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GOP picks up speed in Iowa primary race

Eight Republican Party candidates spent the day at the Des Moines fairgrounds. Donald Trump was not in attendance.

Ron Desantis en Des Moines (Iowa)

(Cordon Press)

Published by
Juan Carlos Téllez

It's hard to remember the last time a barbecue provoked so much political interest. This Saturday, Senator Joni Ernst's Roast and Ride fundraiser in Iowa brought together eight Republican candidates running for President of the United States.

With a motorcycle theme, the hopefuls (some already in the race for the presidency and others days away from filing their candidacy) participated in the Republican gathering. During the Roast and Ride, a motorcycle ride followed by a barbeque, we spotted former Vice-President Mike Pence riding a Harley. Pence is expected to launch his campaign next Wednesday in Iowa, the first state on the GOP primary calendar.

The DeSantis family was also the star of the event, accompanying the Florida governor in reaching out to the voters. He shared a meal with voters and signed autographs. Casey DeSantis' outfit stood out. The first lady of Florida wore a jacket that read: "Where Woke Goes to Die."

Donald Trump was notably absent. He spent two days in Iowa last week but this Saturday chose not to share the stage with his rivals in 2024. None of his rivals referred to the former president by name, although his absence was noticeable in every speech. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis referred to his fight against Disney, a battle criticized by Donald Trump. The New York Post quoted DeSantis' speech:

I know all these Republicans are lining up against me to take the side of Disney, But I'll tell you this: we stand for the protection of our children. We will fight those who seek to rob them of their innocence. And on that point, there will be no compromise. 

All other major GOP candidates, such as former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley; South Carolina Senator Tim Scott; former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson; and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, made public appeals in support of their candidacies and actively participated in Senator Ernst's Roast and Ride.

The Iowa Roast and Ride event kicks off a summer of Republican caucuses in states that will vote first on the primary calendar for the 2024 presidential election.

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