Governor Ron DeSantis has released a Top Gun-themed campaign ad taking aim at the "corporate media."
The viral video was uploaded on Twitter by his wife, Casey DeSantis, and has been watched more than 670,000 times.
It cuts between clips of DeSantis giving a speech in a hangar and moving around an air base, at one point getting into a jet with a "Top Gov" sticker on his helmet.
Florida's governor switches between a dark leather jacket and green flying overalls, both similar to outfits worn by Tom Cruise in the iconic Top Gun movies.
As dramatic music plays in the background, DeSantis says: "Good morning ladies and gentlemen this is your governor speaking. Today's training evolution—dog fighting, taking on the corporate media.
"The rules of engagement are as follows: Number one—don't fire unless fired upon but when they fire, you fire back with overwhelming force. Number two—never ever back down from a fight. Number three—don't accept their narrative."
DeSantis has used a provocative agenda, particularly on culture war issues, to emerge as one of the most prominent Republicans in the United States.
In March he signed a bill into law forbidding the discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation in kindergarten through third grade, with teachers risking lawsuits if they don't comply.
The legislation, nicknamed the "Don't Say Gay" bill by critics, was attacked by President Joe Biden who tweeted: "Our LGBTQI+ youth deserve to be affirmed and accepted just as they are."
DeSantis said the new law would make sure "parents can send their kids to school to get an education, not an indoctrination."
His surging popularity among conservatives means DeSantis has been tipped for a possible presidential bid, potentially running for the GOP candidacy for 2024.
On August 16, a poll by the University of North Florida (UNF) found DeSantis has a two-point lead over Donald Trump among registered Republicans in his home state of Florida, though Trump continues to enjoy a significant lead nationwide.
Dr. Michael Binder, who led the UNF poll, said: "DeSantis and Trump are the two most popular Republican names being discussed for 2024 and DeSantis is edging him out in their home state.
"People are split on whether Trump and DeSantis are friends or merely acquaintances, I guess we'll really find out after the midterms and the 2024 race starts to heat up."
On Tuesday, Florida Democrats will chose their candidate to face DeSantis in November, when he seeks re-election as governor.
The leading candidates are Congressman Charlie Crist and Nikki Fried, Florida commissioner of agriculture.
Crist was elected as Florida governor in 2007 on a Republican ticket, but left to become an independent in 2010 before joining the Democrats in 2012.
Governor Ron DeSantis has been contacted for comment.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
James Bickerton is a Newsweek U.S. News reporter based in London, U.K. His focus is covering U.S. politics and world ... Read more
