Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently made a campaign stop at a Dairy Queen in Des Moines, Iowa, following a page out of former President Trump’s campaign playbook. However, unlike Trump’s rallies that attracted large crowds, DeSantis’ visit to the ice cream chain did not generate much excitement.
In an effort to connect with Iowa voters, DeSantis swung by the Dairy Queen in Des Moines, ordered a Blizzard ice cream treat, and fielded questions from a handful of journalists in attendance. This move was clearly a nod to Trump’s tradition of frequenting fast-food joints during his campaign tours.
DeSantis acknowledged the importance of visiting a Dairy Queen and expressed his gratitude to Senator Grassley for setting up the stop. While Trump’s visits to fast-food chains were often met with enthusiasm from his supporters, DeSantis’ event saw a sparse crowd and lacked the fanfare associated with Trump’s appearances.
Critics have argued that DeSantis is attempting to mimic Trump’s successful campaign strategies without fully understanding the charisma that endeared Trump to his base. They believe that what worked for Trump may not necessarily be effective for DeSantis.
Despite the low turnout, DeSantis seemed unfazed when questioned about the competitive landscape of the Republican presidential nomination. He brushed off queries about whether he believed the race was solely between him and Trump, as well as any concerns about other formidable candidates like Senator Tim Scott.
Video footage of DeSantis’ visit to the Dairy Queen in Iowa shows him ordering a Blizzard and responding to questions from reporters. In contrast, a video from Trump’s visit to a Dairy Queen in Council Bluffs, Iowa, showcases a bustling crowd as the former president hands out frosty Blizzards.
While DeSantis’ event paled in comparison to the excitement surrounding Trump’s Dairy Queen visit, it remains to be seen how these circumstances will impact his potential presidential candidacy. DeSantis appeared confident, nodding in agreement when asked to reaffirm his belief that the race is not solely between him and Trump.
The governor’s attempt to imitate Trump’s campaign tactics could either help him resonate with voters or backfire if he fails to capture the same level of enthusiasm. As the Republican primary race takes shape, contenders will need to stand out and find unique ways to connect with voters beyond simply following in the footsteps of past candidates, no matter how successful they may have been.
It is unclear whether DeSantis’ Dairy Queen stop will significantly influence his campaign or resonate with potential supporters. Only time will tell if his efforts to copy Trump’s playbook yield the same results or fall short in capturing the magic that made Trump’s rallies so memorable.
Overall, DeSantis’ visit to Dairy Queen in Iowa may not have generated a massive response, but it serves as another reminder that he is positioning himself as a potential contender for the 2024 presidential election. However, it remains to be seen whether voters will embrace his emulation of Trump’s campaign strategies or if they will expect something entirely different from a candidate seeking their support.
