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.
Hello, Iowa! @KarenPence and I are thrilled to be back at @joniernst’s annual #RoastandRide! There’s no better way to take in the breathtaking beauty of the Hawkeye State than in the saddle of a @harleydavidson! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ODjLMwnAly
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) June 3, 2023
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."
Thank you @joniernst for hosting us at your Roast and Ride!
The kids had a great time on their first trip to Iowa, we’ll see you again soon! pic.twitter.com/NikyFjYY5S
— Casey DeSantis (@CaseyDeSantis) June 3, 2023
Iowa and Florida: Where woke goes to die…
….thanks to the leadership of @KimReynoldsIA and @RonDeSantis. pic.twitter.com/G1F4Y4NZrJ
— Casey DeSantis (@CaseyDeSantis) June 4, 2023
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.
.@WMichaelHaley and I had great time at @JoniErnst's Roast and Ride this year benefiting Iowa's Freedom Foundation!
Iowans are fired up and ready for a new generation of leadership, and we're ready to shake things up! pic.twitter.com/SnujYwCzVV
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) June 3, 2023
We’re the explorers, the pioneers, the unafraid. In God we trust & in government we distrust. That’s what makes America great. That’s what makes America itself. pic.twitter.com/QRgwx9ey9U
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) June 4, 2023
It was an amazing day with @joniernst and thousands of Iowans at the Roast and Ride. Let’s fight the good fight. https://t.co/W6XBXYNfsy
— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) June 3, 2023
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.
