Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing rebukes from fellow Republicans following his remarks describing supporters of 45th President Donald Trump as “listless vessels” who hang on the former president’s words. The comments have drawn comparisons to Hillary Clinton’s infamous “basket of deplorables” remark during the 2016 election campaign.
While his aides claimed DeSantis was referring to allies in Congress rather than everyday voters during his Friday interview with a Florida publication, many interpreted his words as an attack on the very core of Trump’s support base, leading to strong reactions from both Trump’s followers and other Republican leaders.
The fallout from DeSantis’s words has been swift and intense. Trump’s surrogates have demanded an apology from DeSantis over his ‘listless vessels’ comment, which many viewed as an insult to Republican voters. The phrase has since roiled the MAGA world, with several key figures lashing out at the Florida Governor.
DeSantis goes full-blown Hillary and call MAGA supporters “Listless Vessels.” https://t.co/tjeiCIb4NI
— Steven Cheung (@TheStevenCheung) August 19, 2023
Hey Ron,
We aren’t “listless vessels.”
We are citizens from all backgrounds and all walks-of-life who are laser-focused on Saving America.
MAGA🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/UXtf6roZ5C
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) August 20, 2023
The controversy has even sparked a feud with Vivek Ramaswamy, a prominent figure in conservative circles. The comment, which many perceived as a slight against the loyalty of Trump’s supporters, has put DeSantis on the defensive, something unusual for a politician known for his confrontational style.
The real danger to our movement is the rise of “listless-vessel” robot politicians who blindly follow the commands of their Super PACs.
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) August 20, 2023
DeSantis’s remarks have drawn comparisons to Hillary Clinton’s controversial “basket of deplorables” comment during the 2016 Presidential campaign. Clinton’s comment was widely criticized for being dismissive of a large swath of American voters, and many see parallels in DeSantis’s recent words.
Despite attempts by DeSantis’s campaign to clarify that he was referring to Washington insiders and not everyday voters, the comparison to Clinton’s comment has stuck. The incident has become a rallying cry for Trump supporters, who feel slighted by what they perceive as an elitist attitude towards them.
Bold move for Ronda Santis to follow the Crooked Hillary Clinton strategy and begin attacking Trump supporters.
Trump supporters aren't "listless vessels," they just know a globalist fraud when they see one. That's why your campaign is dying and @realDonaldTrump is surging!!!! pic.twitter.com/LqG4YSQErl
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) August 20, 2023
The fallout from DeSantis’s comments underscores the deep loyalty that many in the GOP still have for Trump. It also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that Republicans must strike as they navigate a political landscape still heavily influenced by Trump and his base.
As the 2024 Presidential election approaches, DeSantis’s “listless vessels” comment and the ensuing controversy could have far-reaching implications for his political future and the broader dynamics within the Republican Party.
