Kimberly Guilfoyle, a conservative activist, former prosecutor, and fiancée of Donald Trump Jr., had to ask an audience of Republican loyalists for applause Saturday night, in a moment that recalled an infamous blunder by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.
“I’m here to tell you don’t lose hope. On a personal note, I can tell you that I’m as optimistic as ever,” Guilfoyle said. “Because Americans from all walks of life have had enough of the Democrats’ decline. And we’re ready, we’re ready, and we’re ready to start a new era of American exceptionalism. able to
“And you can clap for that,” added Guilfoyle after pausing briefly for applause that didn’t start.
Guilfoyle’s speech was made at the Florida Republican Party “Victory Dinner” Saturday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, where GOP leaders celebrated a “million voter gain over Democrats.”
Florida, once considered a swing state that could decide election outcomes, has shifted to the right over the years. Former President Donald Trump Won the state More than three percentage points in 2020, and the Democratic nominee is ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris. Most polled.
About 700 Republicans were in attendance, according to Palm Beach Post.
Despite his loyalty to the party, Guilfoyle had a difficult time connecting with an audience of GOP loyalists. Attacks against the Democratic nominee were also met with indifference.
“I have known him for 25 years. And let me tell you something — do whatever it takes to keep her out of the White House,” Guilfoyle said, pausing for silent applause. Guilfoyle, originally from California, was previously married to Gavin Newsom, the current governor of the Golden State, until 2006.
Harris had been a fixture in California politics for more than a decade before her election to the Senate in 2017, having previously served as the San Francisco District Attorney and state attorney general.
The lackluster response to Guilfoyle’s speech was linked to another notoriously poor performance by Florida Republicans – former governor Jeb Bush. A “please clap” moment during his failed presidential campaign in 2016 to a jaded audience in Iowa.
Parts of Guilfoyle’s speech struck a chord with conservative audiences. “We will achieve not only American energy independence, but complete and utter American energy dominance,” Guilfoyle said firmly, repeating a Trump campaign platform that went over little better with the crowd.
Guilfoyle’s speech began later in the lineup, likely explaining the lackluster reception. She is Sen. Speeches by Rick Scott, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, Florida Representative Mario Diaz-Balart and Byron Donalds followed.
Guilfoyle received cheers and several standing ovations from the crowd still seated closest to the stage when she rapped, “God bless the United States of America, she’s worth fighting for.”
But the crowd became significantly more animated for the next speaker right after Guilfoyle—current Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“Are you happy living in the free state of Florida?” the governor asked, and was answered with enthusiastic applause from his state party.
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