![]() But he did question the direction of a GOP that continues to be dominated by Trump. Trying to position himself as the most formidable alternative to Trump in the crowded-but-still-forming Republican White House primary field, DeSantis didn’t mention the former president by name during his speeches. That’s a departure from Florida and its large, expensive media markets, where television advertising is often more important than on-the-ground campaigning. We must have the courage to lead and we must have the strength to win.”ĭeSantis is trailing Trump in the polls and has been dogged by criticism that, while he’s comfortable on stage, he can seem halting and awkward when interacting with regular voters.ĭisplaying a personal touch that resonates with voters is vital in states like Iowa. We have to look forward,” DeSantis said in Salix, speaking in front of a green tractor and a crowd of about 100, many wearing caps bearing seed company logos. “The tired dogmas of the past are inadequate for a vibrant future. By the final event, though, he was better about allowing time for cheers, especially from an enthusiastic crowd of around 600 in Cedar Rapids. While he sometimes seemed energized by the crowds, he barreled through his remarks at other times - talking so fast that there were few pauses for the audiences to applaud. Instead, DeSantis gave similar speeches at each appearance, repeatedly talking up his efforts to push Florida farther to the right. He didn’t take audience questions - usually a staple at Iowa presidential campaign events - during the five stops in front of more than 2,000 people combined across both days. ![]() All that came after a Tuesday night appearance in the state capital, Des Moines. The first was to the floor of Port Neal Welding in Salix, a rural town near Sioux City, where the nearby highway was lined with metal structures including a towering Jesus, a version of the Statue of Liberty and the Minions.ĭeSantis also hit Council Bluffs and Pella before concluding his day in Cedar Rapids. The Florida governor packed in four appearances that took him to cities, rural locales and the conservative heartland following his glitch-filled online campaign kickoff last week. SALIX, Iowa (AP) - Ron DeSantis blitzed through Iowa during his first full day of presidential campaigning on Wednesday, aiming for the kind of personal connections with voters that critics say have long eluded him while stepping up his verbal swipes at former President Donald Trump.
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