DeSantis Promises Military-Style ‘Mission First’ At Pre-Debate Rally

Ron DeSantis picked a pro-military beach town in the Florida panhandle for his last rally in Florida on Aug. 21 before the upcoming Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee.

Florida Gov and U.S. presidential candidate Ron DeSantis speaks in New Hampshire on Aug. 19, 2023. Alice Giordano

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.—Getting ready for the Republican debate on Aug. 23, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis threw a Florida beach party.

Out back of The Gulf restaurant in Fort Walton Beach, about 1,100 guests in shorts and T-shirts, sundresses, and ball caps fought the 90-degree heat with beer, bottled water, and cold drinks as they waited for the governor to arrive.