One of the great things about being the first-in-the-nation presidential caucus state is hearing from candidates seeking to be the president of all Americans, and, by extension, leader of the free world. It’s heady stuff. Gives you goose bumps. Or is it a rash?
So when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis arrived in Iowa this week fresh from announcing his campaign for president, anticipation was high. What would be his message to Iowans and America?
“It is time we impose our will on Washington, D.C.,” DeSantis said at his first stop at a church in suburban Des Moines. “And you can’t do any of this if you don’t win.”
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OK, well, imposing your will on our democratic government and all Americans who don’t agree with you sounds sort of authoritarian, but what else have you got, governor?
“This woke ideology represents a war on truth itself,” DeSantis said, as he railed against LGBTQ Americans and brought the crowd to its feet.
Now, I understand the definition of “woke” is subject to much debate. To some it’s unknown. To others it’s a quick label for everything they oppose.
But if it’s about acknowledging that racism and bigotry continue to permeate our society and institutions, spawning economic inequality, racial disparities in our criminal justice system and lack of access to housing, quality health care and civil rights, that’s tough to dispute. And don’t forget about targeting transgender kids for political gain.
The war on truth would seem to be denying these problems exist. Or maybe the truth is some voters who feel uncomfortable just don’t want to hear about them, hoping that makes them go away. These folks talk a lot about American greatness, but great, strong nations acknowledge their problems and failures, and seek to do better. It’s the weak ones who impose a “patriotic” agenda built on propaganda.
DeSantis vowed to save America from a “malignant ideology” and shield children from “indoctrination,” also known as teaching them about the issues mentioned above.
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“I will be able to destroy leftism in the country,” DeSantis said on Fox News on Monday, the day before he touched down in Iowa.
In Cedar Rapids he pledged Republicans would “restore sanity.” But you’re only sane if you accept his narrow, spiteful worldview or risk being destroyed, which seems anything but sane.
His words conjure up memories of other famous presidential quotes.
“Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask how you can destroy your political opponents and impose your will on your country.”
“A house divided against itself cannot stand. But by God I’m going to be president of the rubble.”
“With malice toward many: with charity for none; with the firmness of opposition to the woke agenda, as God confirms we and only we are totally right, let us strive to finish off the leftists, to keep the nation’s wounds wide-open …”
“Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom, but we made sure to ban it.”
“The only thing we have to fear is a bunch of books, universities, academic freedom, vaccines, saying ‘gay’ and Mickey Mouse.”
OK, I realize this was a speech full of red meat for Republican activists who form the core of caucus voters. I’ve heard many over the 27 years since I covered my first caucus cycle. In fact, this will be only the second time since 1996 I won’t be interviewing the eventual or chosen Republican nominee. That is, unless some communications staffer makes a big mistake.
But with an eye on also winning the general election, Republicans once did offer some rhetoric for the rest of us.
In 1999, George W. Bush campaigned as a “compassionate conservative.”
“I know this approach has been criticized. But why? Is compassion beneath us? Is mercy below us? Should our party be led by someone who boasts of a hard heart? I know Republicans — across the country — are generous of heart. I am confident the American people view compassion as a noble calling. The calling of a nation where the strong are just and the weak are valued,” Bush said in his first Iowa speech in June 1999 at Amana.
“I’ve learned you cannot lead by dividing people. This country is hungry for a new style of campaign. Positive. Hopeful. Inclusive. A campaign that attracts new faces and new voices. A campaign that unites all Americans toward a better tomorrow,” Bush said.
Sure, it turned out Bush wasn’t much of a uniter. But he did win two terms.
In 2007, Arizona Sen. John McCain came to Iowa and gave policy speeches. That’s right, speeches laying out his specific plans for expanding health care to uninsured Americans and protecting property rights. In Washington, he even unveiled a plan for fighting climate change.
“The world is already feeling the powerful effects of global warming,” McCain said, “and far more dire consequences are predicted if we let the growing deluge of greenhouse gas emissions continue and wreak havoc with God’s creation.”
McCain even had a sense of humor.
“I never knew a sailor, drunk or sober, that had the imagination of our Congress,” McCain said at a 2007 town hall meeting in Des Moines. “I’m not making this up when I tell you a few weeks ago I received an email from a guy who said, ‘As a former drunken sailor, I resent being compared to members of Congress.’”
In 2011, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney did plenty of railing against “socialism,” even after he backed universal health care in his state. His campaign was heavily focused on economic concerns, such as arguing “corporations are people,” but that wasn’t his only message.
“This is a great nation with great prospect, as long as we have leaders who will tell the truth and live with integrity. And who know how to make our economy work,” Romney said in an Iowa stump speech.
Truth? Integrity? How old fashioned.
These moments were a long time ago, admittedly. It seems like these campaigns were waged in a different country, maybe on a different planet. Yes, McCain and Romney lost. But at least they didn’t have remove all the mirrors from their homes, so they didn’t have to look at themselves.
I doubt DeSantis’ message will change one bit if he wins the nomination. Woke, woke, woke. Repeat.
While introducing DeSantis this week, Gov. Kim Reynolds referred to how some in the media have referred to Iowa as “Florida north,” due to the fact our Republican governor has followed the Florida playbook in attacking public schools, curtailing LGBTQ civil rights and removing books from school libraries.
I will not take credit for coining the label. But during an On Iowa Politics podcast in March, I did say “We’re becoming Florida north without the beaches.” A Washington Post reporter listened in and included it in a story about once moderate Iowa’s sharp right turn.
Reynolds declared she takes it as a compliment. I’m so pleased.
DeSantis has called Florida the “Iowa of the Southeast.” But during a trip to Utah earlier this year, DeSantis called Florida the “Utah of the Southeast.”
According to floridapolitics.com, DeSantis said he “was recently visiting with some folks in Iowa and people said, you know, Iowa, they’re really the Florida of the Midwest with all the conservative stuff they’re doing. Well, let me just tell you maybe it’s a little secret, but it might just be that Florida is the Utah of the Southeast.”
So the secret’s out. But maybe Utah is the Iowa of the West, or maybe we’re Florida, Utah, Texas and Alabama. Perhaps we’re the South Dakota of I-80. It can get confusing.
But I must acknowledge all the beautiful lake beaches in Iowa. Please visit them when they’re not contaminated by algae blooms and E. coli.
(319) 398-8262; todd.dorman@thegazette.com
www.thegazette.com
So when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis arrived in Iowa this week fresh from announcing his campaign for president, anticipation was high. What would be his message to Iowans and America?
“It is time we impose our will on Washington, D.C.,” DeSantis said at his first stop at a church in suburban Des Moines. “And you can’t do any of this if you don’t win.”
Advertisement
OK, well, imposing your will on our democratic government and all Americans who don’t agree with you sounds sort of authoritarian, but what else have you got, governor?
“This woke ideology represents a war on truth itself,” DeSantis said, as he railed against LGBTQ Americans and brought the crowd to its feet.
Now, I understand the definition of “woke” is subject to much debate. To some it’s unknown. To others it’s a quick label for everything they oppose.
But if it’s about acknowledging that racism and bigotry continue to permeate our society and institutions, spawning economic inequality, racial disparities in our criminal justice system and lack of access to housing, quality health care and civil rights, that’s tough to dispute. And don’t forget about targeting transgender kids for political gain.
The war on truth would seem to be denying these problems exist. Or maybe the truth is some voters who feel uncomfortable just don’t want to hear about them, hoping that makes them go away. These folks talk a lot about American greatness, but great, strong nations acknowledge their problems and failures, and seek to do better. It’s the weak ones who impose a “patriotic” agenda built on propaganda.
DeSantis vowed to save America from a “malignant ideology” and shield children from “indoctrination,” also known as teaching them about the issues mentioned above.
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“I will be able to destroy leftism in the country,” DeSantis said on Fox News on Monday, the day before he touched down in Iowa.
In Cedar Rapids he pledged Republicans would “restore sanity.” But you’re only sane if you accept his narrow, spiteful worldview or risk being destroyed, which seems anything but sane.
His words conjure up memories of other famous presidential quotes.
“Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask how you can destroy your political opponents and impose your will on your country.”
“A house divided against itself cannot stand. But by God I’m going to be president of the rubble.”
“With malice toward many: with charity for none; with the firmness of opposition to the woke agenda, as God confirms we and only we are totally right, let us strive to finish off the leftists, to keep the nation’s wounds wide-open …”
“Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom, but we made sure to ban it.”
“The only thing we have to fear is a bunch of books, universities, academic freedom, vaccines, saying ‘gay’ and Mickey Mouse.”
OK, I realize this was a speech full of red meat for Republican activists who form the core of caucus voters. I’ve heard many over the 27 years since I covered my first caucus cycle. In fact, this will be only the second time since 1996 I won’t be interviewing the eventual or chosen Republican nominee. That is, unless some communications staffer makes a big mistake.
But with an eye on also winning the general election, Republicans once did offer some rhetoric for the rest of us.
In 1999, George W. Bush campaigned as a “compassionate conservative.”
“I know this approach has been criticized. But why? Is compassion beneath us? Is mercy below us? Should our party be led by someone who boasts of a hard heart? I know Republicans — across the country — are generous of heart. I am confident the American people view compassion as a noble calling. The calling of a nation where the strong are just and the weak are valued,” Bush said in his first Iowa speech in June 1999 at Amana.
“I’ve learned you cannot lead by dividing people. This country is hungry for a new style of campaign. Positive. Hopeful. Inclusive. A campaign that attracts new faces and new voices. A campaign that unites all Americans toward a better tomorrow,” Bush said.
Sure, it turned out Bush wasn’t much of a uniter. But he did win two terms.
In 2007, Arizona Sen. John McCain came to Iowa and gave policy speeches. That’s right, speeches laying out his specific plans for expanding health care to uninsured Americans and protecting property rights. In Washington, he even unveiled a plan for fighting climate change.
“The world is already feeling the powerful effects of global warming,” McCain said, “and far more dire consequences are predicted if we let the growing deluge of greenhouse gas emissions continue and wreak havoc with God’s creation.”
McCain even had a sense of humor.
“I never knew a sailor, drunk or sober, that had the imagination of our Congress,” McCain said at a 2007 town hall meeting in Des Moines. “I’m not making this up when I tell you a few weeks ago I received an email from a guy who said, ‘As a former drunken sailor, I resent being compared to members of Congress.’”
In 2011, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney did plenty of railing against “socialism,” even after he backed universal health care in his state. His campaign was heavily focused on economic concerns, such as arguing “corporations are people,” but that wasn’t his only message.
“This is a great nation with great prospect, as long as we have leaders who will tell the truth and live with integrity. And who know how to make our economy work,” Romney said in an Iowa stump speech.
Truth? Integrity? How old fashioned.
These moments were a long time ago, admittedly. It seems like these campaigns were waged in a different country, maybe on a different planet. Yes, McCain and Romney lost. But at least they didn’t have remove all the mirrors from their homes, so they didn’t have to look at themselves.
I doubt DeSantis’ message will change one bit if he wins the nomination. Woke, woke, woke. Repeat.
Is Reynolds using my material?
While introducing DeSantis this week, Gov. Kim Reynolds referred to how some in the media have referred to Iowa as “Florida north,” due to the fact our Republican governor has followed the Florida playbook in attacking public schools, curtailing LGBTQ civil rights and removing books from school libraries.
I will not take credit for coining the label. But during an On Iowa Politics podcast in March, I did say “We’re becoming Florida north without the beaches.” A Washington Post reporter listened in and included it in a story about once moderate Iowa’s sharp right turn.
Reynolds declared she takes it as a compliment. I’m so pleased.
DeSantis has called Florida the “Iowa of the Southeast.” But during a trip to Utah earlier this year, DeSantis called Florida the “Utah of the Southeast.”
According to floridapolitics.com, DeSantis said he “was recently visiting with some folks in Iowa and people said, you know, Iowa, they’re really the Florida of the Midwest with all the conservative stuff they’re doing. Well, let me just tell you maybe it’s a little secret, but it might just be that Florida is the Utah of the Southeast.”
So the secret’s out. But maybe Utah is the Iowa of the West, or maybe we’re Florida, Utah, Texas and Alabama. Perhaps we’re the South Dakota of I-80. It can get confusing.
But I must acknowledge all the beautiful lake beaches in Iowa. Please visit them when they’re not contaminated by algae blooms and E. coli.
(319) 398-8262; todd.dorman@thegazette.com
Opinion: DeSantis’ war on the woke arrives in Iowa
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to a large crowd during his presidential campaign kickoff tour Wednesday at the Hawkeye Downs …
www.thegazette.com
