Numerous Americans anticipate that Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, a Republican, will announce his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election within the coming days. This decision would introduce the widely supported conservative politician into the pool of Republican contenders for the White House.
Notably, this group already includes former President Donald Trump and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, both of whom have already commenced their campaigns. Although the 45th president had planned a rally in Des Moines, Iowa, last weekend, adverse weather conditions forced his campaign to cancel the event. Taking advantage of this alteration, DeSantis seized the opportunity to address conservatives who had hoped to see the former president, mere blocks away from where Trump was originally scheduled to speak.
After Donald Trump canceled his Des Moines rally for inclement weather, Ron DeSantis added an unscheduled stop at a BBQ restaurant just down the road from where Trump was set to appear. He and his wife Casey are standing on a table talking to the crowd now pic.twitter.com/Ybxz2CVgva
— Brianne Pfannenstiel (@brianneDMR) May 14, 2023
During the day of May 13, Governor Ron DeSantis made an appearance at a picnic organized by US House Representative Randy Feenstra, a Republican, in Sioux Center, Iowa. As reported by ABC News, DeSantis addressed the attendees and emphasized his ability to offer a constructive alternative for the nation’s future. Subsequently, upon learning of Donald Trump’s rally cancellation due to the risk of tornadoes, the conservative governor made an impromptu visit to Jethro’s BBQ in Des Moines, the capital of Iowa.
Following a New York jury’s verdict that held Donald Trump accountable for sexual assault and defamation against E. Jean Carroll, resulting in a $5 million judgment against him, one of his anticipated campaign rallies was called off. This event was intended to be among his initial campaign appearances after the verdict.
Although Trump’s campaign assured that the rally would be rescheduled, no specific date has been announced thus far. Seizing the opportunity, Ron DeSantis strategically positioned himself just a few blocks away from the canceled rally, indicating his readiness to attract any supporters who may have been drawn to his potential competition.
On the same day, Governor Ron DeSantis, accompanied by his wife, participated in a fully booked reception organized by the Iowa Republican Party in Cedar Rapids. NBC News reported that not only did the GOP picnic earlier in the day receive overwhelming attendance, but also the fundraising dinner in Illinois that the governor had attended on the preceding Friday had sold out. These occurrences highlight a growing trend where conservatives display genuine enthusiasm for a credible alternative to President Trump.
