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At ‘Roast and Ride’ Iowa Rally, DeSantis Autographs Bible, Pence Takes Motorcycle Spin

by Michael Nguyen
5 comments
Iowa 'Roast and Ride' Event

As the aroma of sliced pork wafted through the air, complemented by a myriad of statement-making leather outfits and a heap of political merchandise, eight Republican presidential hopefuls graced Iowa. Their goal? To win over voters. For Mike Pence, this also involved taking a spin on a motorcycle. The ex-Vice President and Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, were among the White House aspirants who attended a rally near Des Moines, organized at the state fairgrounds by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst.

Ernst’s yearly political event, the “Roast and Ride”— a fusion of a BBQ-rally and a motorcycle ride — marks the start of a bustling summer campaign season that leads to the nation’s earliest caucuses next year. The GOP’s front-running presidential candidate, ex-President Donald Trump, was conspicuously absent after having spent a couple of days in the state the preceding week, typically evading events that necessitate his presence alongside 2024 competitors.

DeSantis, accompanied by his wife, Casey, and their three kids, interacted with voters, handed out autographs, and even signed a man’s Bible. The man showed his gratitude towards DeSantis for his firm stance against Disney. The Governor concluded his inaugural week as an official contender with a series of campaign visits in three early-voting states. Casey DeSantis, sporting a black leather jacket in sweltering 86-degree weather, drew comparisons to former First Lady Melania Trump with her jacket message: “Where Woke Goes to Die” and a silhouette of Florida.

Pence was the solitary White House aspirant participating in the charity motorcycle ride that morning, a regular feature of Ernst’s “Roast and Ride” event. He chose a casual attire of jeans, boots, and a leather vest carrying supportive military messages.

After hinting at an imminent candidacy, the ex-governor of Indiana is projected to initiate his long-awaited campaign in Des Moines the following Wednesday. Pence amused the crowd by saying, “I’ll be back a little later next week. I don’t have anything to announce today.”

Pence later embarked on his motorcycle ride wearing a white helmet and a wide smile, riding off on a vivid blue Harley Davidson, en route to the fairgrounds. Other speakers at the event included ex-U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Senator Tim Scott, ex-Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, businessman Perry Johnson, author Vivek Ramaswamy, and conservative talk show host Larry Elder.

While the candidates addressed the crowd, they cautiously avoided direct references to the former president. However, conservative topics such as criticisms of President Joe Biden, strong policies on China and the U.S.-Mexico border, abortion, and gender-related restrictions were common themes.

The event resembled a large political fair, with approximately 1,000 attendees eager to hear the presidential prospects speak in a barn-like structure against a rustic backdrop of hay bales. Campaigns had tables loaded with stickers, T-shirts, and drink coolers. Dozens of shiny Harley Davidsons of various colors filled the parking lot, flanked by campaign buses.

Marie Andres, a Des Moines local, signed a pledge to support DeSantis in the early caucuses next year. Despite being a staunch Trump supporter, she thinks DeSantis is “the best we’re gonna get.” However, her husband remains an unyielding Trump loyalist.

Jill Villalobos, another attendee, expressed support for Scott, stating she appreciates his unifying message. Senator Ernst, who vows to remain neutral during the caucus campaign, is one of the most sought-after Republican figures in the early stages of Iowa’s leading caucuses.

FAQ about ‘Roast and Ride’ Iowa Rally

What event took place in Iowa recently?

The ‘Roast and Ride’ rally took place in Iowa, where eight Republican presidential hopefuls, including Ron DeSantis and Mike Pence, tried to engage with potential voters.

Who were the key participants in the ‘Roast and Ride’ rally?

Key participants in the rally included Mike Pence, the former Vice President, and Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida, along with other presidential hopefuls like Nikki Haley, Tim Scott, Asa Hutchinson, Perry Johnson, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Larry Elder.

What did Ron DeSantis do at the event?

Ron DeSantis chatted with voters, gave out autographs, and even signed a man’s Bible. He was accompanied by his wife, Casey, and their three children.

What did Mike Pence do at the event?

Mike Pence was the only White House hopeful who participated in the morning’s charity motorcycle ride, a key feature of the ‘Roast and Ride’ event. He also addressed the crowd and hinted at his forthcoming campaign.

Who organized the ‘Roast and Ride’ rally?

The rally was organized by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst at the state fairgrounds near Des Moines.

Who was notably absent from the ‘Roast and Ride’ rally?

Former President Donald Trump was notably absent from the rally, even though he is the leading GOP presidential candidate. He spent two days in the state the preceding week but generally avoids events where he’d share the stage with his 2024 rivals.

What was the nature of the ‘Roast and Ride’ rally?

The ‘Roast and Ride’ rally was a combination of a barbecue gathering and a motorcycle ride, marking the onset of a busy summer campaign season ahead of the state’s first-in-the-nation caucuses early next year. It was a large political fair, with about 1,000 people in attendance.

More about ‘Roast and Ride’ Iowa Rally

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5 comments

Mike4536 June 3, 2023 - 9:11 pm

Wow, sounds like quite the event, doesnt it? Pnce on a bike tho…didnt see that comin! haha.

Reply
LadyFreeThinker June 3, 2023 - 9:11 pm

Desantis and a signed bible, mmm…gotta love politcs. These guys are really ramping things up, ain’t they?

Reply
IowaGuy101 June 3, 2023 - 9:11 pm

I was there, great bbq. Crowd seemed to love desantis, pence was good too. Nikki haley was impressive, overall gr8 event.

Reply
Patriot1776 June 3, 2023 - 9:11 pm

DeSantis and Pence 2024, what u guys think? The roast and ride was just the beginning, im telling ya.

Reply
ConservativeChick June 3, 2023 - 9:11 pm

A mechanical bull looking like a motorcycle, hahaha what won’t they come up with next?!? Was fun to watch tho.

Reply

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