Former President Donald Trump made a splash at the Iowa State Fair this weekend, stealing the spotlight from his chief Republican rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. While DeSantis was busy flipping pork chops and greeting potential GOP caucus-goers, Trump flew overhead in his private plane, capturing the attention of thousands. The event highlighted the close quarters in which the 2024 Republican presidential race is being played out.
For DeSantis, the day at the Iowa State Fair was filled with the traditional activities that have made it a quintessential stop on the presidential campaign trail. Since the Democratic Party moved Iowa to the first position in its nominating calendar in 1972, followed by Republicans four years later, the state has become an important battleground for presidential hopefuls. However, this year, Democrats have shaken up the order of states for their nominating contest.
While DeSantis embraced these traditions, Trump chose to flout them. Nevertheless, he still drew a massive crowd, underscoring the support he retains with the GOP base. It’s worth noting that Trump is facing what could be his fourth indictment in the coming days, but his legal troubles have not diminished his popularity among Republican primary voters. He frequently portrays his indictments as politically motivated and uses them in his fundraising efforts.
Trump arrived in Iowa with an entourage specifically designed to troll DeSantis. Members of Congress from Florida, who have endorsed Trump over their state’s governor, accompanied him. Flyers that seemed to criticize DeSantis’ record on agriculture were passed around the fairgrounds. While it was unclear if paid staffers or volunteers with the Trump campaign were distributing the flyers, they bore the message “paid for by Donald J. Trump for President 2024, INC.”
Upon arriving at the fair, Trump greeted supporters and made his way to the famous “pork chop on a stick” stand, all while being cheered on by a crowd chanting “USA.” Unlike DeSantis, Trump did not personally grill pork chops but instead delivered a mini-stump speech, boasting about his support from Iowa over the years.
DeSantis, on the other hand, experienced both praise and hecklers as he walked through the fairgrounds. He saw the mixed reactions as a sign of strength and expressed his confidence in beating President Biden and turning the country around. When asked if he could bring people who don’t like him over to his side, DeSantis stated that “average Americans are open to a new direction.”
The Iowa State Fair proved to be a battleground for Trump and DeSantis, as they vied for the support of potential Republican caucus-goers. Trump’s decision to upstage DeSantis and draw a huge crowd demonstrates his enduring popularity among the GOP base, despite his legal troubles. As the 2024 presidential race unfolds, both candidates will continue to make their case to voters, hoping to secure the nomination and ultimately the presidency.
Source: [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/12/politics/trump-desantis-iowa-state-fair/index.html)
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-08-13 22:17:00
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