SIOUX CENTER, Iowa — A trio of Republican presidential candidates shared stories of family and faith for hundreds of voters in northwest Iowa on Saturday, engaging in sympathetic one-on-one conversations with their hosts not long after the matchup in the final testy debate of the campaign. But offstage at a small Christian college in Sioux Center, the rivals' sharp edges emerged again.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy leaned on their families to drive home their origin stories, without other candidates interrupting, at the event held in a rural, conservative corner of a state that will hold the opening contest on the election calendar in about a month.
Later, DeSantis and Ramaswamy both went after Haley, a further sign that her opponents see her as a growing threat in the 2024 race, in which former President Donald Trump, who skipped the event, is leading in polls of Republicans across the country and Iowa. where the caucuses will take place on January 15.
After DeSantis' time with moderators, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra and his wife Lynette, he returned to a recurring campaign theme: Haley's campaign is funded by liberal Democrats and Wall Street donors and she “takes positions that are more palatable to those people.”
Ramaswamy told reporters that his criticism of Haley during Wednesday night's debate was intended to illustrate the “deep ideological divide” within the Republican Party. He said he himself was unfairly criticized for targeting Haley, the only woman in the race.
“It's part of a double standard that people in this country are fed up with when it comes to identity politics,” he said. “The good news is: I won't let them get away with that.”
Haley did not speak to the news media after her performance.
Steve Rehder, 59, was relieved to hear from candidates without the “crossfire.” He said he's torn between supporting Haley or DeSantis, but he really likes Haley and her debate performance.
“The way she had to stand while being attacked during the last debate. I know she just wanted to come at the man, but she stood there,” said the livestock farmer from Hawarden.
On stage in front of about 750 people, including many students from Dordt University, each candidate spoke about faith, family and politics. Also present was Pastor Ryan Binkley, who has not qualified for debates.
DeSantis was accompanied by his wife Casey. Haley sat with her 25-year-old daughter Rena. Ramaswamy brought along his 3-year-old son Karthik.
Feenstra said it was a unique opportunity for people to hear the candidates' principles and positions, unlike the debates that left little time for real answers from candidates due to infighting and bickering.
Feenstra said he might enter the race, but he hasn't done so yet.
“I want them to make their own decision based on what they hear,” he told reporters. “They can make that decision for themselves without a politician telling them this is what should be done.”
The three candidates will make stops in Iowa throughout the weekend as pressure mounts for a high-profile performance in the caucuses.
As for the absent Trump, “I would like to hear his position on faith and family,” Feenstra said. “I think that would be very important for Northwest Iowa and all of Iowa.”
Rehder agreed, saying it was admirable that candidates came to Sioux County and shared their faith values. Although Trump was the “right man at the right time” and a great president, Rehder said, “he needs to keep his mouth shut.”
“I don't know how he would handle these kinds of circumstances,” Rehder said of the “faith and family” event. “But maybe he should be here so we can see that part.”