Former Oklahoma Republican Representative Jim Bridenstine raised eyebrows after telling a crowd of Florida Republican Ron Desantis' supporters about their unusual daily "meetings."
Bridenstine said he and DeSantis used to take showers together "in the basement" and discuss politics when they were both members of the House of Representatives.
You can hear what Bridenstine said in the video below.
\u201cHere is the clip of Jim Bridenstine saying he and Ron DeSantis would "together shower in the basement"\u201d— Andrew (@Andrew) 1686525535
Bridenstine said:
"He lived in his office like I lived in my office and together we would take a shower in the basement [and have] a daily meeting when we took showers."
"Am I allowed to say that?"
People were undeniably weirded out by Bridenstine's admission.
Many pointed out the homoerotic subtext—ironic considering DeSantis' regular attacks against LGBTQ+ people in his state.
\u201c@AndrewB_News @MeidasTouch This explains so much.\u201d— Andrew (@Andrew) 1686525535
\u201c@AndrewB_News Is Ron coming out today?\u201d— Andrew (@Andrew) 1686525535
\u201c@AndrewB_News Did I hear, \u201cShowering together\u201d and \u201chaving business meetings?\u201d\nSounds like it\u2019s time to \u2018come out\u2019 of the basement.\u201d— Andrew (@Andrew) 1686525535
\u201c@AndrewB_News is that still legal in Florida?\u201d— Andrew (@Andrew) 1686525535
\u201c@AndrewB_News @MeidasTouch Oops E Daisy boys will be boys whenever there\u2019s a basement to shower in! Ah how cute he\u2019s reminiscing of the good old times! Lmao!\u201d— Andrew (@Andrew) 1686525535
\u201c@AndrewB_News Wow, and yet they judge homosexuality\u201d— Andrew (@Andrew) 1686525535
\u201c@AndrewB_News Whoa! A little too much information, there \ud83d\ude33\u201d— Andrew (@Andrew) 1686525535
\u201c@AndrewB_News "Don't say gay."\n\nAccusation = confession\u201d— Andrew (@Andrew) 1686525535
Bridenstine, who previously served as the NASA administrator under former President Donald Trump, recently threw his support behind DeSantis:
“Governor DeSantis and I were classmates in Congress, original members of the Freedom Caucus, and we have worked together on many legislative issues over the years."
"Governor DeSantis is highly intellectual, always willing to listen, and relentless in fighting for what’s right."
"He has always been strong on defense and a great advocate for America’s space program. He will make a great Commander in Chief.”
Additionally, 20 state lawmakers from Oklahoma announced their endorsement of the Florida governor, further bolstering his campaign ahead of a visit to the state this past weekend.
Oklahoma, a traditionally conservative state, serves as a key battleground in the upcoming Republican primaries. DeSantis' ability to secure the support of Bridenstine and the backing of numerous state lawmakers indicates he enjoys considerable support in the race for the GOP nomination.
However, DeSantis has continued to face criticism amid concerns among Republican operatives about his apparent lack of social skills or personality.
According to the New York Times, the governor had to be reminded to maintain eye contact and shake hands during his visit to Iowa, further fueling the perception of a disconnect with everyday people.
DeSantis also weirded out social media users in March after sources close to him told The Daily Beast he ate "a chocolate pudding dessert" with three fingers instead of a spoon.
NBC News via Lisa Anderson
