After visiting all of Iowa’s counties this weekend, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis predicted that he’ll win the state during the upcoming 2024 GOP presidential primaries.
DeSantis offered up the confident prediction on Sunday after being asked by NBC’s “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker whether he’ll drop out of the presidential race altogether if he doesn’t come in at least second place in the Iowa race.
“Well, we’re going to win the caucus. We’re doing everything that we need to do it. We’ll continue to build support,” he replied.
Listen:
A Des Moines Register poll conducted two months ago reportedly found him losing in Iowa to former President Donald Trump, 16 percent to 43 percent, and tying at second place with former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, meaning he has quite an uphill battle ahead of him, especially against Trump.
Mind you, he’s fully aware of this. Last month his campaign released a memo arguing that he has a chance at the presidency only if he can deny Trump a “big win” in Iowa, as reported by the Associated Press.
“Everyone can universally agree that if Trump were to win big in Iowa, it would create media and political momentum for his candidacy that would be difficult to stop heading into New Hampshire,” the memo read.
His remarks on “Meet the Press” came a day after he completed the “Full Grassley.” It’s a term used to describe candidates who visit all of Iowa’s 99 counties. It’s named after Sen. Chuck Grassley as per his habit of visiting every county in his state each year.
DeSantis marked the completion of the “Full Grassley” by holding a rally in Jasper County.
“I don’t think doing the 99 counties is just about the caucus. … The fact that I’m willing to do this, that should show you that I consider myself a servant, not a ruler. And that’s how people that get elected should consider themselves,” he said at the rally.
Listen:
I don’t think doing the 99 counties is just about the caucus.
By the fact that I’m willing to do this, that should show you that I consider myself a servant — not a ruler.
That’s how people that get elected should consider themselves. pic.twitter.com/KbUXdCufju
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) December 2, 2023
What’s notable is that, according to National Review, thus far Trump has only visited 11 Iowa counties, while Haley has only visited 21. This could potentially prove to be advantageous to DeSantis, depending on how Iowans react to his visits.
Grassley for his part responded to DeSantis completing the tour by saluting him.
“I compliment any candidate that holds meetings in all 99 counties and completes what’s now called the ‘Full Grassley.’ I have found it is the best way to show Iowans everyone is important to hear from and no one is forgotten by their senator,” he said in a statement.
Look:
NEW: Sen. @ChuckGrassley congratulates @RonDeSantis ahead of his completion of the “Full Grassley” tomorrow.
“I have found it is the best way to show Iowans everyone is important to hear from” pic.twitter.com/SUeDtoHHzA
— DeSantis War Room (@DeSantisWarRoom) December 1, 2023
The rally Saturday was attended by several high-profile Iowa figures, including Gov. Kim Reynolds.
“I just couldn’t sit on the sidelines any longer, I truly believe that Ron can win, that Ron has the expertise and the resolve and the skill to reverse the madness that we see happening in this country,” she said at the rally, according to Des Moines news station KCCI.
Iowa evangelical leader Bob Vander Platts concurred.
“I think Trump can win the nomination, I just don’t believe he can win the general. I actually think ambassador Haley could win the general, I just don’t think she can win the nomination. Governor DeSantis, I believe can win the nomination and win the general. That’s why I’m full-fledged behind him,” he said.
While at the rally, DeSantis unveiled a new campaign promise to relocate the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s headquarters to Iowa.
“I can say as part of our effort to take power out of Washington, D.C., moving agencies to other parts of the country, we will answer the call, and what people have suggested here in Iowa, you guys will have first dibs on the Department of Agriculture. We’ll send it to Iowa, and you guys take care of it,” he said.
We’re going to be laser focused on returning the government to We the People.
We will answer the call on what people have suggested here in Iowa. You guys will have first dibs on the Department of Agriculture. We’ll send it to Iowa! pic.twitter.com/CxuV4epNtX
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) December 2, 2023
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V. Saxena is a staff writer with a decade of experience as a professional writer, and a lifetime of experience as an avid news junkie. He holds a degree in computer technology from Purdue University. Saxena also contributes to BizPac Review.
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