Ron DeSantis mocked as “lizard in a skin suit” after painfully awkward smile at GOP debate

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has never been known for his glimmering personality. The viciously anti-LGBTQ+ presidential candidate has long been criticized for his lack of charisma and outright awkwardness – and last night’s GOP presidential debate did not help his case.

A clip of DeSantis trying (and failing) to smile like a normal human while the crowd applauds has the Internet in absolute hysterics, with many likening him to a robot, an alien, or a “lizard in a skin suit.”

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Video of the moment shows the candidate making an impassioned argument that he “will get the job done” and “will not let you down.” As the audience cheers, it is clear DeSantis realizes a few seconds later he should attempt a smile. Alas, an attempt is all it was, as it came off as more of a confused grimace.

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The delay of him trying to smile is insane???

pic.twitter.com/FLscPB9msI

— Keith Edwards (@keithedwards) August 24, 2023

This lack of natural smiling skills is nothing new for DeSantis. In June, a report from the Daily Mail said staffers have had to coach DeSantis on when to smile while talking to voters. A moment while campaigning in Iowa in which DeSantis laughs maniacally while speaking to everyday Americans also made the rounds on Twitter earlier this year.

But right now, the failed smile is all the rage, and the Internet has got some thoughts.

hate makes you forget how to smile unless you’re watching someone suffer

— ZHEANNA (@iamzheanna) August 24, 2023

It reminds me of those little girl beauty pageants where they are hyper trained to act like women but they are only 4 years old

— Nicole Simone (@nicolesimone) August 24, 2023

This. This is how he looks to me. LOL pic.twitter.com/cxOZc54KAp

— ChaoticGood42 (@ChaoticGood42) August 24, 2023

Robot. One that was not programmed correctly

— Kylo Ken (@starwarsstanboy) August 24, 2023

He’s glitching 😂

— ArielEsq (@ArielEsq305) August 24, 2023

This is all but confirmation he’s an alien in a human suit.

— Rylee Pedotti (@rpedotti) August 24, 2023

It's giving "I'm a real boy."

— That Sarcastic Xewnicorn 🩷💛🩵🪬🦄 𝓼𝓱𝓮/𝓱𝓮𝓻 (@carly_dani_) August 24, 2023

Its like that smile escaping his face but he is trying to get it back inside

— Edgar Livengood (@EdgarLivengood) August 24, 2023

The source of his grievance with Disney is that they rejected him for not being sufficiently lifelike.

— Helena Montana (@kin20380173) August 24, 2023

lizard in a skin suit

— Ghost of Shamble Bangs (@Drea_got_banned) August 24, 2023

What Chucky looked like after getting a makeover.

— JennOro (@Jennoro79) August 24, 2023

He must have been uncomfortable being forced to wear that human suit for a few hours on a hot stage.

— George Walk (@GeorgeWalk6) August 24, 2023