Democrat Charlie Crist has received massive flak for calling out Gov. Ron DeSantis for shutting down schools and businesses in adherence to the COVID-19 protocol in 2020.

Crist managed to put his Republican opponent in the spot quite a few times during the hour-long debate Monday night, Politico reported. But describing Gov. DeSantis as a lockdown governor didn't bode well.

"Governor DeSantis is the only governor in Florida history to shut down the schools and lock down businesses. #FLGovDebate," Crist tweeted.

The tweet has received a massive response from his Twitter audience.

A lot of the comments point out the fact that DeSantis moved to reopen businesses, faster than in any other state. They also reminded him about how his allies, the Florida Education Association, had sued the governor for reopening schools in fall 2020.

The politicos focused on this topic, during the debate too, and Crist called DeSantis out for supporting shutdowns. DeSantis hit back, stating Crist had co-signed a letter that asked for a lockdown, and for executing other COVID-19 mandates in the early days of the pandemic.

"He called for harsh lockdowns in 2020," DeSantis said. "If that would have happened, it would have destroyed the state of Florida... I lifted you up. I protected your rights," USA Today reported.

Crist faced the brunt for this particular statement.

"Your supporters sued DeSantis to keep them closed!! You opposed reopening!!! Are you for real???" read a tweet. Another claimed, "Crist lies like a rug."

"His supporters rely on everyone being gullible and not remembering what happened two years ago," a third tweeted. "He is. He is also an absolute joke. You know that Lefty's believe their own lies, and their demented followers eat it up!" another troll commented.

Crist also received a lot of support online for attempting to extract responses from his challenger. He asked DeSantis if he'd serve his full term if re-elected. DeSantis, who is viewed as the Republican nominee for 2024's presidential race, didn't answer.

In his defense, he didn't need to, as per the pre-set terms of the debate. However, the question made a lot of sense to people, who will be heading to the polling booth on Nov. 8.

"Why don't you look in the eyes of the people of Florida and say to them, if you're reelected you will serve a full four year term as governor. Yes or no," Crist asked. "Yes or no, Ron?" he nudged DeSantis further.

"Watching DeSantis sweating over this basic question about sticking around for a full term is something to behold," a tweet read.

When the time came for him to answer, DeSantis directed an insult toward Crist, which the latter took with a smile.

"I know that Charlie is itching to talk about 2024 and Joe Biden. But I just want to make things very, very clear: The only worn-out old donkey I'm looking to put out to pasture is Charlie Crist."

Charlie Crist
The Crist for Governor Campaign tried to extend voting hours in Broward County, Florida, after experiencing alleged problems at the polls during the 2014 midterm election. Reuters
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