How about a weekend palate cleanser that is sure to grab you? The DeSantis campaign released a 60-second biographical ad narrated by Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis. In the video, she answers the question, “Who is Ron DeSantis?”

There she is sitting on a couch in jeans, in what used to be called Indian-style, but I’m sure that is no longer acceptable, just talking to the camera. It’s an ad that is aimed at women voters and possibly one that will appeal to Independents. She clearly is grateful for his support as she battled a life-threatening disease. Then when she gets emotional, hoo boy. It’s powerful.

The ad, which will run state-wide in Florida, comes one year after Casey DeSantis was diagnosed with breast cancer. The first lady has since been declared cancer-free by doctors, but the ad serves as a behind-the-scenes glance into the support her husband provided her.

She softens him up. Governor DeSantis is seen as efficient, managerial, and a leader who gets the job done, but not necessarily a warm and fuzzy kind of guy. Casey gives a peek into their personal life through her battle with breast cancer. They have three very young children and it had to have been a rough time for the family.

It’s not the first time she cut an ad for her husband’s campaign. She’s a good surrogate for him, the governor’s top confidante. Her experience as a news show host comes in handy in front of a camera.

The ad is a sharp contrast to DeSantis’ gubernatorial bid six years ago when Casey DeSantis and the DeSantis children starred in a cheeky campaign ad highlighting then-President Donald Trump’s support.

In that ad, Casey DeSantis talked about DeSantis reading Trump’s books to his son, playing blocks with his children to “build the wall,” and teaching them about “Make America Great Again.”

Trump’s endorsement during the primary helped DeSantis win the GOP nomination, and Trump often brags to journalists that he “made” the governor.

Casey DeSantis is widely known among political circles to be her husband’s top confidante and to have a significant impact on his career. Before becoming the first lady of Florida she was a news show host. As the first lady, she has focused on children’s mental health and cancer initiatives.

Fortunately, Casey is in remission. The launch of the ad was on the one-year anniversary of her diagnosis. Allegedly, the video was unscripted.

Florida’s first lady has taken up the role of a fundraiser during the recovery from Hurricane Ian. Her focus is raising money to distribute to people while they wait for government and insurance red tape to be worked through. She said she wants to provide financial support for people falling through the cracks or for what insurance will not cover for Floridians. She founded the Florida Disaster Fund for Hurricane Ian Relief to raise funding for her initiative. She is partnering with companies that have merchandise to sell to raise money for the fund.

The company Tervis released a tumbler and water bottle with a unique Florida design, decorated wtih spaceships, alligators, golf paraphernalia, and more. All the proceeds of these Florida drink canisters, priced at $21.99 and $26.99, will go to the Florida Disaster Fund for Hurricane Ian Relief, headed by the first lady. The cups are stenciled with the phrase “Together We Shine.”

“Witnessing the aftermath of Hurricane Ian has been devastating to the Tervis family, as it has greatly impacted us all,” Tervis President and CEO Rogan Donelly said in a statement. “But what has truly been inspiring is seeing how this hardship has united an entire region. People helping others out in any way they can, even if they themselves have experienced loss, is admirable. That is what motivated us to launch an initiative to raise funds for the recovery efforts for all Floridians.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Tervis to support the Florida Disaster Fund and help Floridians in need,” DeSantis said. “This partnership is uniquely special because as Tervis rebuilds its own team in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, they’re also helping other Floridians recover — such kindness is what Florida is all about.”

As of Tuesday, the Florida Disaster Fund has raised almost $35 million for Hurricane Ian relief.

This latest collaboration comes after DeSantis visited the First Responder Base Camp in Lee County, Florida, to distribute meals to and meet with those who are helping with the hurricane recovery and response.

DeSantis is the youngest governor in America. When he and Casey moved into the governor’s mansion they were the first family in 50 years to live there with children. His name is at the top of the list for Republicans in the 2024 presidential primary. Even if Trump botches 2024 and runs, instead of stepping aside and playing the role of party elder, which he should at his age, DeSantis has a bright political future if he wants it. His wife is an asset. It would be nice to see a young family in the White House.