The possibility of a debate between California’s Gavin Newsom and Florida’s Ron DeSantis — two governors on opposite ends of the political spectrum — may still seem remote.
Newsom’s team on Saturday criticized DeSantis’ proposed rules debate on Fox News.
“What a joke,” Newsom spokesman Nathan Click said in a statement responding to the suggestion that DeSantis’ team sent Fox News host Sean Hannity the day before.
“DeSantis’ counter-proposal is full of crutches to disguise his insecurities and incompetence — swapping opening statements for a noise video, cutting back on the time he needs to be on stage, adding cheat notes and a cheering section,” said Click. “Ron should be able to stand on his own two feet. No wonder Trump kicks his ass.”
DeSantis’ team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
DeSantis, who is running for the Republican presidential nomination, Hannity said on Wednesday that he would be willing to debate Newsom, a Democratic governor with whom he frequently clashed on issues such as guns, abortion, education, and immigration.
“Absolutely. I’m game. Let’s get it done. Just tell me when and where.” DeSantis said, agreeing to the debate idea that first came up in June, when Hannity asked Newsom if he’d debate DeSantis.
Newsom sent formally Discussion presentation letter to Hannity in July That included rules such as that the debate would be moderated by Hannity, broadcast live for 90 minutes, and that both governors would not use the notes. Newsom also suggested Nevada, Georgia and North Carolina as possible locations.
In a letter to Hannity, dated Friday, DeSantis’ team provided its own rules for the discussion, which differed from some suggested by Newsom. Some differences:
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DeSantis proposed four dates from September 19 to November 8, while Newsom proposed two dates in November.
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DeSantis wanted a live audience in a 50-50 split, while Newsom said “there is no live audience”.
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DeSantis doesn’t want opening remarks, while Newsom would like both participants to have four minutes.
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DeSantis suggested that they each submit a two-minute video that Fox News must approve before it runs at the top of the debate.
Hannity on Wednesday framed the event as a “policy-based debate” between the heads of the red state and blue state, but DeSantis said the debate will be much more than that.
“This is the debate about the future of our country,” he told Hannity.
This article was originally published NBCNews.com
