Smiling and relaxed, Gov. Ron DeSantis made a serious effort to present a warmer and more reasonable likeness of himself in his State of the State address Tuesday.
Floridians know better.
It was clear from the outset that DeSantis aimed this high-profile appearance, on the opening day of the 2023 legislative session, at people far from our shores. Much of this speech was not about Florida. After DeSantis won re-election with an astounding 59 percent of the vote, this state is either solidly in his corner or a hopelessly lost cause. It depends on your perspective.