Joe Biden says “Governor who? »In response to Ron DeSantis’ COVID criticism

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President Joe Biden blasted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday when asked what he thought of DeSantis’ return to Biden’s criticism of Florida’s COVID-19 response, asking, “Governor who? “

On Tuesday, the president called on governors of hotspot states, including DeSantis, for their refusal to implement COVID restrictions, including mask warrants in schools.

NEW: When I asked the President for his reaction to @RonDeSantisFL saying he is “getting in the way” of COVID..Pres restrictions. Biden replied “Governor who? … that’s my answer”

– Kelly O’Donnell (@KellyO) August 5, 2021

Biden urged DeSantis and other governors to “get away from people who are trying to do the right thing,” and DeSantis applauded at a press conference Wednesday.

“If you try to restrict people and impose mandates and ruin their jobs and livelihoods, if you try to lock people up,” he said, “I stand in your way. “

After being asked what he thought of DeSantis’ stance, Biden said at a press conference Thursday: “Governor who? That’s my answer.”

The Florida governor on Wednesday advised Biden to “do his job”, referring to the president having to focus on controlling the southern border. “And until you do that, I don’t want to hear about COVID from you,” he said.

The DeSantis signed an executive order last week preventing school districts from forcing students to wear masks despite CDC guidelines, alleging it protected “parents’ freedom of choice.”

“He thinks it should be a government decision, well I can tell you in Florida the parents are going to make that decision,” DeSantis said.

“Leaders will have to choose whether they will follow public health guidelines or follow policy,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Tuesday.

The state of Florida currently accounts for one in five new COVID-19 cases nationwide, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

CBS News medical contributor Dr David Agus said the COVID outbreak in Florida is due to the Delta variant and public behavior.

“With low vaccination rates and… coming out without a mask and in large groups, you’re going to have a significant spread of the virus, period,” he said.

In a tweet on Wednesday responding to DeSantis’ remarks, Psaki noted that 23% of new COVID-19 hospitalizations in the United States are in Florida and hopes DeSantis will join them in the fight against the pandemic.

23% of new COVID hospitalizations in the United States are in Florida and their hospitals are again overwhelmed.

We are doing everything we can to help the people of FL, and they are stepping up their efforts by getting vaccinated, we hope @GovRonDeSantis joins us in this fight. https://t.co/53y97ngQ4E

– Jen Psaki (@PressSec) August 4, 2021

And a reporter asked Psaki if Biden had spoken to DeSantis about the COVID guidelines for the state of Florida. “If we thought it would make a difference,” she replied, “I’m sure he would.”

Newsweek has contacted DeSantis’ communications office for comment, but has yet to receive a response.

Update – 08/05/21 5:10 PM – this story has been updated with additional information.

President Joe Biden called Florida Governor Ron DeSantis “Governor who?” After DeSantis criticized Biden for calling the state of Florida amid Delta’s variant pushes. WASHINGTON, DC – AOT 05: US President Joe Biden delivers remarks during an event on the South Lawn of the White House August 5, 2021 in Washington, DC. Win McNamee / Getty Images

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