Not even a question. DeSantis beat Newsom into a hole in the ground. This was that "moment" that every candidate wants, but DeSantis had a series of those moments tonight. Just an epic contrast of freedom vs statism on display.

— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) December 1, 2023

Not much data is yet available on viewer response, but an online instant reaction poll on Drudge Report gave DeSantis the clear victory, the Florida governor getting an overwhelming 67-33% win over his California counterpart. While many left-leaning commentators and DeSantis critics on the right credited Newsom on style, many conservatives gave DeSantis an overwhelming win on substance.

The lone Newsom line that the political Left and some Trump supporters repeatedly touted was his claim that neither he nor DeSantis would be their party’s presidential nominee in 2024.

Those who praised DeSantis often cited his command of the facts, particularly about the results of California’s progressive policies, while several moments from the Florida governor were widely circulated online, including when he highlighted a map that plots human feces on the streets of San Francisco and condemned California’s “transgender sanctuary” laws.

[I didn’t see it, but Karen had a really good look at it earlier today. One aspect of this debate that isn’t getting enough attention is how well it shows that DeSantis is willing to take his argument anywhere, and not just against other Republicans. — Ed]