Putnam On The Defensive As He Swings and Misses With Attack On DeSantis

His Hypocritical Attack Is A Lesson In “Psychological Projection”

In psychology, “projection” is a defense mechanism to cope with unwanted feelings or emotions and involves projecting undesirable feelings or emotions onto someone else, rather than admitting them.

Today, Adam Putnam provided one of the clearest examples of this psychological phenomenon to date. In a stunning lack of self-awareness, he called his Trump-backed primary opponent, Congressman Ron DeSantis, a “Washington D.C. insider.” Clearly, he’s concerned about his own vulnerabilities as journalists have made them clear over nearly two decades.

Here’s just a sampling of how Adam Putnam has been described:

The “walking definition of a career politician” – Tampa Bay Times, 2/3/17

“Prepared for a Political Career His Entire Life” – Tampa Tribune, editorial, 10/5/98 

“Putnam Told His Grandfather When He Was 11 Years Old That He Would Run For Governor Someday” –  Congressional Quarterly, 3/14/09 

“A fixture in Washington politics” – Tampa Tribune, 11/3/10

“Putnam was on the speed dial list of Washington’s elite insiders” – Tampa Bay Times, column, 5/8/12

“His political career…spans his entire adult life” – Associated Press, 5/9/17

“Never actually held a real job in his adult life” – Florida Weekly, Roger Williams column, 7/27/17

“A Consummate Career Politician” – Twitter, @hellokatepayne, 1/5/18

“Putnam was in D.C. for a Decade and a Member of GOP Leadership” – Twitter, @JakeSherman, 1/5/18

“Worth Noting Putnam Also Served in Congress for 10 Years.” – Twitter, @AllisonNielsen, 1/5/18

“Florida Republicans are clearly terrified at the prospect of an ugly, expensive primary – and they should be,” said DGA Communications Director Jared Leopold. “Putnam is swinging out of the gate, DeSantis is running as a Trump clone, and Richard Corcoran has $5.5 million in the bank at his disposal. Get the popcorn ready because this is going to be a knock down, drag out fight.”