PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS
Iowa GOP Voters Did Us a Favor
Rejected Florida governor was a danger to the nation
Iowa voters, who take vetting presidential candidates seriously, spared us Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “anti-wokeness,” which is anti-gay, anti-immigrant, anti-rights, and anti-diversity.
The voters, more than half white evangelicals, unfortunately supported former president Donald Trump, whose 2020 election lies overshadow dangerous authoritarian plans. Yet their top concerns were the economy and immigration — not culture wars.
DeSantis presented more long-term danger. His resume — Ivy-League educated, military attorney, former congressman and family man — made him appealing to the establishment while being a mini-Trump. In Florida. his policies have been cruel.
As a reporter, I followed a GOP candidate meeting small groups of Iowans, who scrutinized and persisted. They were about business.
Since DeSantis left the race, political analysts detail a mismanaged campaign and uncharismatic candidate. It’s also clear that — after he visited all 99 counties— voters simply found him lacking and sent him packing.
