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

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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

More about ‘Roast and Ride’ Iowa Rally

• Republican Party Presidential Candidates for 2024
• Roast and Ride Official Event Page
• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Official Website
• Former Vice President Mike Pence Biography