Opinion: What Hannity was up to in that weird DeSantis-Newsom debate

Opinion: Last night’s debate between Governors Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom on Fox News had a few entertaining moments, but it left many wondering what the point of it was. The event was hyped up as a heavyweight match between two politicians on opposite sides of the red state-blue state divide, but it ended up being more like an undercard fight. Nonetheless, it was still more enjoyable than the previous Republican debates, which have consisted of multiple candidates attacking each other instead of focusing on the frontrunner.

DeSantis had more to gain from the debate, as it gave him more airtime and the opportunity to assert himself without having to tiptoe around former President Donald Trump. Newsom, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy the speculation surrounding his potential presidential aspirations, even though he has repeatedly denied any interest in running.

The debate was moderated by Fox News anchor Sean Hannity, who tried to maintain a neutral stance but framed every question from a conservative, anti-Biden viewpoint. This led to a series of questions focused on California’s issues, such as crime, illegal immigration, homelessness, high taxation, and street feces. Despite the contentious atmosphere, both candidates managed to put on a good show, with DeSantis attacking Newsom’s policies and Newsom defending President Joe Biden.

One interesting aspect of the debate was the emphasis on Newsom as a potential heir to Biden’s position, as if Fox News and others were trying to push Biden out. This gave Newsom the opportunity to showcase his abilities and prove that he could handle multiple opponents at once. Overall, Newsom came out looking slick and confident, while DeSantis seemed a bit jealous of his opponent’s performance.

One positive aspect of the debate was the lack of audience participation, with no applause or distractions. However, the main takeaway from the event was that confronting opponents head-on can make candidates appear more confident and competent, while effective surrogates can use energy and strategic moves to their advantage. However, some may worry that Newsom’s performance was too effective, potentially overshadowing the current frontrunner, President Biden.