Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida made an unexpected appearance in Des Moines, Iowa, on Saturday evening, seizing the opportunity to connect with local conservatives after former President Donald Trump canceled a rally due to weather concerns. DeSantis arrived at Jethro’s BBQ, conveniently located near the venue where Trump was initially scheduled to hold his rally.
The cancellation of Trump’s rally was prompted by a tornado watch that had been issued earlier in the day for a significant portion of the state. Although the weather appeared favorable at the time the rally was set to take place, Trump’s decision prioritized the safety of attendees. However, this unexpected turn of events did not dampen the enthusiasm of Iowa’s conservative base, as DeSantis’s impromptu visit demonstrated.
After Donald Trump canceled his Des Moines rally for inclement weather, Ron DeSantis added an unscheduled stop at a BBQ restaurant just down the road from where Trump was set to appear. He and his wife Casey are standing on a table talking to the crowd now pic.twitter.com/Ybxz2CVgva
— Brianne Pfannenstiel (@brianneDMR) May 14, 2023
DeSantis had been traversing the state earlier in the day, traveling nearly 300 miles from Sioux Center in the morning to Cedar Rapids in the afternoon. The governor’s visit to Iowa was strategic, as he sought to solidify support from key figures in the state’s political landscape. The pro-DeSantis super PAC, Never Back Down, recently released a list of endorsements from 37 state-level Iowa lawmakers, including influential figures like Senate President Amy Sinclair, Senate Majority Whip Waylon Brown, House Majority Leader Matt W. Windschitl, and House Speaker Pro Tempore John H. Wills.
Addressing a gathering in Sioux City earlier that day, DeSantis emphasized the importance of demonstrating courage and strength in leadership. He urged Republicans to make the upcoming 2024 election a referendum on President Joe Biden and his perceived failures. The governor highlighted the need to provide a positive alternative for the future of the country, asserting that a focused campaign would lead to Republican victories across the board. However, DeSantis also warned against distractions and side issues that could divert attention from the key messages, ultimately hampering the party’s chances of success.
In his speech, DeSantis expressed a sobering realization about the fragility of freedom, acknowledging that he had once believed the United States was impervious to threats against its democratic principles. However, recent events and the challenges faced by the nation have made it clear that freedom must be vigilantly protected.
Governor Ron DeSantis’s unexpected visit to Iowa showcased his commitment to connecting with conservative supporters in the state. As the political landscape continues to evolve and the 2024 election draws nearer, it remains to be seen how DeSantis’s message and engagement with local conservatives will shape the future of the Republican Party.
Florida @GovRonDeSantis makes an unscheduled appearance in Des Moines this evening.
He says if you’re willing to deliver results “the people will follow” adding “we’re gonna have a chance pretty soon to make sure that’s done in every state in the country.” pic.twitter.com/TDDYXogdAA
— Musadiq Bidar (@Bidar411) May 14, 2023
