow like falling dominos . . .