Gavin Newsom, Other Politicos And Celebrities Mock Ron DeSantis’ Exit After A Faltering Campaign – Deadline

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Many other Republican candidates have suspended their campaigns this cycle, but Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' departure today sparked some pretty vitriolic and caustic reactions from other politicians and some celebrities.

The backlash may be due to the fact that DeSantis focused so much of his campaign on the culture wars, taking on the Walt Disney Co., even though it is one of the Sunshine State's largest employers. Or it was the fact that DeSantis and a SuperPAC support campaign poured tens of millions of dollars into the race, only to come a distant second in Iowa and not even make it to the nation's first primary in New Hampshire. Or it was that his campaign was the source of fodder for late-night comics and commentators, including his flawed Twitter campaign launch and the attention he paid to his footwear.

Shortly after DeSantis' announcement, California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on . But as DeSantis took aim at everything from transgender rights to the border crisis, Newsom responded with ads and a Fox News debate moderated by Sean Hannity.

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) weighed in on DeSantis' attacks on Disney. “If you catch the king, you best not miss him,” Fetterman wrote with a picture of Mickey Mouse.

In early campaign appearances, DeSantis accused Disney of promoting the “sexualization of children.” Disney opposed a parental rights bill in Florida that opponents called “Don't Say Gay,” which led to DeSantis stripping the company of control of a special district that includes Walt Disney World. The episode is the source of ongoing litigation at the federal and state levels.

Historian Michael Beschloss mentioned Sunset Boulevard.

Comedy team The Good Liars posted a photo of a stunt they did in Iowa earlier this month when they presented DeSantis with a “participation trophy.”

Author Don Winslow posted a video from “The End of Ron DeSantis’ Presidential Campaign.”

DeSantis was praised by a person who insulted him relentlessly even before he entered the race – Donald Trump. The former president's campaign team said they were “honored” to support DeSantis and then attacked Nikki Haley, his remaining rival in the GOP race.