I joined Monocle 24’s Georgina Godwin on Thursday to link and analyze two stories involving Florida Governor Ron DeSantis: his troubled Presidential campaign and his suspension of the District Attorney for the Orlando area, Monique Worrell, with the false claim that she has contributed to a rise in crime.

Listen from 36:52:

I look at how DeSantis — boosted in early 2023 by media fanfare for his entry into the Republican contest — has thrown away the advantage with lackluster campaigning at home and an error-ridden overseas tour. On Tuesday, he replaced his campaign manager with his chief of staff James Uthmeier, who has no experience in the role.

On Wednesday, DeSantis sought headlines by removing Worrell, an elected official. Having targeted her since 2021 because of her positions on issues such as women’s and gender rights, he said the District Attorney was “weak”. However, according to Orlando’s police chief, violent crime is down 10% in 2023 and shootings have fallen 30%.

When you fire the District Attorney for the 9th Judicial Circuit in Florida, you’re interfering with the legal process. You’re using politics to put your thumbs on the scales of the system for justice.