Added: Dec 5, 2023
In this podcast episode, Jordan Peterson interviews Governor Ron DeSantis, who is running for president on the Republican slate. The conversation aims to get to know Governor DeSantis at a personal level, beyond his established reputation as a credible policy advocate and administrator. DeSantis talks about his upbringing in Dunedin, Florida, where he grew up in a working-class family. He describes his love for baseball and his involvement in sports as a youth, which taught him the importance of teamwork and hard work.DeSantis also discusses his approach to building a team, emphasizing the need for a strong philosophical foundation combined with pragmatism. He talks about the challenges of being a conservative leader in a liberal academic environment, such as Yale and Harvard Law School. Despite the left-leaning atmosphere, DeSantis developed a strong conservative philosophy rooted in the enduring truths of the founding of the United States.
The conversation delves into DeSantis' resistance to the temptation of being liked and his ability to tolerate the stress that comes with political attacks. He views attacks as indications that he's on the right track and doesn't let them affect him personally. DeSantis also discusses the importance of surrounding himself with people who can handle the blowback and are not motivated by the desire to be liked.
DeSantis continues by talking about his time at Yale University, where he was exposed to left-wing ideologies and the negative impact of Marxism-Leninism. He describes how his patriotic and God-fearing beliefs pushed him away from left-wing ideologies and towards a conservative political philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of preserving the founding principles of the United States, such as liberty, limited government, and written constitutions.
DeSantis also reflects on the influence of socioeconomic factors on political beliefs, noting that many of his peers who were more patriotic and conservative came from working-class backgrounds, while those advocating for left-wing positions often came from wealthy, trust fund backgrounds. He highlights the disconnect between the left-wing elite and the working class, and how this influenced his own political beliefs.
The conversation then shifts to DeSantis' approach to governance in Florida. He discusses his efforts to reduce the size and scope of government, eliminate unnecessary agencies, and limit the power of unelected bureaucrats. DeSantis also emphasizes the importance of preserving individual freedom and limiting government intervention in people's lives. He shares examples of his successful initiatives in Florida, such as reducing taxes, running surpluses, and paying down state debt.
Education reform is another key topic of discussion. DeSantis talks about his efforts to promote school choice, protect women's sports, and eliminate critical race theory and gender ideology from the curriculum. He emphasizes the importance of providing a well-rounded education that includes American civics and the intellectual roots of America. DeSantis also discusses his approach to higher education, including efforts to promote rigorous academic programs and combat ideological indoctrination in universities.
As the conversation turns to DeSantis' potential presidential campaign, he discusses the challenges of running for office and the importance of generating information flow to voters. He emphasizes the need to engage with various media outlets and build a base of support in key states like Iowa. DeSantis also highlights the significance of leadership and the ability to deliver on promises, citing his track record of standing firm in the face of opposition and getting things done in Florida.
The podcast concludes with a discussion of DeSantis' upcoming debate with Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California. DeSantis sees this as an opportunity to articulate his vision for conservative policies and contrast them with the failures of California and the Biden administration. He emphasizes the importance of leadership and delivering on promises, positioning himself as a candidate who can bring about meaningful change for the country.
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