DeSantis, Haley, and Newcomers Speak to Iowans at Christian College
Officials considering running for the GOP’s 2024 presidential nomination, engaged in conversations on the importance of faith at Dordt University on Dec. 9. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley shared details of her decision to remove the Confederate flag from South Carolina after a 2015 church shooting. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke of “the armor of God” and his wife spoke about how faith helped her survive breast cancer.
As a son of Indian immigrants, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy’s Hindu faith did not deter him from appreciating the Judeo-Christian ethic he learned at a Catholic high school. Pastor Ryan Binkley, a pastor from Texas, declared that he entered the race after divine instruction. He emphasized the necessity of an economic and spiritual revival in America.
Attendees varied in their opinions before and after the event: from “emotional” Trump fans to others who found an interest in the newcomers to the race like Ramaswamy and Binkley.
However, some were particularly not found of Ramaswamy, while others were confident that men like Mr. Ramaswamy and Mr. Binkley would contribute to good discussions, despite being new to the field of politics.
Although there has not been any public entry from Donald Trump, the frontrunner of the race, a significant number of supporters of DeSantis and Haley were quite the presence during the event at Dordt University.
The rally was an opportunity for Iowans to see politicians speak on their policies and plans. Many reflected on the diverse range of presidential nominations. The crowd at Dordt University listened keenly to what these hopefuls from the GOP – both newcomers like Ramaswamy and well-established politicians like Haley – had to say. This was a noteworthy event for having conversations about the current political environment.
The importance of the event can be seen in the way many attendees shifted their opinions on the various nominations; it was clear that the rally served to change the opinions of many there. The atmosphere was one of serious interest and lively debate.
Yet, the ultimate decision to pick the GOP’s presidential nominee is up to the people of the United States. Filled with energy and passion, the event made it clear that the 2024 election will be a contest of diverse candidates and views. Now, the GOP voters will observe and evaluate the options to decide who will represent them in the 2024 election for the presidency.
