Here's the 'Hitchhiker's Guide' to Matt Gaetz's Plot to Remove Kevin McCarthy

 Matt Vespa

"Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is filing a motion to vacate to remove House Speaker Kevin McCarthy over the stopgap measure that averted a government shutdown. Speaker McCarthy had to solicit Democrat votes to pass the continuing resolution, which will keep Congress afloat for another 45 days. The deal struck reportedly involved a separate vote on an aid package to Ukraine. There were no such funds allocated in the shutdown-averting spending bill passed yesterday (via NBC News): . . .

I will file a motion to vacate against @SpeakerMcCarthy this week. pic.twitter.com/kFA7X7P2OG

— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) October 1, 2023

. . . 

Matt Gaetz Rages, Says McCarthy Cut Deceitful Side Deal with Democrats (thefederalistpapers.org)   . . . "And if a charge he launched Saturday night has any truth to it, he’s got more ammunition than ever.

"Just after 8 p.m. Saturday, Gaetz picked up on a statement from House Democrats declaring that when the House returns to business, they expect McCarthy to”advance a bill to the House Floor for an up-or-down vote” on funding to support Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion.

"Funding for Ukraine was not part of the stopgap spending bill passed by the House and Senate and signed by President Joe Biden late Saturday.

"To Gaetz, the statement was proof that McCarthy had betrayed his own party, which has been leery of giving a blank check to Ukraine.

“ 'Wow,” Gaetz wrote in a post on X, the former Twitter. “@Speaker McCarthy made a side Ukraine deal with Democrats and didn’t tell House Republicans until after his Continuing Resolution passed.

“ 'More deceit.' ” . . .

Matt Gaetz's Gambit to Remove Speaker McCarthy and Wile E. Coyote's Schemes Look a Lot Alike – RedState   . . ."What does that mean? It means that the Democrats will probably end up with a larger voice in the decisions made by McCarthy. He controls the parliamentary process and can help Democrat bills move through the House and bury GOP bills to which the Democrats object. It means that the seat at the table afforded to the Freedom Caucus may no longer exist because McCarthy's job will depend on Democrat votes, and he can afford to ignore rebel Republicans.

"The unanswered question to Gaetz's petition is, if it succeeds, who becomes Speaker? The only man I can see who could pull the votes to win is Steve Scalise, and he has major health issues that would make serving as Speaker very difficult for him. It is easy to see the geniuses who masterminded this move ending up allowing a Democrat to become Speaker.

"Whatever the outcome of the vote, I don't see how this fiasco moves the ball forward for either the Freedom Caucus or the GOP. After forcing a vote on removing McCarthy, a vote that will almost certainly fail, McCarthy will have no incentive to cooperate with conservative members because he doesn't owe them anything. I don't even see how this move aids Matt Gaetz's ambitions. He's going to get very little support.". . .

Why MTG Is Siding With Speaker McCarthy in Removal Battle (townhall.com)  . . .  "McCarthy faces the prospect of losing as many as 20 GOP votes if everything goes pear-shaped for him. The current partisan split in the House is 221 Republicans and 212 Democrats. This means losing five GOP votes could remove him from office if the Democrats vote as a bloc against the resolution. I'm unsure if anyone has thought through this scheme any more than Wile E. Coyote thought through his.

"I'm sure McCarthy will lobby restive Republicans for their vote, but the mere handful of votes needed to remove him from office means that McCarthy has a choice to make. He can either see himself removed from his position, and that would almost certainly require him to resign from Congress, or he can cut a deal with Hakeem Jeffries for the support of the Democrat caucus. My money says McCarthy cuts a deal. 

"What does that mean? It means that the Democrats will probably end up with a larger voice in the decisions made by McCarthy. He controls the parliamentary process and can help Democrat bills move through the House and bury GOP bills to which the Democrats object. It means that the seat at the table afforded to the Freedom Caucus may no longer exist because McCarthy's job will depend on Democrat votes, and he can afford to ignore rebel Republicans.

"The unanswered question to Gaetz's petition is, if it succeeds, who becomes Speaker? The only man I can see who could pull the votes to win is Steve Scalise, and he has major health issues [due to being shot by a murderous democrat. TD] that would make

What We Must Believe to Believe Biden Is Innocent

  The American Spectator | USA News and Politics

This situation is, to coin a phrase, worse than Watergate.

"It’s hardly a surprise that the corporate media have rushed to the defense of President Biden pursuant to the impeachment inquiry announced last week by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. More surprising is the absurdity of the arguments they offer on his behalf. For years, his denials notwithstanding, Biden knew his son ran an international enterprise whose only real service was selling access to the Vice President of the United States to foreign entities who hoped to procure favorable policy decisions from the Obama administration. This operation generated at least $20 million that was doled out to nine Biden family members, yet we are asked to believe that the “Big Guy” didn’t get a cut.

"CNN, for example, insists there is no evidence that he “personally received any money.” The network’s fact-checkers evidently need to see a cancelled check made out to “Joe Biden” by an Oligarch who has helpfully written “bribe” on the memo line. The public is more sophisticated. A significant plurality of voters believe that Biden has accepted bribes. A recent Yahoo/YouGov survey asked this question (48F): “Do you believe that Hunter Biden funneled millions of dollars to his father in a long-running scheme to help Joe Biden profit off of his position?” Fully 45 percent of registered voters answered, “Yes.” These aren’t “MAGA extremists.” Indeed, 41 percent of Independents answered, “Yes.”

"Moreover, they have many sound reasons for doubting the President’s veracity and suspecting him of engaging in impeachable offences. On August 24, House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) released a list of 16 instances of Biden lying to the American people about his knowledge of his family’s influence peddling schemes. Last week, Chairman Comer released an additional list of evidence showing that Joe Biden’s involvement in these illegal schemes was anything but passive. Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the President Ian Sams issued a memorandum to the corporate “news” media effectively commanding them to scrutinize Republicans with even more animus than is their standard practice:" . . .

I Knew Before Anyone — In 1985 — Biden Is Financially Corrupt - The American Spectator | USA News and Politics   . . .Staffer: The senator would like to have his $5,000 honorarium paid by that college group of yours for a speech at the college chapter nearest the Pierre hotel.

Me: I don’t understand. Are you saying Sen. Biden would like to speak to our college group, too?

Staffer: No, the senator cannot fit that college group in his plans while he is in New York. He just wants the honorarium to be made to appear as though he spoke to them, not to Herut Zionists of America.

Me: Again, I apologize. I am new at all this. Are you asking me to falsify the source of payment for Sen. Biden’s honorarium?

Staffer: You are not falsifying anything. You are getting the speech you want by the senator you want for the price you agreed on. The senator is getting the $5,000 you agreed to pay him. It’s just a bookkeeping matter, to make it look like the college students are paying him for speaking at their campus instead of him speaking at the Pierre to your group. But, don’t worry, it will be your group that he speaks to." . . .

The President Who Wasn’t There

If he’s willing to lie about things the truth is easily available to everyone to refute, what do you think he’s willing to say about things conducted in private, when no one was around to see?

 Derek Hunter

"To hear Joe Biden tell it, he’s been a major factor in just about everything important that happened during his lifetime, and some things before he was born. The only problem is, we know he didn’t do important things and, more often than not, wasn’t even around when they were done. The truth has a weird way of complicating the president’s life story. But according to him, he’s the “Forrest Gump President,” always there, always playing a role in directing history. While the nickname is accurate, it’s for his IQ, not his participation in history.

Joe Biden’s life must be wildly boring. The reality of it, I mean. Why else would he spend so much time fantasizing about things that didn’t happen?

When not looking in the crowd for dead people or pretending to be a faith healer by asking paralyzed people to stand up, the president fills his speeches with mumbling incoherencies, screaming declarations, whispered fantasies and straight up lies. It really is a marvel to behold.

For a guy who admitted in the past that he played no role, and had no real interest in, the Civil Rights Movement, he regularly tells audiences he marched for them. In fact, he was either arrested or almost arrested for his role in the fight. He was even arrested trying to visit Nelson Mandela in South Africa, so committed to the cause was he.

None of that is remotely true – Joe never did anything related to Civil Rights, even though he was old enough during the fight to have participated. He, in fact, associated with racist, segregationist Democrats when he first arrived in the Senate in 1973." . . .

Full Article here.

Donald Trump was right-

  Don Surber (substack.com)

The mayor of America's Sanctuary City just said no mas to illegals

"On Sunday, Eric Adams called for closing our borders to illegal aliens.

"Bwahaha.

"When he ran for mayor of New York, Eric Adams swore allegiance to the town’s status as a sanctuary city. He said, gimme your tired, gimme your poor, gimme your huddled masses, and gimme your wretched refuse. I will make them Democrats.

He was the man with a plan.

"Politics NY said at the time, “Adams’ plan leverages existing city programs and institutions. This includes the use of the city’s Economic Development Corporation funding to create a $50 million annual Immigrant Venture Fund for first or second-generation immigrant businesses as a continuation of the city’s sanctuary city status for undocumented immigrants.

“ 'The plan also expands funding of legal services against discrimination, and additional funding for NYC Care — the city’s affordable health market — to market to immigrant communities.”

"Wow, $50 million to start a business. That’s a nice incentive to come to New York. Plus the state give illegal aliens driver’s licenses and refuses to help ICE deport them. And the city has what it calls a Right To Shelter ordinance that guarantees a nice, warm, safe place to stay.

"Texas Governor Greg Abbott, overrun with millions of illegal aliens, decided to ship a few thousand north to those sanctuary cities. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also shipped illegals from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard. At first, Mayor Adams thought he could shame the governors to cease and desist." . . .

Bill Maher tells Biden to drop out of 2024 race, compares him to Ruth Bader Ginsberg

Polling has shown that even a majority of Democrat voters believe the feeble, geriatric president is too old to hold the office another four years — all of which spurs plenty of chatter about Biden being replaced at some point. California Gov. Gavin Newson and former first lady Michelle Obama are frequently mentioned as possible replacements.

 BPR.  "Bill Maher is worried that President Joe Biden will lose to former President Donald Trump in a possible 2024 rematch, likening the president to the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg for hanging on too long.

“Someone has to convince President Biden that if he runs again, he’s going to turn the country back over to Trump… and go down in history as Ruth Bader Biden, the person who doesn’t know when to quit and so does great damage to their party and their country,” Maher said in the “New Rule” segment of his show.

"He was clear that he did not have a problem with Biden’s performance as president, but had little faith that he’s up for another 4 years.

" 'All of us who like Joe Biden have been struggling lately with the political situation of the Democratic Party. An incumbent we admire, who acquitted himself well in a first term, but who even members of his own party don’t want to see run for a second,” Maher said." . . .

One hundred percent TRUTH through humor! Must watch!

THE PARASITES👇 pic.twitter.com/vQL11RUg0o

— suzy (@Suzy_1776) October 1, 2023

A COVID Tyrant For President? –

• Hectored and disparaged anyone who didn’t agree with his oppressive pandemic response, which turned out to be fatally wrong.

  Issues & Insights

"When recently asked if he was going to run for president next year, California Gov. Gavin Newsom wouldn’t rule it out. This is no big news, since we’ve been hearing for some time that he will rescue the faltering Biden-Harris regime. But it is distressing. In addition to driving people from his state with policies that become more deranged with every passing year, Newsom was a malevolent pandemic warrior who should have been punished for his offenses. Voters deserve to know just how vicious he was – and that he remains unrepentant.

"It would be hard to argue that any another state mistreated its citizens more than California. Given the opportunity of the novel coronavirus outbreak, Newsom smoothly tapped into his just-below-the-surface authoritarianism (the same urge to dictate that afflicts nearly every Democrat in the nation).

"When he issued his stay-at-home command in March 2020, which the Los Angeles Times called “unprecedented” in “modern California history,” it was the first stomp of the heavy boot that Newsom would keep on Californians until February of this year. Only then did he surrender his self-granted emergency powers – five months after he vetoed a bill that would have limited the authority governors can wield during a declared crisis.

"During his reign of petty tyranny, Newsom . . ."   Read Newsom's resume here.

Gavin Newsom picks abortion activist Laphonza Butler to fill Dianne Feinstein's Senate seat    

California Gov. Gavin Newsom touted Maryland resident and pro-abortion advocate Laphonza Butler filling Dianne Feinstein's Senate seat as the 'first black lesbian' to serve in the position.

 "Newsom made clear that Butler would be a reliable vote for the leftist agenda."

Newsom’s ‘First Black Lesbian’ Senate Appointee Immediately Hit With Scandal, Cover-Up Underway – RedState   . . ."You know, for all the talk of Newsom's smooth-talking demeanor, it's worth remembering that he's actually just an incompetent clown. That's why the comparisons between him and Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida are so laughable. Yeah, the coming debate between the two men will be entertaining, but it doesn't even really matter what happens because the real-world results are night and day. Florida is economically and socially booming with a huge influx of newcomers while California is drowning in a sea of far-left idiocy." . . . 

Senate choice shows Newsom is seriously out of touch – Orange County Register (ocregister.com)   "After the passing of long-serving U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Gavin Newsom picked a replacement to serve until the next election. His choice of Laphonza Butler – president of the Emily’s List political action committee, which helps elect female abortion-rights supporters to Congress – hasn’t been as well received as the governor had expected. It was a poor choice for a variety of reasons.

"Butler isn’t even a resident of California. She had previously lived here, but only changed her voting registration over the weekend. “I applaud Governor Newsom for recognizing there are now so many Californians who have moved to other states that they deserve their own senator,” said U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Rocklin, in a snarky post on X. " . . .

Gavin Newsom Throws Dart At Board Covered In Black Lesbians To Select Next Senator | Babylon Bee   Parody, y'know?

CNN’s Response To Joe And Hunter Biden’s Corruption Is Jaw-Dropping

  Analyzing America   "In response to the bombshell testimony of business associate Devon Archer, CNN claimed Hunter Biden was bribing foreign nationals with the “illusion” of access to his father.

"In stark contrast, House Oversight Chairman James Comer confirms it was no illusion. The Biden family successfully raked in tens of millions of dollars in the process.

"A CNN report claims, “Devon Archer told the House Oversight Committee on Monday that his former business partner, Hunter Biden, was selling the ‘illusion’ of access to his father, according to a source familiar with the closed-door interview, the latest development in the Republican-led congressional investigations into the president’s son.”

"For years, speculation swirled about how the Biden family was raking in tens of millions of dollars from foreign sources. After all, Joe and Hunter Biden had no personal or business ties to Ukraine or China, and no experience in the energy sector. Following the GOP-led investigation, the evidence points to one unmistakable conclusion: The Biden family engaged in an illegal influence-peddle scheme that put the US government on sale.

"Star witness Devon Archer admitted that he came up with the idea for the criminal enterprise and approached Joe and Hunter Biden. In the words of Archer, the Biden family provided “government regulatory strategic advice” to companies in Ukraine, Russia, and China. Specifically, the Biden family worked with foreign nationals in the energy sector. In 2022 alone, the U.S. invested over $140 billion into “clean energy.” Conveniently, the Biden administration has set a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

"Beginning on January 20, 2011, then-Vice President Joe Biden wrote a personal letter to Archer to thank him for the business opportunity. The smoking-gun evidence has been analyzed and authenticated. (Trending: Trump Indicted Again On Criminal Charges)" . .  .

Former President Barack Obama’s private advice to Joe Biden may help explain why the federal government is going after Donald Trump with multiple criminal indictments. . . ."The truth is that Democrats are scared. According to The Washington Post, Obama warned Biden at a lunch meeting in the White House in late June about Trump’s soaring popularity as he seeks reelection.

"Obama fears that Democrats are underestimating Trump and misunderstanding his status as a formidable political opponent. (Trending: CNN’s Response To Joe Biden’s Corruption Is Jaw-Dropping)" . . .

Wokester-socialist Democrat Rep. Jamaal Bowman went full "high school"

And was fully approved by AOC, CNN and MSNBC, among others. TD

Rep. Jamaal Bowman does the 'insurrection' thing  . . ."Republicans should absolutely demand that Bowman pay the full price the January 6 defendants did, or else everyone gets out of the can now. There can't be two standards of justice based on one's party loyalty. What Democrats don't like is that they set these rules and now are faced with the prospect of having to live by their own rules. Make them pay, or let the shaman's pals out now."

Babylon Bee   PHOENIX, AZ — "After years of being jailed with violent criminals, Buffalo Guy was kicking himself today for not simply pulling a fire alarm on January 6th to force Congress to evacuate.

" 'Seriously? I could have just pulled the fire alarm instead of going to all the trouble to dress like a buffalo and charge into the Capitol?" said an aghast Buffalo Guy. "Gosh, do I feel silly."

"Buffalo Guy, known in some circles as Jacob Chansley, watched yesterday as Representative Jamaal Bowman demonstrated how to properly and legally commit a crime to delay Congressional proceedings. "So you pull the fire alarm, and then come up with some ridiculous excuse, like you thought the fire alarm was a doorknob," explained Mr. Bowman. "You could even say that you have lived your whole life under the impression that pulling a fire alarm is how you select Nacho Cheese Doritos out of the vending machine. It doesn't matter. They can have you on video committing the crime, and as long as you explain you're too dumb to understand what a fire alarm is, you're good to go! Have at it destroying Congress!"

"At publishing time, millions of Americans had headed for D.C. to help continuously pull the Capitol fire alarm in hopes of stopping Congress from ever doing anything ever." . . .

Jamaal Bowman: I Pulled the Fire Alarm Because...Republicans Are Nazis?  " Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) has tried and so far largely failed to explain or justify his decision to pull a fire alarm in a Capitol Hill office building as Congress rushed to avert a federal government shutdown. Now, his desperation to put an end to criticism and push back on punishment for his conduct from House Republicans has taken a predictable but pathetic turn." . . .

"Ah yes, the old "Republicans are enforcing the law and holding people accountable for their actions because they're Nazis" turn of phrase."  . . .Cherish the word...

I want to be among 'my people,' she said...until she was

 Robert Arvay - American Thinker  

 . . ."Ann's mother asked, in exasperation, why would you wish to go to such a place? Ann's response, probably conditioned by her friendship with Shakeena, was — and I remember the mildly sarcastic way her mother said it — "I want to be among my people."

" 'But," Felicia told Ann, "you are among your people.  We are your people."  Our friends and neighbors are your people.  It was all to no avail.

"With great trepidation, and after meeting Shakeena's middle-class, working parents, Thomas and Felicia finally relented, albeit with several conditions, to which Ann resentfully agreed.  That afternoon, Thomas drove Ann and Shakeena to Shakeena's cousins' house, which was an old, single-family dwelling, possibly government-owned.  Thomas did not like the neighborhood, and although he was as black as the residents on the street, he felt very much out of place, even reminiscent of his dangerous encounter on his earlier road trip.

"Stressing to Ann that she must keep her cell phone handy at all times, Thomas returned home, expecting to come back late the following morning to retrieve Ann.

"He did not have to wait that long. At 2 A.M., he was awakened by a frantic call from Ann.  "Daddy, you have to come get me.  They're shooting outside!"

"Immediately, and with a father's fearlessly protective instinct for his daughter, Thomas was swiftly on his way.  Arriving, he found himself in the near vicinity of a gunfight between black gangs.  Running into the house without hesitation, he grabbed his grateful Ann, got her into the car, and thankfully made good their escape.

"Felicia told us that Ann never again mentioned wishing to "be among my people.' ". . .

Diversity, Division, Disintegration -Peter J. Sandys

. . ."You have not moved but feel like you are no longer at home. You have not left your country, but it feels like your country has left you. You feel like a foreigner and outsider in your home—internally banished. For a long time, you believed you were the only one who sees, hears, thinks, and fears that way; you were afraid to say it and ashamed of your impressions and thoughts." . . .

WH encourages gender reassignment surgery, puberty blockers, hormone therapy for transgender minors

 

Biden administration endorses transgender youth sex-change operations, 'top surgery,' hormone therapy | Fox News    . . .Biden also indicated that his administration would fight state laws that limit how transgender athletes may compete, after transgender University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas drew national attention at the NCAA championships.

"Such state laws are "simply wrong" and "hateful," Biden said, adding that his administration is "standing up for transgender equality in the classroom, on the playing field, at work, in our military, in our housing and health care systems – everywhere."

"A Texas judge earlier this month blocked the state from investigating parents who provide medical treatments to help their transgender children transition, according to reports. 

"Gov. Greg Abbott has called gender-affirming treatments "child abuse" and ordered Texas Child Protective Services to investigate any reported cases. Attorney General Ken Paxton also issued a legal opinion coming to the same conclusion, according to Houston Public Media." . . . 

Joe Biden’s behavior with girls and women draws scrutiny - Vox

Recent incidents have drawn scrutiny, but some voters may like Biden just the way he is. "Biden’s recent comments recall a long history with girls and women

"Biden has long been known for touching and standing close to women, earning the nickname “Creepy Uncle Joe.” But as Laura McGann wrote at Vox, the press treated the behavior more as a joke than as a serious issue — until this year.

"In March, former Nevada lieutenant governor candidate Lucy Flores wrote in an essay at New York Magazine’s the Cut that Biden had smelled her hair and planted an unwelcome kiss on her head during a campaign event in 2014. Shortly thereafter, other women came forward to describe encounters with Biden that made them feel uncomfortable. The former vice president eventually released a video statement saying that “social norms are changing” and pledging to change along with them." . . .

The fall of Lululemon — how stores surrendered to looters

 Douglas Murray

Over the summer, an employee who had worked for 13 years at a Lowe’s in Georgia attempted to stop some shoplifters. The 68-year-old woman was punched in the face by one of the suspects. And her reward? She was fired by her employers.

"They have a high class of looter in Philly these days.

"On Tuesday evening, a huge group of youths ransacked multiple stores in the city.

"They attacked Foot Locker and Apple (obviously)

"But they also broke into and ransacked the local branch of Lululemon.

Yoga moms everywhere will be appalled.

"And while looting can never be condoned, I must admit that I feel like the high-end sports clothing store had it coming.

"Let me explain.

"But first I must admit to my great shame that I have been to a Lululemon store.

"Worse, I actually bought one of their comfortable but overpriced workout hoodies.

"There, I’ve admitted it." . . .

This pointless Republican debate left us all feeling a little bit dumber

  Moira Donegan | The Guardian

"Every time I hear you I feel a little bit dumber,” Nikki Haley said at the second Republican presidential primary debate last night. She was talking to Vivek Ramaswamy, the businessman currently polling at an average of about 6% among likely Republican voters. But she could have been talking about any one of the seven candidates: Haley, Ramaswamy, the Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, South Carolina senator Tim Scott, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former vice-president Mike Pence and the North Dakota governor, Doug Burgum. The debate was rancorous, chaotic and punctured by statements so hateful, outlandish and extreme that they made an impression even by the current Republican party’s very low standards.

"Worst of all, the whole thing was pointless: Donald Trump, who is leading in the polls by more than 40 points, was not there. The candidates, wannabes, also-rans and cynical self-promoters, spent much of the evening attacking each other. But for the most part, they did not attack him.  

"Donald Trump’s absence was, like in the first Republican debate, the most significant presence on the stage. As indictments, debts and civil judgements against the former president accumulate, and as his bluster and vulgarity lose their novelty and capacity to shock, there has been some suggestion that perhaps Trump will disqualify himself from running for president. Can a candidate make a credible bid for the presidency while also being charged with dozens of felonies? Can Trump persuade voters – of whom a majority have never voted for him, and who turned on him in large numbers just four years ago? These are legitimate questions, but they are questions for a general election: they are not relevant in the primary. Neither charges, nor convictions, nor legal judgments, nor mounting attorney’s fees will cause Trump to withdraw or lose significant support. His followers are immune to facts, and he is immune to shame. Barring his death, he will be the Republican nominee. His shadow loomed over the candidates onstage at the Reagan library like former Air Force One, which hung from the mezzanine above their line of gleaming podiums. One was tempted to imagine, more than once, what would happen if it fell." . . .

We're All A Little Dumber After Tv's Political Debate Survivor Show. Now What? - Bing News    "Dana Perino’s final question in last night’s cacophonous Republican debate summed up the whole sordid spectacle.

"Saying that Donald Trump would run away with the nomination if everyone on stage stayed in the race, she asked the seven candidates to vote one of their number “off the island” and out of the contest.

"This was a game show as far as the moderators were concerned.

"The candidates — led by Ron DeSantis, who objected first and loudest — refused to play along." . . .