Staff Reports
Governor Ron DeSantis didn’t whisper his critique — he said it loud on The Sage Steele Show. This week he called out the Republican Party for its midterm mistakes, naming Vivek Ramaswamy as “the wrong choice” in Ohio and blaming bad candidate picks for big losses. Dave Rubin then shoved that clip into the spotlight, and conservative media had a field day.
DeSantis Calls Out the GOP — Finally, Someone Said It
Governor Ron DeSantis didn’t mince words. He told Sage Steele that running Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio was a mistake that helped hand the state to the Democrats. That’s not polite post‑game analysis. It’s a blunt admission that the party’s nominating process produced candidates who didn’t fit the electorate.
Why This Matters
This matters because midterm losses were not only about national winds or turnout. Candidate quality and fit matter. Ohio voters chose the Democrat in the governor’s race after a campaign where Ramaswamy’s style, late ads, and outsider persona apparently failed to connect with working‑class voters. You can blame the algorithm, but voters blame candidates.
Vivek Wasn’t a Fit for Ohio
Let’s be honest: Vivek is brilliant, but Ohio is not Silicon Valley. DeSantis pointed out that Ramaswamy’s background and tone didn’t meet Ohioans where they are. When a campaign leans on controversy instead of bread‑and‑butter issues like jobs, schools, and safety, voters notice — and they vote accordingly.
What the GOP Needs to Do Next
If Republicans want to stop losing winnable races, stop treating nominations like reality TV casting. The party needs candidates who match their states, solid messaging on everyday issues, and a bench of experienced people who can govern. DeSantis offered Florida’s coalition as a model — a practical blueprint for turning talk into votes.
A Tough Pill — But the Right One
Rubbing salt in the wound helps, but it can also be useful medicine. DeSantis calling out the party is uncomfortable, but it forces the GOP to face an ugly truth: charisma alone won’t win in places that want steady leadership. If the Republican Party ignores this and doubles down on headline‑chasing picks, expect more headlines about losses — and more finger‑pointing on cable shows. Time to pick better candidates and stop letting the latest viral personality set the ticket.
