A new political spot released Tuesday by the Republican Governors Association blasts Andrew Gillum for his ties to an organization called the Dream Defenders, a group which the RGA calls “radical.”
Monday, during a campaign stop in Oldsmar, Republican nominee Ron DeSantis faulted Gillum for accepting financial support from the Dream Defenders, a social justice group that has described Israel as an “apartheid” state.
The RGA spot begins with a video clip of Gillum recognizing the group at a public event.
“I also want to give a shout out to you Ms. Floyd, and to the Dream Defenders,” Gillum says.
“Andrew Gillum got through the primary thanks to a radical group called the “Dream Defenders,” the announcer says. “These radicals argue for quote ‘a border-free tomorrow’…that ‘police and prisons have no place in justice.’”
The announcer goes on to say: “Gillum’s backers say the United States is ‘the biggest bully in the history of the planet.’ Their co-founder says Andrew Gillum is ‘part of the movement’ and if he’s governor they will ‘move a radical platform.’”
“Andrew Gillum. He’s just too radical,” the announcer says at the end of the spot.
The RGA says Gillum’s continued support for groups like the Dream Defenders is proof that the Democratic nominee “is too extreme to be governor” of Florida
Andrew Gillum’s unwavering support for the radical Dream Defenders proves that he is too extreme to be governor.”
“These radicals not only support the abolishment of borders, prisons, and police, but also call the United States ‘the biggest bully in the history of the planet,’” said RGA Communications Director Jon Thompson. “Gillum’s extreme platform is too radical for Florida.”
During Monday’s campaign stop, DeSantis lashed out at the media for creating a “double standard” in their coverage of the governor’s race. He says while reporters scrutinize his relations with extreme conservative groups under the lens of a microscope, they tend to give a free pass to Gillum and his ties with radical left groups.
“It’s an attempt to create a narrative. You do not do that with Andrew Gillum,” DeSantis told reporters Monday. “Oh no. He gets a zone of protection. So, it’s a double standard. It’s an attempt to create a narrative. If I have a crowd of 500 people, how the hell am I supposed to know who’s in the crowd?”
DeSantis was referring to the latest incident that he drew criticism for that occurred this weekend at a rally in Sarasota that was attended by members of an extremist, right-wing group called the “Proud Boys.” DeSantis said he had no idea that members of the group were in the audience and is further proof of the double standard that exists in media coverage of the two candidates.
Blood pressure rising on the campaign trail. @RonDeSantisFL @AndrewGillum #flpolitics @TB_Times pic.twitter.com/jbrUWm6g9F
— Scott Keeler (@SKeelerTimes) September 24, 2018
The anti Semitic rhetoric from this Leftist Organization and others like it are directly responsible for the hate crimes and murders committed against Jewish citizens. Gillum should denounce such organizations, not embrace them.