In a recent segment, MSNBC correspondent Jen Psaki shed light on the ambitions and political maneuvering of Ron DeSantis, the Florida Governor and presidential candidate. Psaki acknowledged the amusement derived from DeSantis’s public mishaps and comical incidents, including allegedly eating pudding with his fingers and donning silly white rain boots. However, she emphasized the need to look beyond the surface and examine the substance of what he is actually saying.
While DeSantis’s campaign announcement suffered from technical delays, Psaki highlighted the significance of his statements amidst the chaos. She drew attention to his desire to dismiss FBI Director Christopher Wray on his first day in office and his inclination to pardon the insurrectionists involved in the January 6th events, as well as former President Donald Trump. These policy proposals were overshadowed by something even more concerning – DeSantis’s plan to leverage Article II of the Constitution, which defines the powers and limitations of the executive branch.
Psaki described Article II as a crucial guardrail that prevents an overreach of executive authority. However, she expressed alarm at DeSantis’s intentions to circumvent these guardrails. He has repeatedly conveyed his disregard for limitations and indicated his willingness to sidestep constitutional restraints if elected. By openly discussing his intent to “use leverage” and asserting that he would go beyond what previous presidents have done, DeSantis positions himself as the one who will wield power more forcefully than even his predecessor, Donald Trump.
Psaki argued that DeSantis’s focus on power and circumventing constitutional restraints raises questions about his commitment to leadership, consensus-building, and respect for the office he aspires to hold. Citing his previous remarks about governing in Florida, she highlighted his declaration that his 50% share of the vote entitled him to wield 100% of the executive power, which he resolved to use for advancing conservative principles.
While the amusing memes and tweets mocking DeSantis may persist, Psaki cautioned against allowing them to distract from the significance of his words. The consequences of his pursuit of unchecked power extend beyond comedic fodder. As voters assess the candidates, understanding DeSantis’s ambitions and the implications of his desire to override constitutional limits should remain at the forefront of the discussion.