Staff Reports
Iowans are gearing up for the Iowa State Fair, where they’ll be treated to delicious food, the iconic butter cow, and the chance to hear from Republican presidential candidates eyeing the 2024 race. It’s a must-attend event for any candidate hoping to gain traction in this crucial battleground state.
Iowans are flocking to Des Moines this weekend to attend the Iowa State Fair with the hopes of eating renowned food, seeing the famous butter cow, and hearing from 2024 Republican presidential candidates.https://t.co/HMn40oMLfz
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 12, 2023
Leading the pack are former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who will both be making appearances at the fair on Saturday. Trump, never one to shy away from controversy, is bringing along a group of Florida Republicans who have endorsed him over DeSantis. Talk about a power move!
While Trump won’t be participating in Gov. Kim Reynolds’ “Fair Side Chats,” it’s worth noting that he recently took to Truth Social to claim responsibility for her victory in becoming governor, while also taking a swipe at her for not endorsing him. Looks like there’s still some tension there.
DeSantis, on the other hand, is hoping to use the Iowa State Fair as an opportunity to gain ground on Trump. He’s been working hard in the state, hosting campaign events and earning praise from Gov. Reynolds herself. While she hasn’t officially endorsed him yet, the fact that she’s speaking highly of him is definitely a good sign for the Florida governor.
But Trump and DeSantis aren’t the only ones vying for Iowan voters’ attention. Larry Elder, former Vice President Mike Pence, and Gov. Doug Burgum have all been working the crowds and participating in various events at the fair. Elder, in particular, is positioning himself as a Trump-like candidate who is better suited for the White House in 2024. It’s a strategy that seems to be resonating with conservative voters.
The Iowa State Fair is a crucial event for the Republican candidates, especially since Trump currently holds a significant lead in the state and nationwide. However, DeSantis has been showing promise and is performing better against Trump in Iowa than the other candidates. It’ll be interesting to see if he can close the gap and potentially secure some key endorsements from influential Iowans.
Overall, the fair is shaping up to be a battleground for the 2024 Republican primary. Candidates will have the chance to connect with voters face-to-face and make their case for why they should be the next GOP nominee. It’s an exciting time for Iowa and a crucial moment for these candidates as they try to gain momentum in this key state.
