In a notable display of political messaging during her husband’s presidential campaign, Casey DeSantis took inspiration from a former first lady and conveyed a direct message on the back of her coat, solidifying her position as a potential future first lady of the United States.
Attending a charity biker rally in Des Moines, Iowa, Casey donned a striking black leather jacket adorned with the words “Where woke goes to die.” To further emphasize her connection to Florida, her husband’s gubernatorial role, the jacket featured a depiction of a gator and the distinctive shape of the state.
Immediately drawing comparisons to Melania Trump’s 2018 visit to Texas, where she made a bold statement with a similar green hooded jacket, Casey’s attire sparked discussions about her intentions. Melania’s jacket bore the phrase “I really don’t care, do u?” and ignited debates about her stance on incarcerated children and her response to media scrutiny of her family.
In contrast, the message conveyed by the DeSantis couple was more straightforward, aligning with one of Governor DeSantis’ central campaign promises. Supporters assert that Casey plays a significant role in the campaign by echoing her husband’s talking points and providing personal anecdotes that soften his image.
Since her husband declared his candidacy, Casey has been a constant presence at every event, ensuring her unwavering support and active involvement. While the governor interacted with his enthusiastic fans, signing Bibles, hats, and posing for photographs, Casey took charge of their three children, engaging them with storytelling and games, all while proudly sporting her leather jacket.
During a ten-minute speech to Republicans, Governor DeSantis once again invoked the spirit of Winston Churchill, expressing his disdain for the “woke” philosophy. He declared that a confrontation against the “awakened” was imminent, vowing to fight against it in classrooms, boardrooms, and the halls of Congress. His resolute stance affirmed a refusal to capitulate to what he referred to as the “woke mob.”
The anti-“woke” agenda in Florida encompasses various initiatives, including combating political correctness at Disney, prohibiting transgender reassignment surgery on minors, and removing discussions of sexuality from school curricula. Governor DeSantis emphasized that this fight was crucial to ensure the safety and innocence of children, promising to fiercely defend them against any attempts to erode their well-being.
Although currently in second place behind Trump, Governor DeSantis has a long road ahead to catch up in the race for the presidency. His appearance at Senator Joni Ernst’s Roast and Ride event on Saturday, alongside other declared candidates such as former Vice President Mike Pence, former Governor Nikki Haley, and Senator Tim Scott, provided a platform for the candidates to present their cases to the people of Iowa.
Notably absent from the event was Trump, who has been avoiding sharing the stage with his opponents. Pence, wearing jeans, boots, and a leather vest adorned with patches honoring his home state of Indiana and displaying support for the military, joined Ernst at the front of the roaring motorcyclist procession.
Residents of Iowa had a unique opportunity to engage face-to-face with the eight presidential candidates. Over plates of roast pig and donning biker jackets, the candidates delivered ten-minute speeches, outlining their agendas and making their case for the presidency.
The event served as an early chance for Republicans in Iowa to compare and contrast the candidates’ views. Asa Hutchinson, a former governor of Arkansas, businessman Perry Johnson, author Vivek Ramaswamy, and conservative radio host Larry Elder also made appearances, each presenting their visions for the future of the country.
Despite Trump’s prior visit to the state earlier in the week, his absence was notable. Signs featuring his likeness dotted the fairgrounds’ parking lot, and the prospect of his victory loomed large in the minds of the attendees.
Senator Tim Scott kicked off the speeches, focusing on his personal journey from poverty to wealth and using it as a message of hope to unite the party. He boldly proclaimed that he posed a threat to the extreme left and Joe Biden, as his very existence debunked their falsehoods.
Former Vice President Mike Pence, while highlighting his accomplishments during his tenure, criticized the Biden administration, blaming them for the “worst border catastrophe in American history” and accusing them of contributing to soaring inflation and energy costs through their energy policies.
Pence, along with other contenders, stressed the importance of moving past the divisive politics of recent years. He argued that Republicans must speak candidly about the challenges the nation faces while simultaneously presenting a positive and forward-looking conservative vision for the future.
“Gentlemen and ladies, we must resist the temptation to prioritize passing trends over proven principles,” he asserted, urging the party to avoid getting caught up in “personality politics.”
