Post# 338, Bob McKnight's Florida Commentary
Look out--minority, military and abortion votes will hit Florida by surprise.
By most accounts, Democrats had written off Florida as a result of President Biden's weak standing in the polls. In 2020, President Trump had successfully painted Biden as weak on attacking communism in Cuba, which helped him carry Miami-Dade County. Putting that Hispanic vote aside, Florida was a toss-up state, as it was in 2016.
This year Florida could be a surprise. Since Trump now claims Florida as his home, he will campaign hard in the Sunshine State. He is also expected to do well again among South Florida Hispanics.
But he is clueless about three major drivers in the election that could push Florida back in the Democratic column.
1. Minority Vote. The nomination of Black and Asian candidate Vice President Kamala Harris will bring out the minority vote. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis burned bridges badly in minority communities by destroying the Diversity Equality and Inclusion (DEI) programs in public education. The National Democratic Party is going to model its get-out-the-vote effort after that which was used by former President Barack Obama in his two winning elections. An African American candidate and minorities will retaliate for the GOP cancelling DEI programs and it will hit Florida polls by surprise.
2. Military Vote. Florida is known as a major state for retirement, with it's warm climate and favorable tax laws. That includes millions of military retirees. There are 18 major military bases in Florida with voters in the millions. Unknowingly, former President Trump has developed a well known reputation as anti-military calling them losers and suckers. He personally avoided serving and does not want to honor or recognize the brave veterans because they make him uncomfortable. He now has denigrated the Medal of Honor. The Democrats are planning a very targeted campaign against Trump's attacks on the military in Florida. Don't mess with the Medal of Honor.
3. Abortion Vote. Governor DeSantis has targeted the abortion ballot issue in Florida for defeat. Trump has said it no longer is an issue. Florida women--Democrats, Republicans and Independents are livid about both politicians' position on this major issue. Polls and votes in America since 2020 confirm the public intensity on the issue focused on old, white, conservative males deciding what women can do with their bodies.
Florida is now back in play.
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