David Wilson
Jul 07, 2023 - 02:05

Frank Bruni from the New York Times claims Ron DeSantis has fully embraced his unkind demeanor

Florida Governor's campaign video attacks LGBTQ+ community, receives backlash.

In a surprising move on the final day of Pride Month, the Florida Governor's campaign released a video that took aim at the LGBTQ+ community. While former President Donald Trump remains focused on his potential rivals for the 2024 elections, Governor Ron DeSantis continues to target minority groups.

DeSantis has been criticized in the past for his lack of warmth and personality, with Trump even suggesting that he needs a "Personality Transplant." However, it seems that DeSantis has embraced these criticisms and chosen to highlight his "viciousness" instead. According to Frank Bruni of the New York Times, DeSantis's cold personality is reflected in his cruel politics. Bruni describes him as having a "resting disdain face."

The campaign video, intended to attack Trump, ironically portrays the former president as more inclusive than DeSantis. It features lines such as "DeSantis is evil" and "the governor does not care." Bruni compares DeSantis to Christian Bale's character in "American Psycho," suggesting that he revels in his meanness and contempt for others.

Interestingly, Bruni also points out that the video has an undercurrent of homoeroticism. He notes the presence of a shirtless hunk with a ripped chest and a glowering Brad Pitt in his "Troy" attire. Bruni humorously questions whether there is a new trend of powerful figures with a fascination for Homer's works.

Despite facing backlash, DeSantis defended the video during an interview with Tomi Lahren. He claimed that the intent was to highlight Trump's injection of gender ideology into the mainstream, particularly in relation to beauty pageants. It remains to be seen if Trump, who has shifted his stance on transgender rights, will show support for the LGBTQ+ community in response to DeSantis's disdain.

While DeSantis may trail behind Trump in opinion polls, it raises the question of whether someone with his divisive approach can effectively lead a diverse country. Bruni wonders what it says about the United States today that someone like DeSantis has come this far in his political career.