The Grind:
Gov. Ron DeSantis has shown support for Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds as a potential vice presidential pick in the 2024 presidential campaign, should he secure the Republican nomination. When asked about Reynolds, DeSantis praised her as one of the top public servants in America and criticized the attacks against her as unnecessary and out of hand. He emphasized the importance of Republicans doing well and expressed his desire to see them succeed, even if it means Iowa outperforming Florida at times. DeSantis’s remarks come after Donald Trump attacked Reynolds for remaining neutral in the GOP primary, despite having endorsed her in the past.
Trump’s criticism of Reynolds, along with his perception of DeSantis’s presidential bid as disloyalty, may have cost him at least one endorsement. Iowa State Senator Jeff Reichman, who had previously endorsed Trump, withdrew his support and switched it to DeSantis. The move suggests that Trump’s focus on Reynolds negatively impacted his standing with Iowa voters. In contrast, DeSantis’s support for Reynolds could help him gain favor among Iowa voters during the primaries.
The Details:
While DeSantis did not make any firm commitments regarding his running mate, his positive stance toward Reynolds sets him apart from Trump. This divergence in approach could work in DeSantis’s favor as he seeks to win over Iowa voters. Trump’s actions have seemingly created an opportunity for DeSantis to build strong support in this important state.
As the 2024 presidential campaign unfolds, the dynamic between Trump, DeSantis, and Reynolds will continue to shape the Republican primary landscape. DeSantis’s willingness to back Reynolds and his focus on promoting Republican success could resonate with voters, emphasizing the importance of unity and supporting fellow party members. Ultimately, Iowa voters will have a crucial role in determining the outcome of the Republican nomination, and DeSantis appears to be making strategic moves to win their favor.