The Economist/YouGov poll of voters was extensive, covering a total of 150 pages. There were questions sampling about everything one could imagine associated with a hurricane – including numerous questions about climate change for example. What was instructive in that regard was that only 5% of Floridians suggest there isn’t climate change. But among the more instructive questions asked contextually regarding Ian was this. Do you know anyone personally impacted by Hurricane Ian? 49% of Floridians said no, which means effectively half of the state said yes in some capacity. That pointed to the importance of the state’s leadership extending far beyond those in the direct path of Ian’s impact. And what did voters have to say? By a margin of 60% approval to 12% disapproval Floridians have approved of the state’s response in general thus far. A margin that’s even higher than that of FEMA – which received high marks as well. But when asked of Governor DeSantis’ handling specifically, 64% of likely voters approve of DeSantis’ response compared to only 21% who don’t. Especially notable, majorities of all Floridians, including likely Democrat voters approve of DeSantis’ performance in handling Ian. That stands to reason given that President Biden himself made clear during last week’s visit that he approved of the governor’s performance. Far too much has happened over the past, close to four years, for Governor DeSantis to be solely defined by his response to Hurricane Ian, however with under four weeks to go before Election Day, it is proving to be his closing argument. One which is essentially inarguable, regardless of one’s political preference. And one which will likely propel him from a likely comfortable margin of victory previously, into a double-digit win rivaling Jeb Bush’s reelection win from twenty years ago.
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