Once again, two equally committed, diametrically opposed sides collide. One, the hood ornament of the Democrat COVID hysteria card. The other, the shining light of the future of the Republican Party, dripping with executive talent, who had way enough of the first guy shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began.

I’m referring of course to National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Florida’s popular Republican governor, Ron DeSantis — a political steel-cage death match if there ever was one. Speaking of which, I’d sign up for pay-per-view for that one.

Our story begins with DeSantis on Tuesday — which we’ll get to in a minute — but first, Fauci, who on Wednesday told CNN “At This Hour” host Kate Boduan it’s not a matter of if a third COVID-19 booster will be necessary; it’s a matter of when.

Here’s how that went down, as transcribed by Breitbart:

Bolduan:

“Pfizer’s chief scientific officer said this morning on CNN that he thinks fully vaccinated against Omicron — it means three doses. Do you think the definition of fully vaccinated should now change?”

Aaaand “The Fauc,” predictable as ever:

“Well, you know, as you say, it’s a technical, almost semantic definition. And it is the definition for requirements if someone says, are you fully vaccinated to be able to attend class in a university or college or be able to work in a workplace?

“Right now, Kate, I don’t see that changing tomorrow or this week, or next week. But certainly, when you want to talk about optimal protection, I don’t think anyone would argue that optimal protection is with a third shot.

“Whether or not it officially gets changed in the definition, I think that will be considered literally on a daily basis. That’s always on the table.”

As the set-up continued, Bolduan said, on cue:

“This discussion has been going on for a bit. With this data coming in this morning, I’m kind of stuck with is it a matter now of when, not if, the definition of fully vaccinated changes?”

And, of course, Fauci:

“My own personal opinion, Kate, is what you said is correct. It’s going to be a matter of when, not if.”

And there it is, America. Another exercise in journalism excellence, via “The Most Trusted Name in News.”

CNN's Kate Bouldon talks Fauci into agreeing the definition of being "fully vaccinated" should be updated to mean having had a booster: “My own personal opinion, Kate, is what you said is correct. It’s going to be a matter of when, not if.” pic.twitter.com/pebLUDdEfT

— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) December 8, 2021

This is just one more example of where you shake your head and wonder how and why this guy remains the be-all and end-all of federal government COVID policy. Then again, if you edit the statement to read “of all Biden administration COVID policy,” it all makes perfect sense. In that ridiculous context, that is.

So now let’s back up to Tuesday — and the no-nonsense governor of Florida.

Speaking in Oldsmar, Florida, DeSantis briefly mentioned the Omicron variant of the virus and the initial hyperbolic reaction on the left — including from Fauci — to the news, suggesting that people should be more fearful “that governments would do destructive things in response to Omicron” rather than fearful of the variant itself, as transcribed by Breitbart.

“And in Florida, we won’t let them lock you down. We won’t let them restrict you. We’re not going to let them impose mandates. We’re not going to let them close schools. We are going to protect your freedom to make your decisions.”

“And I have no problem if somebody is — if they’re scared of Omicron,” DeSantis emphasized, ” and they want to lock down or they want to isolate, that is absolutely their decision in a free society.” Then the hammer:

“But you don’t impose Faucism on the whole country or on the whole state. It’s wrong.”

Not to mention Fauci is drunk with power, courtesy of Joe Biden.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stands up for perpetually masked workers: "Let your employees, let these folks breathe. Let them make their own decisions on this. I think it's terribly uncomfortable that they're in [masks] for so many hours a day." pic.twitter.com/B1oiq4Bpen

— Scott Morefield (@SKMorefield) December 8, 2021

Besides, DeSantis told the applauding crowd: “It’s not like you lock down and it will just go away.” COVID is something society has to grapple with, he added, saying Florida has provided effective options in addressing the virus while simultaneously championing individual freedom.

Which is reason #4,849,567 why the left both hates and fears the Floria governor.

Donald Trump understood that reality, as well.

So will voters in 2024.

Related RedState stuff:

DeSantis Calls out Biden for Lying to the People About Trump’s Responsibility for COVID

New Moves by Pelosi, NJ Gov. Murphy Further Prove That Ron DeSantis Just Keeps on Winning

Dr. Fauci Lashes out After Getting His Feelings Hurt by Fox News

Piers Morgan Filets Fauci, Says He Needs to ‘Put His Ego Away’ and ‘Shut Up’