Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida faced a string of unfortunate events during his visit to Iowa, where he hoped to gain ground in the state’s first nominating contest. The day started with a plane flying overhead with a banner that read “Be likable, Ron!” – a jab at advice given to DeSantis before a 2018 debate. As he appeared alongside Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa for a “fair-side chat,” protesters with cowbells and whistles tried to interrupt the conversation. Though they were eventually removed by the Iowa State Police, the disturbance was not what DeSantis’s campaign team had hoped for.
During an interview with Reynolds, DeSantis’s microphone briefly cut out, leaving him shouting his answer to the crowd. However, he used the opportunity to criticize former President Donald J. Trump for his attacks on Reynolds, calling them “totally out of bounds.” Despite the challenges, DeSantis continued his campaign activities at the Iowa State Fair, flipping burgers and pork chops alongside Senator Joni Ernst and Representative Zach Nunn. However, a group of Trump supporters briefly chanted “We love Trump,” highlighting the divided Republican electorate in Iowa.
Throughout the day, DeSantis faced both support and opposition from fairgoers. Some shouted positive encouragement, while others jeered him with insults. His family, however, enjoyed the fair games and walked away with oversized stuffed animals as prizes.
Overall, DeSantis’s trip to Iowa showcased the unscripted interactions his campaign usually avoids. As he strives to make his mark in the state’s nominating contest, these unexpected challenges may cause him to question his place in the political universe.