GOP candidates share family and faith tales, yet their sharp edges resurface backstage
Republican Presidential Candidates Share Stories of Family and Faith in Iowa
A trio of Republican presidential candidates shared stories of family and faith before hundreds of voters in northwest Iowa on Saturday, having congenial individual conversations with their hosts not long after dueling at the campaign’s latest fractious debate. But off the stage at a small Christian college in Sioux Center, the rivals’ sharp edges reemerged.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy leaned on their families to drive home their origin stories, without other candidates interrupting, at the event held in a rural, conservative corner of a state that holds the leadoff contest on the election calendar in about a month.
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Later, DeSantis and Ramaswamy both went after Haley, a further sign that her opponents see her as a growing threat in the 2024 race where former President Donald Trump, who skipped the event, is the front-runner in polls of Republicans nationwide and Iowa, where the caucuses are set for Jan. 15.
After DeSantis’ time with the moderators, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra and his wife, Lynette, he returned to a recurring campaign theme: Haley’s campaign is funded by liberal Democrats and Wall Street donors and she is “taking positions that are more palatable to those folks.”
Ramaswamy told reporters that his criticisms of Haley at Wednesday night’s debate were intended to illustrate the “deep ideological divide” in the Republican Party. He said he was unfairly being criticized himself for targeting Haley, the only woman in the race.
“It’s part of a double standard that the people in this country are sick of when it comes to identity politics,” he said. “The good news is — I’m not letting them get away with that.”
Haley did not speak to the news media after her appearance.
Steve Rehder, 59, was relieved to hear from candidates without the “crossfire.” He said he is deciding between supporting Haley or DeSantis, but “really likes” Haley and her debate performance.
“The way she had to stand while she was being attacked at the last debate. I know she just wanted to come unglued at the guy, but she stood there,” said the livestock farmer from Hawarden.
On the stage before about 750 people, including many students from Dordt University, each candidate discussed faith, family, and politics. Also appearing was pastor Ryan Binkley, who has not qualified for any debates.
DeSantis was accompanied by wife, Casey. Haley sat with her 25-year-old daughter, Rena. Ramaswamy brought his 3-year-old son, Karthik.
Feenstra said it was a unique chance for people to hear the candidates’ principles and positions, unlike the debates that left little time for real answers from candidates because of infighting and bickering.
Feenstra said he may endorse in the race, but has not yet.
“I want them to make their own decision based on what they’re hearing,” he told reporters. “They can make that decision on their own without some politician telling them this is what has to happen.”
The three candidates are making stops across Iowa all weekend as pressure mounts for an attention-grabbing performance in the caucuses.
As for the absent Trump, “I’d love to hear his stance on faith and family,” Feenstra said. “I think that’d be very important to northwest Iowa and all of Iowa.”
Rehder agreed, saying it was admirable for candidates to come to Sioux County and share their faith values. While Trump was the “right guy at the right time” and was a great president, Rehder said, “he needs to shut his mouth.”
“I don’t know how he would handle this kind of setting,” Rehder said about the “faith and family” event. “But maybe he should be here so we could see that part.”
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In what ways did DeSantis, Haley, and Ramaswamy use their personal stories to differentiate themselves from each other in the Republican primary?
G DeSantis and Haley in the Republican primary. “I wanted to hear more about their families and their backgrounds, and both of them did a good job of sharing that,” Rehder said. “It helps me understand who they are as people and what they stand for.”
DeSantis, during his conversation with the Feenstras, highlighted his upbringing in a middle-class family and how his parents instilled in him conservative values. He talked about the importance of faith in his life and how it guides his decision-making as a governor. DeSantis also shared stories about his wife and children, emphasizing the joy and challenges of raising a family while in public service.
Haley, too, spoke about her family and how they shaped her political career. She talked about her parents’ immigrant background and the opportunities they gave her in America. Haley emphasized the values of hard work, perseverance, and faith that she learned from her parents. She also shared personal anecdotes about her husband and children, showcasing her commitment to family values.
Ramaswamy, the youngest candidate in the race, discussed the influence of his Indian-American heritage on his conservative beliefs. He spoke about the sacrifices his parents made to give him a better life and the importance of preserving the American dream for future generations. Ramaswamy shared how his faith plays a central role in his life and his motivation to fight for conservative principles.
While the candidates’ focus on family and faith provided a glimpse into their personal lives, it also served as a reminder of the sharp divide within the party. The criticisms exchanged between DeSantis and Ramaswamy towards Haley reflected the intense competition for the Republican nomination.
As the 2024 race heats up, the Republican candidates are not only vying for the support of voters but also attempting to differentiate themselves from each other. With Donald Trump as the frontrunner, the candidates face the challenge of standing out while maintaining a unified front against potential Democratic opponents.
The event in Iowa served as an opportunity for the candidates to connect with voters on a personal level, showcasing their stories of family and faith. It remains to be seen how these narratives will impact voters’ decisions and shape the trajectory of the Republican primary. With just a month until the Iowa caucuses, the race is entering a critical phase, and the candidates must find a way to distinguish themselves in a crowded field if they hope to secure the nomination and challenge the Democratic candidate in the general election.
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