DES MOINES, IOWA — Ron DeSantis will join Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds on Saturday for her fair-side chat, a political event where Iowans can learn more about the 2024 GOP presidential candidates. But Donald Trump, who confirmed he would attend the fair on Saturday, snubbed Reynolds by announcing that he would not participate in the chat.
Instead, Trump announced he would attend the annual fair with a caravan of nine Florida Republicans who have endorsed him for president. U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis, Byron Donalds, Matt Gaetz, Carlos Gimenez, Brian Mast, Cory Mills, Anna Paulina Luna, Greg Steube and Mike Waltz will accompany Trump to Iowa, the Des Moines Register reports.
The DeSantis Campaign responded to the news with two words: “Rent free.”
Rent free
— DeSantis War Room 🐊 (@DeSantisWarRoom) August 9, 2023
https://t.co/wAZGaLWO5X
“THE BIG DIFFERENCE”
“That’s the big difference here,” Iowa GOP strategist Jimmy Centers said. “The other candidates that aren’t the former president are trying to make a good first and lasting impression. Whereas the former president, whether you love him or hate him, your opinion is probably fairly solidified on him.”
Last month, Republicans came to Reynolds’ defense after Trump lashed out at how she’s handling the 2024 primary cycle in Iowa. DeSantis even said he would consider Reynolds – a popular and influential Republican – as a potential running mate.
Polling in Iowa has been sparse and Reynolds’ event is an opportunity for candidates to introduce themselves to Iowa caucus-goers. DeSantis continues on his 99-county bus tour though Iowa Thursday and Friday and will visit the state fair on Saturday where he will appear with Reynolds and speak to local Iowa news media.
