In a Feb 11 episode of “Club Random,” the fitness influencer and comedian had a friendly argument over the merits and flaws of California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Get him to the top
When Maher said he had “been trying to get Gavin to run for president for a very long time,” Michaels gave a loud noise of disgust.
Disbelief
“Are you serious?” Michaels questioned. “Are we living in Gavin Newsom’s California?… I left because of him, moved to Miami. Lived [in California] my whole life.”
Feeling better
When asked by Maher if she was happier in Florida, Michaels agreed. “It feels less crazy.”
Crazy claim
“Florida is less crazy? Really?” Maher laughed in disbelief. “The place where the people are on bath salts?”
Bad Reputation
In 2019, the Guardian described the “Florida Man” trope as “one of the nation’s favorite jokes. According to Florida journalist Craig Pittman, “You find weird stuff going on anywhere you find people, but Florida is absolutely the gold standard.”
Making fun
“Florida deserves its own game,” one 2010 humorous article in Deadspin stated. “You can just link to that story and say FLORIDA and people will know that they’re about to enter a gateway into the darkest side of human nature,” the article joked.
Dark reality
“Often in Florida tragedy wears the mask of comedy,” Pittman told the Guardian. “You’re not just reading the police log, you’re seeing the result of Florida consistently being ranked 49th in spending on mental health.” A 2018 study placed the state fifth in income equality.
Anecdotal proof
When pressed on what exactly affected her in California, Michaels spoke about her house there being broken into. “Guess who let the guy out during Covid, because I got the letter? Newsom! It was the guy’s third offense, he broke into our house, he had duct tape and a video camera. Anyway, long story, third strike, guy goes to jail, gets let out during Covid. I mean, give me a fu…ing break.”
Marked difference
According to USA.com, Florida has one of the highest crime rates in the US. It was ranked 45th, while California was placed at 31.
Getting specific
Overall crime rates, including burglary, have declined over the last decade. According to World Atlas, Florida has a burglary rate of about 720 per 100,000 people. California, meanwhile, has a rate of about 522 per 100,000 people.
Personal bias
“I can’t stand him,” Michaels said as Maher attempted to defend Newsom. The fitness influencer claimed that Newsom “does all of these insane things,” highlighting one California bill that she claimed would allow “puberty blockers for 12-year-olds.”
Another fact check
Michaels’ claim is part of a general, nationwide backlash against LGBTQ+ rights. In reality, to receive puberty blockers, children must have experienced the onset of puberty, according to a CBS fact check. All potential patients must go through a “long and intensive” process including a diagnosis of gender dysphoria before receiving treatment.
Bad environment
Florida has become one of the most dangerous states for transgender people. In 2023, Ron DeSantis signed a variety of anti-trans bills, including legislation making it a felony for doctors to provide gender-affirming care to minors who are transgender.
Real damage
According to the Center for Public Integrity, “research shows [that] transgender youths are facing more harassment because of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.” As PBS reported in 2023, anti-LGBTQ+ laws in states like Florida cause extensive harm not just to LGBTQ+ people — including children, who are more likely to become depressed or even commit suicide — but their families, too.
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