A recent “60 Minutes” report that detailed Florida’s vaccine rollout and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ role in it, but the network landed in some hot water after several Democratic lawmakers pushed back on its reporting that Publix, a grocery store that had partnered with the state to distribute vaccines, had donated $100,000 to Gov. Ron DeSantis' 2022 reelection campaign. In this latest episode of The Point, CNN’s Chris Cillizza explains how DeSantis is using the “60 Minutes” drama to appeal to his Republican base.

SOURCES AND FURTHER READING:

'60 Minutes' faces backlash from Democrats and Publix for critical story on Florida's vaccine rollout
https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/05/media/60-minutes-gov-ron-desantis-publix/index.html

Ron DeSantis slams ’60 Minutes’ hit as ‘smear’ driven by ‘malicious intent’
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/417474-60-minute-smear/

How Ron DeSantis became the hottest name in the 2024 race
https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/04/politics/ron-desantis-2024-florida/index.html

Trump endorsement lifts Ron DeSantis to GOP governor nomination
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/trump-endorsement-lifts-ron-desantis-gop-governor-nomination/VP5CaeTgguMYU99mPBsaFI/

How 2 Trump-loving governors are struggling amid the coronavirus crisis
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/02/politics/brian-kemp-ron-desantis-donald-trump-coronavirus/index.html

Florida teachers sue as DeSantis distances himself from school openings
https://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2020/07/20/florida-teachers-sue-as-desantis-distances-himself-from-school-openings-1302355

‘You only care if it’s people you don’t like:’ DeSantis jabs media over Super Bowl virus coverage
https://www.clickorlando.com/news/florida/2021/02/10/you-only-care-if-its-people-you-dont-like-desantis-jabs-media-over-super-bowl-virus-coverage/

Tracking Covid-19 cases in the US
https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-us-maps-and-cases/

About me:
I was named "best dressed" in 7th grade. That, along with being CNN's editor at large and author of the daily "Point" newsletter are my proudest achievements. Look for me here every Tuesday and Thursday to find out what’s really going down in politics.

CREDITS
Writer: Chris Cillizza
Producer: Paul Dwyer
The Point Editor: Leigh Munsil
Video Editor: Michelle Cho

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