A fierce rivalry unfolded on Saturday with passionate fans on the sidelines. Emotions ran high as tension, hope, celebration, and outrage filled the air.
But this wasn’t just any game. It was a college football showdown between Iowa and Iowa State, a highly anticipated event known for its intense competition. However, this year’s matchup took on a different dimension as two political heavyweights entered the scene.
Former President Donald J. Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, both front-runners in the Republican primary, made appearances at the game. Trump watched from a private suite, while DeSantis sat alongside Iowa’s popular governor, Kim Reynolds.
This marked the first time the two candidates encountered each other since the Iowa State Fair, where Trump and his supporters taunted DeSantis. The Florida governor faced jeers and curses as he walked the fairgrounds with his family.
At Jack Trice Stadium, the tables seemed to turn as Trump became the target of mixed reactions. Some attendees applauded him, while others booed. A plane carrying a banner asking “Where’s Melania?” flew overhead, drawing attention to the absence of Trump’s wife from the campaign trail. From his glass-paneled box, he observed the game while individuals in inflatable Trump and Anthony Fauci costumes took photos with fans.
Despite the contrasting reception in Iowa, Trump continues to dominate the polls in the state, even without engaging in traditional retail politicking.
Before kick-off, hundreds gathered near the loading dock, hoping to catch a glimpse of Trump as he entered the stadium. Another group gathered around his suite during halftime, eagerly anticipating a sighting of the former president.
While Iowa voted for Trump with a significant margin in 2020, the state’s major college towns, Ames and Iowa City, lean towards the Democratic side.
The rivalry extended beyond the game itself. Political attacks began even before the candidates arrived. DeSantis’s super PAC, Never Back Down, released an online ad targeting Trump’s previous support for transgender women in beauty pageants. Ripped-up DeSantis posters littered the grounds outside the stadium.
DeSantis also made an appearance at an Iowa State wrestling team tailgate, mingling with fans and engaging in friendly activities.
When asked about Trump’s lead in the polls, DeSantis steered the conversation towards the future and the desires of Iowans, rather than dwelling on past issues and personal attacks. However, voters contemplating their support for DeSantis expressed concerns about his ability to sway Trump supporters.
Other candidates also sought attention at the game. Vivek Ramaswamy, a political newcomer gaining traction, made appearances and interacted with attendees but had to cancel a town hall due to inclement weather.
Asa Hutchinson, a former Arkansas governor running on an anti-Trump platform, briefly appeared at the tailgate. He criticized Trump’s character and took a swipe at DeSantis, accusing him of being a “Trump-lite.” However, his presence went largely unnoticed by the crowd.
The day unfolded like a game within a game, reminiscent of the Iowa State Fair, where DeSantis faced taunting from Trump’s campaign. Despite the buzz surrounding the candidates and their supporters, most attendees were more interested in the on-field rivalry than the political showdown.
Melanie Frueh, a spectator from St. Charles, expressed her belief that the focus should remain on the college rivalry rather than the candidates trying to make a name for themselves. She emphasized the importance of enjoying the event and having fun.
Ultimately, the game itself didn’t live up to expectations, with the Hawkeyes leading 17-3 at halftime and ultimately winning 20-13. Many audience members left before the game’s conclusion.
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