Florida's governor has been dubbed "Donald Trump with brains" so often by other Republicans, and the journalists who quote them, that he might as well be identified as Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Brains). But what about a heart?
Well, no need for DeSantis to turn Tin Man and go looking for one. As he seeks reelection on Nov. 8, en route perhaps to a presidential run, it happens that a heart isn't required in the Republican Party. Indeed, it's discouraged. The party's aggrieved voters are pining for authoritarian strongman types (aspirants don't have to be men, as Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake proves), Trumpians who will tromp on whatever marginalized group they fear to ascend the political ladder.
Fresh off his national notoriety for rounding up four dozen mostly Venezuelan migrants — in Texas! — and flying them to Martha's Vineyard on false promises of jobs, DeSantis made national news again this week for another cruel political stunt.
