Recently, governor and presidential candidate Ron DeSantis received the coveted endorsement from Bob Vander Plaats, an influential Iowa evangelical. However, former President Donald Trump (R) accused the DeSantis campaign of paying for Vander Plaats support.
During his announcement on Fox News, Vander Plaats said that Gov. DeSantis is “a bold and courageous leader.”
BREAKING: Faith leader @bobvanderplaats endorses Ron DeSantis for president.
“Gov. DeSantis took a reliable toss-up state in Florida and made it complete red — won by 20 points…He’s also done that by being a bold and courageous leader.”
Vander Plaats endorsed the Iowa Caucus… pic.twitter.com/6vXR2dxZiP
— DeSantis War Room 🐊 (@DeSantisWarRoom) November 21, 2023
“Gov. DeSantis took a reliable toss-up state in Florida and made it complete red — won by 20 points…He’s also done that by being a bold and courageous leader,” said Vander Plaats.
Gov. DeSantis himself thanked the Iowa evangelical for the endorsement with a social media post.
As I’ve made my way through 98 of Iowa’s 99 counties, Iowans have shared what a critical role @bobvanderplaats plays in engaging Iowa’s faith community in the key battles that matter. His support tells Iowans they can trust me to fight and win for them.
We’re thrilled to have… pic.twitter.com/7QO6CgVK4T
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) November 21, 2023
“As I’ve made my way through 98 of Iowa’s 99 counties, Iowans have shared what a critical role Bob Vander Plaats plays in engaging Iowa’s faith community in the key battles that matter. His support tells Iowans they can trust me to fight and win for them,” said DeSantis. “We’re thrilled to have Bob and Darla on Team DeSantis and are thankful for their friendship as we’ve gotten to know them throughout this campaign. The road to America’s revival starts in Iowa, and we will get the job done.”
But, President Trump called this move “an act of sheer desperation.”
Ron DeDeSanctimonious, in an act of sheer desperation, paid Iowa preacher Bob Vander Plaats $100,000, and then got his Endorsement? We did not seek it. What is going on here?
Donald Trump Truth Social 01:06 AM EST 11/22/23
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) November 22, 2023
“Ron DeDeSanctimonious, in an act of sheer desperation, paid Iowa preacher Bob Vander Plaats $100,000, and then got his Endorsement? We did not seek it. What is going on here?” said Trump.
However, Vander Plaats shot back, saying that his endorsement “wasn’t and never has been for sale.”
Reposting my August 12 tweet for @realDonaldTrump
Nope...my endorsement isn't, wasn't and never has been for sale. But, then you already knew that...didn't you?
The fact is @RonDeSantis earned my endorsement and, soon, he will earn an Iowa Caucus Victory. #ChooseWell2024 https://t.co/3w8r0qVMI3
— Bob Vander Plaats (@bobvanderplaats) November 22, 2023
“Reposting my August 12 tweet for Donald Trump. Nope...my endorsement isn't, wasn't and never has been for sale. But, then you already knew that...didn't you? The fact is Ron DeSantis earned my endorsement and, soon, he will earn an Iowa Caucus Victory. #ChooseWell2024” said Vander Plaats.
Considering historical trends, the endorsement could lead to a short-term victory, but a long-term failure.
According to the Washington Post, Vander Plaats has supported the winners of the last three contested GOP Iowa Caucuses since 2008. Ironically, none of those candidates went on to win the Republican nomination.
FiveThirtyEight currently has Gov. DeSantis down to President Trump by 27 points in Iowa. Polling has not been updated since Vander Plaats endorsement.
