At the Iowa State Fair, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida faced a series of challenges that made it difficult for him to have the stage to himself. Despite his efforts to gain ground on former President Donald J. Trump, DeSantis found himself in a series of unscripted interactions that questioned his place in the political universe.
Before his appearance with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds at a “fair-side chat,” a plane flew overhead with a banner that read “Be likable, Ron!” The joke was a reference to advice given to DeSantis before a 2018 debate during his first run for Florida governor.
During the interview, a small group of liberal protesters with cowbells and whistles attempted to interrupt the conversation with Reynolds. Several protesters were removed from the event by the Iowa State Patrol. This was a departure from the usual safe space with softball questions that other candidates have experienced during Reynolds’ interviews.
Despite these challenges, DeSantis leaned into his Iowa-centric approach and criticized Trump for his attacks on Reynolds. DeSantis called the attacks “totally out of bounds” and defended Reynolds as one of the best governors in the country.
DeSantis also made appearances with other top Republicans in Iowa, including Senator Joni Ernst. He joined them for a session at the grill, flipping burgers and pork chops, and engaging in the retail politics demanded at the busy state fair.
However, DeSantis found it impossible to escape Trump’s presence. Trump supporters trailed him throughout the day, carrying placards proclaiming Trump as a “back-to-back Iowa champ” in 2016 and 2020. Trump’s plane even appeared overhead, circling the fairgrounds and prompting chants of “We love Trump” from supporters in the crowd.
DeSantis also faced unscripted interactions with fairgoers, receiving both positive encouragement and jeers from both the left and the right. Despite the challenges, DeSantis remained composed and focused on his campaign.
Throughout the day, DeSantis’ family enjoyed the fair games and walked away with oversized stuffed animals as prizes.
Overall, DeSantis’ tour through the state fair exposed him to unexpected challenges and interactions, but he remained determined to make his mark in Iowa’s first nominating contest.