Photo: Alamy
It is not uncommon to see rival politicians trade blows with each other, especially in political primaries. However, the Iowa fair saw both supporters of GOP candidates Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and supporters of President Donald Trump at each other’s throats as the primaries for the 2024 presidential election become closer.
According to one countdown clock, candidates have 448 days until the 2024 election day. That leaves more than a year until the final votes are cast, but candidates like Trump and DeSantis are already starting to feel the pressure about winning the GOP Primary.
Supporters for both Trump and DeSantis came out to Des Moines to support their respective candidates, who are also the two front runners according to one poll. However, the events of the Iowa state fair could indicate a harsh standoff between Trump and DeSantis, the current front runners for 2024.
When asked about his feelings regarding his popularity in Iowa, President Trump said, “This is the biggest crowd they’ve ever had, I love them, and they love me!” Trump’s arrival at the Iowa state fair became the main event, as Trump became the center of attention, even with four other 2024 GOP hopefuls already at the fair, among them Ron DeSantis.
Trump arrived at the fair with the intention of overshadowing DeSantis, Trump’s main competition for the GOP primary. A small plane carrying a banner saying “Be likable, Ron!” flew overhead, while Trump supporters chanted “We love Trump!” DeSantis was taking a shift barbecuing at his fairground tent.
Finally, Trump arrived at the fair with nine Florida members of Congress who chose to support him over DeSantis. The Florida governor responded with his own dozen legislators who supported him over Trump, and a support group also released some negative ads against Trump, all of which sparked a near-bar brawl at the fair between the Trump and DeSantis camps.