Newsom-DeSantis Debate: Sideshow or the Real Thing?

On Nov. 30 we will have another big-time political debate here in the United States, this one between California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and GOP presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. But why?

It is not entirely clear what is going on here. This is not another in the series of GOP presidential debates for the 2024 field (the next one is scheduled for Dec. 6), nor is it some sort of proxy presidential debate. DeSantis is (still) running for the GOP nomination, but Newsom has said he is not running for president (this time around). 

Could this be a ratings stunt, then, by Fox News’ Sean Hannity, who will host the debate? It may seem like a given that Hannity has a highly-rated show — and he does — but he is ranked third among the hosts at Fox and has fewer viewers than MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow. Hannity could use the boost from a high-profile event. 

But ratings aside, what are we to make of this particular match-up? For example, could there be an upside for DeSantis and Newsom? Perhaps both governors might see this as an “easy win” for their aspirations for higher office.