Laconia, New Hampshire. When he was governor of Florida, Ron DeSantisHe was campaigning in Iowa and New Hampshire this week, and it was his wife’s presence and message that some Republican voters saw as a potential advantage to his 2024 campaign.
Casey DeSantisa former TV presenter whom the candidate and others around him consider to be his closest political advisor, has brought them together A fierce defense of her husband’s record as a conservative With tales about the challenges of raising their three children, ages three, five and six.
Some Republican voters in early primary states said they see her personal story of overcoming breast cancer as encouraging, They believe that it can help soften the perception of the husband, which has been criticized as inflexible and lacking in charisma.
“She’s a very strong woman,” said Lisa Tiemann, a 62-year-old retired computer professional, who attended a DeSantis campaign event in Laconia Township, New Hampshire, last Thursday. “I think she can win his votes.”
Casey DeSantis is emerging as a key figure in her husband’s fledgling campaign, And his leadership role on the campaign trail may be in stark contrast to Republican frontrunner Donald Trump.
The former president often holds rallies and other events without his wife, the former first lady. Melania TrumpAnd his daughter, Ivanka, said she would not participate in his bid to get back together with the Democratic president. Joe Biden In the year 2024.
GOP political advisor Janet Hoffman said Casey DeSantis, 42, and her husband She also gives the impression of being young and energetic Compared to the older Biden.
“It’s definitely an asset to her campaign,” said Hoffman. “I’m not sure what difference it will make in the primary, but the campaign is smart to use it as an effective alternative.”
Reuters/Ipsos polls conducted between May 9 and 15 show this Trump has the support of 49% of Republicans, with Ron DeSantis a distant second with 19%.
Casey DeSantis has actually played a role in her husband’s choices in the past. She organized the effort “Moms for DeSantis” During last year’s governor’s re-election campaign.
The initiative focused on supporting the parental rights and education agenda, which includes banning classroom teaching about gender identity and sexual orientation for most public school children, and defunding diversity and inclusion programs on public universities.
At DeSantis’ inaugural rally in Des Moines, Iowa, last Tuesday, Casey DeSantis told the crowd that she was there to “fight on behalf of moms across the country.”
In Laconia, on Thursday, she defended her Florida husband’s actions, saying he had resisted pressure to keep the most restrictive measures to combat the pandemic in place. He said that his efforts were necessary to “Protecting and Defending the Idea of the United States”, He does not adopt harsh anti-left rhetoric.
“No chicken. He never took the path of least resistance. Always stand up for what is rightHe said remarks that elicited a mixture of laughter and applause. After the rally, she lingered in the main room longer than her husband, greeting voters and taking pictures.
Susan Nelson, president of a New Hampshire sorority that works to support Republican candidates, said: “I like what I heard from him, but I think she can make a difference.”
Doug Lambert, vice chair of the Republican Party in ultra-conservative Belknap County, New Hampshire, She said she was impressed by its focus on issues facing children and families. He said his speech helped cement his support for the governor.
“Tell me whether this is not the first lady material pioneer lady.” Lambert said. “It’s really good.”
Nathan Lane
Reuters
“Award-winning alcohol trailblazer. Hipster-friendly internetaholic. Twitter ninja. Infuriatingly humble beer lover. Pop culture nerd.”