Florida Governor Ron DeSantis returned to the media spotlight on Tuesday when he spoke at the Republican National Convention, and he brought one of his most unsettling habits with him. DeSantis, who initially ran against Donald Trump for the GOP nomination before dropping out and endorsing his former rival, has a tendency to flick out his tongue while speaking – a quirk that has not gone unnoticed.
The Tongue Flick Phenomenon
DeSantis’ peculiar habit of flicking his tongue has become a talking point among both supporters and critics. During his speech at the RNC, it was impossible to ignore this odd behavior, which seemed to happen at the most inopportune moments, often distracting from his message.
A new “Daily Show” supercut video highlights just how frequently this happens, finding he did it at least 13 times during his speech on Tuesday. The video, quickly going viral, has sparked a wave of reactions online, ranging from amusement to discomfort.
What’s Behind the Flick?
While some might speculate that the tongue flick is a nervous tic or a reaction to dry mouth, others have more imaginative theories. “Is DeSantis part reptilian?” joked one Twitter user, referencing a popular internet conspiracy theory. Another user quipped, “Maybe he’s just trying to taste the political atmosphere.”
Psychologists suggest that such habits can be a form of self-soothing behavior in high-stress situations. Given the intense scrutiny of political life, it’s not entirely surprising that a politician might develop such a tic.
Public Reaction
The public’s reaction to DeSantis’ tongue flick has been a mix of humor, bewilderment, and genuine curiosity. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments and memes, many comparing DeSantis to a variety of lizards and snakes.
“Every time DeSantis flicks his tongue, an angel gets its wings,” joked a Facebook commenter, while another wrote, “I can’t decide if he’s more like a snake or a gecko, but either way, it’s creeping me out.”
Even late-night comedians have jumped on the bandwagon. Trevor Noah, host of “The Daily Show,” remarked, “Forget policies, DeSantis just needs to control his tongue! Literally.”
Political Implications
While the tongue flick has provided ample fodder for jokes, it also raises questions about DeSantis’ public speaking and self-awareness. Political analysts suggest that while such quirks can make a politician memorable, they can also distract from their message and potentially undermine their seriousness in the eyes of voters.
“Body language and non-verbal cues are incredibly important in politics,” said Dr. Susan Franklin, a body language expert. “Repeated, noticeable tics like this can unfortunately overshadow the content of a politician’s speech.”
Moving Forward
Despite the distraction, DeSantis delivered a strong speech focusing on key issues like immigration, the economy, and his vision for the future of the GOP. Whether the tongue flick will become a defining characteristic or a minor footnote in his political career remains to be seen.
For now, Ron DeSantis remains in the spotlight, tongue flick and all. As he continues to navigate the turbulent waters of political life, one thing is certain: people will be watching his every move – and flick.
