402. Who Is Ron DeSantis? | The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

Intro

In this episode of “The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast,” Jordan Peterson interviews Governor Ron DeSantis, who is running for president on the Republican slate. The conversation aims to get to know Governor DeSantis at a personal level and explore his upbringing, journey to becoming governor, and his philosophical and political beliefs.

Main Takeaways

Personal Background and Upbringing

• Governor Ron DeSantis grew up in Dunedin, Florida, in a working-class family.
• He was heavily involved in baseball and attended church regularly.
• Despite his humble beginnings, he became the governor of Florida, showcasing the opportunities available in the United States.

Sports and Leadership

• DeSantis excelled in baseball and was recruited by prestigious colleges.
• He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and individual skill in sports and how these insights translate to leadership roles.
• Consistent practice, hard work, and dedication were crucial in his athletic success.

Building a Functional Team

• DeSantis discusses the challenges and importance of building a team, especially in government.
• He highlights the need to set a vision and expectations as a leader and not micromanage everything.
• Delegating tasks can sometimes lead to challenges, but necessary actions may be required for course correction.

Handling Criticism and Media Attention

• DeSantis shares his experiences with criticism and media attacks, emphasizing the importance of not seeking approval from the media.
• He discusses the need for fortitude and reinforcement from family, friendships, and business relationships in handling attacks.
• DeSantis believes that negative attention can indicate hitting a nerve and standing up for what is right.

Conservative Philosophy and Limited Government

• DeSantis discusses his conservative philosophy and the importance of limited government.
• He criticizes unelected bureaucrats making important decisions and advocates for devolving power back to local citizenry.
• DeSantis highlights the success of downsizing the government in Florida and the need for a comprehensive approach to limit government power.

Educational Reform and School Choice

• DeSantis emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in education and the need to reject ideologies like critical race theory.
• He discusses Florida’s implementation of universal school choice, increased focus on American civics education, and reforming higher education.
• DeSantis aims to steer liberal arts colleges towards a more conservative direction and promote rigorous academic programs.

Political Campaign and Media Strategy

• DeSantis shares insights into his political campaign, including engaging with various media opportunities and visiting early states like Iowa.
• He discusses the role of media in shaping discourse and reaching voters, emphasizing the importance of commitment and true believers.
• DeSantis believes he is the best Republican contender for the next presidential election due to his record of fighting for people and winning battles.

Summary

Governor Ron DeSantis: From Humble Beginnings to Presidential Aspirations

Governor Ron DeSantis, who is running for president on the Republican slate, has established himself as a credible policy advocate and administrator. In this episode, Jordan Peterson aims to get to know Governor DeSantis at a personal level. DeSantis grew up in Dunedin, Florida, in a working-class family and was heavily involved in baseball. Despite his humble beginnings, he became the governor of Florida, showcasing the opportunities available in the United States.

Lessons from Sports and Leadership

DeSantis’s success in baseball taught him the importance of both individual skill and being a good team player. These insights from sports translate to leadership roles, where building a functional team and balancing ambition with conscientiousness are crucial. Consistent practice, hard work, and dedication were key factors in his athletic success and continue to shape his leadership style.

Building a Functional Team and Handling Criticism

DeSantis discusses the challenges and importance of building a functional team, especially in government. He highlights the need to set a vision and expectations as a leader and delegate tasks. Handling criticism and media attention is another aspect of leadership that DeSantis emphasizes. He believes that negative attention can indicate standing up for what is right and emphasizes the importance of fortitude and reinforcement from personal relationships.

Conservative Philosophy and Limited Government

DeSantis advocates for limited government and criticizes unelected bureaucrats making important decisions. He believes in devolving power back to local citizenry and highlights the success of downsizing the government in Florida. DeSantis emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to limit government power and create more opportunities for individuals.

Educational Reform and School Choice

DeSantis discusses the importance of parental involvement in education and the need to reject ideologies like critical race theory. He highlights Florida’s implementation of universal school choice and increased focus on American civics education. DeSantis aims to reform higher education and steer liberal arts colleges towards a more conservative direction that prioritizes rigorous academic programs.

Political Campaign and Media Strategy

DeSantis shares insights into his political campaign, including engaging with various media opportunities and visiting early states like Iowa. He discusses the role of media in shaping discourse and reaching voters, emphasizing the importance of commitment and true believers. DeSantis believes he is the best Republican contender for the next presidential election due to his record of fighting for people and winning battles.

Conclusion

Governor Ron DeSantis’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming the governor of Florida and running for president showcases the opportunities available in the United States. His experiences in sports, leadership, and government have shaped his conservative philosophy and belief in limited government. DeSantis emphasizes the importance of building a functional team, handling criticism, and reforming education. As he continues his political campaign, he aims to engage with media and voters, emphasizing his commitment to fighting for people and delivering on promises.