In one of the more disappointing developments of the 2024 cycle, the Trump campaign has been misleading the public about a comment Ron DeSantis made regarding "listless vessels." I say disappointing because when you've spent years defending people like Matt Gaetz and Donald Trump Jr. from far-left smears, as I have, it's very disheartening to see them pick up the exact same tactics for short-term political gain. 

It's not just the Trump campaign, though. CNN hosts that have never found anything related to Trump worthy of defense have suddenly decided to act really offended by DeSantis' commentary (which we'll cover momentarily). One such instance happened on Sunday when Ken Cuccinelli was confronted by CNN's Kasie Hunt with a clip of the Florida governor. The problem? It was grossly and purposely edited to leave out the entire context of who he was actually talking about. 

I want you to pay close attention to Hunt's mannerisms and facial expressions throughout the clip because if you see them and still don't realize you're being played, I can't help you. 

.@KenCuccinelli calls out CNN's Kasie Hunt for deceptively editing Ron DeSantis's comments during an interview with The Florida Standard. pic.twitter.com/Z4RlAgLyMr

— Kevin Tober (@KevinTober94) August 20, 2023

Does anyone reading this actually think Kasie Hunt, one of the most biased anchors on CNN, cares whether someone said something negative about Trump supporters or not? Has there ever been a bigger tell in the history of tells? Obviously, CNN anchors don't give two shakes about Trump supporters. In fact, they despise Trump supporters with every fiber of their being. What you are seeing from Hunt is an attempt to pit Republicans against each other based on false framing, not a genuine show of concern. 

Luckily, Cuccinelli knew the situation and responded accordingly. As he pointed out, much to the chagrin of Hunt, CNN deceptively edited the clip to cut out the entire context of what DeSantis was actually talking about. At no point did he say, "Trump supporters" while making his argument. Rather, he specifically mentioned members of Congress who have latched onto Trump (again, for their own personal gain) and have abandoned key conservative principles in the process. DeSantis then says "we," as in the totality of the conservative movement, can't just be listless vessels. 

But if you don't believe me, here's the DeSantis campaign's response on the matter, and it includes the full quote of what the governor said. 

The leftist media are once again refusing to report the facts.

The media continue to attack @RonDeSantis because they know he's the biggest threat to their power. Not only do they know that he beat Biden, but that he can actually follow through on his promises! pic.twitter.com/M8WhZR73Nw

— Zach Montanaro (@ZachMontanaro) August 20, 2023

I just can't get over Hunt pretending to be greatly aggrieved for Trump supporters as a way to hit at DeSantis. They really think we are stupid. The only question is if we prove them right.

Still, I expect CNN to lie to me. I don't expect my fellow Republicans to lie to me, especially those who I've invested so much capital in defending over the years. I understand wanting to win the primary, but the tactics being used to go after DeSantis, including partnering with far-leftists like Maggie Haberman and Ron Filipowski, are a bridge too far and need to stop. If they don't, the party is going to be irreparable by the time the general election rolls around.