Last Call for 7.1.26 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.

— First Shot —

A new statewide poll from the Florida Chamber of Commerce finds that most Floridians say they are proud to be Americans as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

According to the survey, 64% of Floridians describe themselves as ‘very proud’ to be American. Another 12% say they are ‘somewhat proud,’ while an equal share report they are not proud at all.

“Two hundred and fifty years ago, the Founding Fathers set America on a course that has shaped the world ever since,” said Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “As America celebrates this milestone anniversary, the Florida Chamber celebrates and takes pride in our nation, in Florida’s national leadership, and in the entrepreneurial spirit that defines America to this day.”

The numbers reveal a sharp partisan divide. Nearly nine in ten Republicans surveyed say they are very proud to be American. Among Democrats, that figure drops to about one in three. No-party voters fall in between, with 58% saying they are very proud to be U.S. citizens.

Roughly a quarter of Democrats say they are not proud at all to be American. That sentiment is far less common among Republicans, at just 2%, and 12% among voters with no party affiliation.

Age also plays a role. Among Floridians over 60, 71% say they are very proud to be American. That number drops to 42% for those under 40.

When asked about the nation’s history, 74% of Florida voters say Americans should take pride in it. Just 12% say they feel ashamed.

Here too, the partisan gap is clear. Ninety-one percent of Republicans say Americans should take pride in the country’s history, compared to just over half of Democrats. Among no-party voters, 71% say the nation’s history is a source of pride.

The Florida Chamber survey polled 604 likely voters statewide between May 1 and May 9.

— Evening Reads —

—”Crypto bets and real estate deals: Inside Donald Trump’s $2 billion year” via Neil Mehta, John West, Sam Kessler and David Uberti of The Wall Street Journal

—”The unique Republican divide on data centers” via Dan Merica and Matthew Choi of The Washington Post

—“The secret ingredient of wave elections is …” via Chris Cillizza of So What

—”Young Republican activists are turning against Trump” via Charlie Sabgir of The Atlantic

—“How JD Vance’s new book helped put bell hooks back on the best-seller list” via Alexandra Alter of The New York Times

—”The unlikely cause bringing liberals and conservatives together” via Kenny Torrella of Vox

—”With Amendment 3 denial, the cock crows three times for Ron DeSantis” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics

—”Stuart Bell is the new University of Florida president, concluding a two-year search” via Jay Waagmeester of the Florida Phoenix

—”Democrats want to intervene in Paula Stark’s legal fight to get back on the ballot” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics

—”Claude helped a hacker find a way to issue tickets to almost every U.S. music festival” via Andy Greenberg of WIRED

— Quote of the Day —

“While other candidates run on fumes, Byron Donalds is running full steam ahead.”

— Ryan Smith, Chief Strategist for the Donalds campaign, announcing fundraising has surpassed $90 million.

— Put it on the Tab —

Look to your left, then look to your right. If you see one of these people at your happy hour haunt, flag down the bartender and put one of these on your tab. Recipes included, just in case the Cocktail Codex fell into the well.

Prep some Millions for Donalds’ campaign HQ, which is touting another major fundraising milestone in the Governor race.

It took an eternity, but now that UF has a permanent president, it’s time for some Gator Bombs in Gainesville.

With the A/C on the fritz and funding to boost it vetoed, College of the Florida Keys students will need to pick from the hot cocktail menu.

— Breakthrough Insights —

— Tune In —

U.S. eyes Round of 16 spot at World Cup

The U.S. Men’s National Team opens play in the knockout round of the FIFA World Cup tonight in Santa Clara, California, against Bosnia and Herzegovina (8 p.m. ET, FOX, Telemundo).

The knockout round of 32 teams has already seen some surprising results, including Germany being eliminated by Paraguay on penalties and the Netherlands being sent home by Morocco on penalties on Monday. Yesterday, the favorites held form with Norway, France and Mexico advancing to the final 16.

The United States is seeking its first knockout round victory in a World Cup since 2002.

The U.S. has faced Bosnia and Herzegovina three times in men’s soccer, both times in Carson, California.

The USMNT beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-3 behind a Jozy Altidore hat trick in 2013 in Sarajevo. In 2018, the two sides drew 0-0, followed by a 1-0 American win, with both matches being held in Carson, California.

Bosnia and Herzegovina enter the match ranked 61st in the FIFA World Rankings. The USMNT is ranked 15th.

Christian Pulisic is expected to start after missing the USMNT’s second match with a calf injury. He came on as a substitute to play 34 minutes in the loss to Turkey in the final group stage match.

The winner of the match will advance to face the winner of Senegal-Belgium in the Round of 16.

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Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.