While the other presidential contenders seem to be playing a game of who can fire off the best zinger, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — who is not quite yet a declared contender — has been doing the work you want to see out of a potential future president. Standing in front of world leaders — and major GOP donors — he’s been making the case for why allied nations shouldn’t yet give up on their relationships with the U.S.

Scoop: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis dined with Miriam Adelson — former President Trump's top financial backer in 2020 — and other major GOP donors in Jerusalem on Wednesday. Read the story by @SophiaCai99 and me report on @axios: https://t.co/sYJzu3Ji1k pic.twitter.com/c8cznvmova

— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) April 28, 2023

Of course, Disney used the Governor’s absence to play up a lawsuit they say is an attempt to protect their “federal constitutional rights.”

Disney, DeSantis said, is “upset that they are actually having to live by the same rules as everybody else,” adding that the special district meant the company had “no accountability, no transparency, none of that.”

The feud erupted in the middle of DeSantis’ overseas trade tour, which included stops in Asia before a speech in Israel as he readies for a potential run against former President Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. He will conclude the trip with a stop in the United Kingdom.

The governor addressed officials and journalists at a time of heightened tension between Israel and the United States and amid a rise in antisemitism within his home state. His speech at “Celebrate the Faces of Israel,” an event hosted by the Jerusalem Post and the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem, came during the third stop on DeSantis’ worldwide tour that has already landed him in Japan and South Korea, and will end with a visit to the United Kingdom.

It’s unclear how a special tax arrangement with the state of Florida is a constitutional right, but Disney’s lawyers will no doubt find a creative argument in making their case.

And after Haley’s missteps inviting (capitulating to?) Disney in a bid to bring the company to South Carolina, DeSantis’ show of strength looks even more appealing. Especially this exchange with a member of the press (which was quickly spun as unhinged, out of control, blah, blah, blah).

Ron DeSantis had a complete meltdown when asked about a former Guantanamo detainee who said DeSantis observed his torture. Ron DeSantis for too long has been the boy in the bubble. Shielded from constituents and press in safe spaces within Florida. pic.twitter.com/BZLagMS0r6

— Thomas Kennedy (@tomaskenn) April 27, 2023

It would be the strangest thing if it turns out the man is simply getting his feet wet and decides against running this go round. He could hardly be blamed. But it would be a shame. And it looks less likely by the day.

I talk about all this and more on the podcast today, as well as the weirdly wonderful “Renfield” (trailer below). Also, want to understand how capitalism works? Look at Hollywood.

The show lives on Spotify and you can also find me at iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, FCB Radio’s Spreaker, and Deezer.