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Third GOP Debate: Ron DeSantis called a liar by the Internet for his bizarre abortion story from Jamaica

Ron DeSantis did not hesitate to pull out one of his infamous stories attached to his pro-life sentiments, but the Internet didn't buy it

MIAMI, FLORIDA: Florida Governor and presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis has once again come under fire for a 'bizarre' story that he recounted at the third GOP presidential debate.

The governor appeared for the third presidential debate as America gets closer to the primary election for the Republican party. One of the major issues for Republican voters is that of abortion. And DeSantis did not hesitate to pull out one of his infamous stories attached to his pro-life sentiments. 

While he once again used an emotional pull for his speech during the debate, many netizens refused to buy it, some even calling the GOP candidate a liar for it. 

Ron DeSantis shares 'story' of Jamaican SC Judge 

With states turning towards abortion rights, DeSantis was questioned on his stance on abortion. "I stand for a culture of life," the Floridan Governor started his response. 

He then opened his story saying, "I'm reminded of a story of a young mother who was struggling in Jamaica about 40 years ago, 45 years ago. She was counseled to not have a baby because she was poor. [The] baby won't have an opportunity. And she came close to having an abortion but she decided to have the baby, born poor in Jamaica.

"The reason I know that story is because that baby girl ended up immigrating to the state of Florida, becoming a lawyer and a judge. And I appointed her to the Florida Supreme Court in August of 2022. "

From here, DeSantis argued for a justification for a ban on abortion. 

The woman DeSantis was referring to is Judge Renatha Francis. There is no public record that could prove the accuracy of this story. However, several X users did not buy it.  

Netizens mock Ron DeSantis for using fake stories during debate

Some of the responses on X (formerly Twitter) reflect how voters reacted to DeSantis' story. 

"Not Desantis bringing up a Jamaica story," a user mockingly wrote. 

"REALLY? ALL OF A SUDDEN, THIS JAMAICAN JUDICIAL CANDIDATE WAS “ALMOST ABORTED”—according to LIAR RON DE SANTOS? HOW DOES THAT JUDGE FEEL ABOUT THIS?" another user wondered. 

"Nothing you say is believable," a post said, "Your tough guy act is particularly cringy because you're not a tough guy."

Many claimed that DeSantis was probably lying, especially given that abortion has been banned in most Caribbean countries including Jamaica. 

One user, noting this, wrote, "Desantis just told a major lie in the Debate. He said that Renatha Francis who he appointed to the Florida Supreme Court’s mother, was advised to have an abortion in Jamaica because she was too poor to raise her. In a 3rd world Caribbean country? Never happened I CALL BULLSHIT".

Another one said, "WHAT? Ron DeSantis is asked about abortion and he’s talkin bout a young mother he knew 40, 45 years ago who was struggling in Jamaica? And the baby came to the U.S. and he appointed her judge? Ron DeSantis is 45 years old. He’s 45 fkn years old."

A user also pointed out that this is a repeated strategy of DeSantis to include emotional stories in his speeches. They suggested that it might have some goal in relation to his campaign. 

"Storytelling when answering a question is a communication strategy to relate or build compassion…seems like the DeSantis campaign is desperate to portray him as a human with feelings," their post said.