Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was interrupted by two protesters during his speech at the Amos Tuck Dinner, a key fundraising event for the New Hampshire Republican Party.[0] The two protesters, part of the nonprofit IfNotNow, stormed the stage and chanted “Jews against DeSantis” before being escorted off by security.[0] IfNotNow said in a press release that the protest was meant to draw attention to DeSantis’ policies and his upcoming trip to Israel, a country responsible for “increased violence towards Palestinians,” according to the group.[1] DeSantis is known for implementing legislation that limits discussions of gender, sexuality, and race in schools, and has also dubbed himself the most “pro-Israel governor in America.”[2]
The interruption came less than 24 hours after DeSantis signed a bill that bans abortion in Florida after six weeks of pregnancy, a move that could be popular among some conservatives but unpopular among the broader electorate.[3] DeSantis made no mention of the bill in his speech and instead spoke about his conservative wins.[4]
DeSantis has been traveling to a number of states in recent weeks, including Ohio and Virginia, in the leadup to a likely presidential campaign announcement. He has also spoken in key states such as Iowa and Michigan. However, New Hampshire did not appear to be on his itinerary, at least for public events, before the Amos Tuck Dinner.[5]
The dinner drew a large crowd of GOP insiders and donors, as well as protesters.[6] A small group of progressive activists staged a demonstration outside the venue before DeSantis spoke, carrying signs with messages like “Don’t Say DeSantis” in reference to legislation critics have dubbed Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law.[7]
Despite being considered one of the strongest contenders to take on former President Donald Trump for the GOP presidential nomination, DeSantis has not officially announced his candidacy.[7] Although the first-in-the-nation GOP primary will take place in less than 10 months in New Hampshire, where Trump still has significant backing among Republicans, including those in the state, his potential candidacy is expected to face a challenging journey.[4]
0. "Two protesters storm stage during DeSantis' speech in New Hampshire, hold up 'Jews against DeSantis' signs" New York Post, 14 Apr. 2023, [ Ссылка ]
1. "Protesters stormed the stage and yelled 'Jews against DeSantis' while the Florida governor spoke at a GOP fund" Business Insider India, 15 Apr. 2023, [ Ссылка ]
2. "Video Shows Ron DeSantis Stormed on Stage by Screaming Duo" Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2023, [ Ссылка ]
3. "Ron DeSantis says Florida didn't have 'state pride' until he became Governor" Florida Politics, 14 Apr. 2023, [ Ссылка ]
4. "In N.H., Ron DeSantis plays up parental rights, avoids mentioning Florida’s new 6-week abortion ban" The Boston Globe, 15 Apr. 2023, [ Ссылка ]
5. "DeSantis to headline 'record-breaking' fundraiser in New Hampshire debut" Washington Examiner, 14 Apr. 2023, [ Ссылка ]
6. "Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis makes an appearance at a Republican fundraiser in New Hampshire" WMTW Portland, 15 Apr. 2023, [ Ссылка ]
7. "Protesters storm stage while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks in New Hampshire" WMUR Manchester, 15 Apr. 2023, [ Ссылка ]
