The Iowa State Fair has always been a significant event in the political landscape, especially for presidential candidates. It provides an opportunity for candidates to connect with voters, share their messages, and stand out from their rivals. This year, the fair saw a multitude of Republican candidates descending upon it, including Former President Donald Trump, Former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Ambassador Nikki Haley, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.[0]
For candidates who haven’t qualified for the upcoming Republican primary debate, the Iowa State Fair is a crucial chance to appeal to voters and gain visibility. Candidates polling at 1 percent or below nationally, such as Asa Hutchinson, Perry Johnson, Francis Suarez, Will Hurd, and Doug Burgum, all took advantage of the fair to reach out to potential supporters.[1]
The Iowa State Fair is the state’s biggest event of the year, attracting people from all walks of life. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has taken the opportunity to host “Fair Side Chats,” where Iowans can listen to candidates up close and personal, getting a glimpse of their personal side.[2] These chats provide a laid-back platform for Republicans to share their policies, experiences, and even their funniest campaign moments.
The significance of the Iowa State Fair cannot be understated.[3] Iowa serves as the first chance for Donald Trump’s rivals to prevent him from securing the Republican nomination.[4] As the state votes first, it sets the tone for the rest of the country. Candidates must connect with Iowa voters to gain momentum and establish themselves as serious contenders.
While the fair has traditionally been a platform for Republicans, this year two Democratic challengers to President Joe Biden also took the stage at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox.[3] Marianne Williamson and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. used the fair as an opportunity to share their messages with Iowans.
The Iowa caucuses, which have been held since the 1970s, are the first chance for voters to officially weigh in on primary candidates.[1] The results of the caucuses often reflect the trajectory of the race in the rest of the country.[5] However, the future of Iowa’s Democratic caucuses is uncertain, as the Democratic National Committee voted to strip Iowa of its early state position. The proposed calendar for the 2024 caucuses has faced challenges, with New Hampshire and Georgia unable to comply.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Democratic caucuses, Iowa remains a crucial state for Republican candidates in the 2024 presidential nomination cycle. The state’s caucuses, scheduled for January 15, serve as an important contest for Republicans hoping to secure the party’s nomination.
The Iowa State Fair provides a unique opportunity for candidates to engage with voters, humanize themselves, and pitch their policies. It is a testament to the democratic process and the importance of retail politicking.[1] While the fair may attract attention for the big names and high-profile candidates, it is also a chance for lesser-known candidates to make their mark and connect with voters on a personal level.
In the end, the Iowa State Fair serves as a microcosm of the larger political landscape.[1] It showcases the diversity of ideas, the competition among candidates, and the importance of connecting with voters. As the fair concluded, candidates left with valuable insights, support, and momentum as they continue their campaigns on the road to the 2024 presidential election.
0. “Former President Trump, GOP hopefuls at Iowa State Fair ahead of first debate in Milwaukee” WISN Milwaukee, 13 Aug. 2023, https://www.wisn.com/article/former-president-trump-gop-hopefuls-at-iowa-state-fair-ahead-of-first-debate-in-milwaukee/44801152
1. “The Iowa State Fair: Why are 2024 presidential candidates flocking to it? – POLITICO” POLITICO, 10 Aug. 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/10/iowa-state-fair-2023-00110238
2. “Port: Burgum’s 2nd day at the Iowa State Fair a mix of substance and ephemera” INFORUM, 11 Aug. 2023, https://www.inforum.com/opinion/columns/port-burgums-2nd-day-at-the-iowa-state-fair-a-mix-of-substance-and-ephemera
3. “Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he ‘hopes’ Woody Harrelson is now supporting his 2024 campaign and rules out being” Daily Mail, 12 Aug. 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12395917/Robert-F-Kennedy-Jr-says-hopes-Woody-Harrelson-supporting-2024-campaign-rules-Trumps-running-mate-longshot-Democrat-Marianne-Williamson-attend-Iowa-State-Fair.html
4. “Iowa serves as first chance for GOP candidates to stop Trump in 2024 race” MSNBC, 13 Aug. 2023, https://www.msnbc.com/american-voices/watch/iowa-serves-as-first-chance-for-gop-candidates-to-stop-trump-in-2024-race-190718533824
5. “Trump to visit Iowa State Fair with Florida Republicans who endorsed him over Ron DeSantis” Des Moines Register, 9 Aug. 2023, https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/elections/presidential/caucus/2023/08/09/trump-to-visit-iowa-state-fair-florida-republican-endorsements-ron-desantis/70557952007
