Candidates for Florida governor debated for the first time on live television Sunday night on CNN. DemocratΒ Andrew Gillum and Ron DeSantis turned their meeting into a political blood bath for the Republican, who took every opportunity to sling mud and distort facts.
See Also: Andrew Gillum Wonβt Go High If Ron DeSantis Chooses To Go Low In Their Debate
From the environment to crime to race relations, Gillum had all the bases covered as DeSantis dodged questions, blatantly lied and pointed fingers. In one of the most bizarre moments, DeSantis claimedΒ Steven Alembik, a donor to his campaign who called Barack Obama a “Muslim n***er,” made a “mistake” using the n-word. The n-word is an accidental slip up now? See the below:
Don’t believe us? Social media sounded off with reactions that overwhelmingly haded the debate victory to Gillum while exposing DeSantis as supremely unqualified. See below for more.
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Gillum: Florida needs to go solar. Repeats his line that under him Florida will have a governor who believes in science
— David Smiley (@NewsbySmiley) October 22, 2018
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Andrew Gillum called Ron DeSantis out on them outside corporate donors. #FLGovDebate
— πππππππππ-πππππ ππππππ (@travisfromthebk) October 22, 2018
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Gillum looks confident and comfortable up there. Desantis looks like he knows heβs in over his head. What a hack. #FLGovDebate pic.twitter.com/upVOfzG8sA
— Valentina (@valchelles) October 22, 2018
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"Florida voters need to know that they will be electing a governor who believes in science. Something they haven't had in a long time....Ron Desantis is an election day environmentalist." - Andrew Gillum. #FLGovDebate pic.twitter.com/6jzoosD5TA
— Mariaππ𧑠(@dolfanria13) October 22, 2018
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It is really starting to upset me that Ron DeSantis keeps calling Andrew Gillum "Andrew". They aren't on a first name basis. This is so disrespectful. Call him Mr. Gillum, Mayor Gillum, or Andrew Gillum. #FLGovDebate
— Harry Kaufer the Jake Debrusk fan (@HarryKaufer) October 22, 2018
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" This is CNN not Fox , you have to bring facts to the debate " #Gillum to #Desantis pic.twitter.com/UNHy3qz4bl
— kenna (@kennagq) October 22, 2018