Caucusing for Ron DeSantis is a good way to be a friend to Donald Trump
As Trump’s friend, I’d thank him for his service while telling him it is time to turn the page. It’s not against you; it’s for America and for future generations.
- Bob Vander Plaats is president and CEO of The Family Leader, an Iowa-based non-profit working at the intersection of faith and government.
I met Donald Trump in Trump Tower in New York City 12 years ago. Immediately, we struck up a friendship that went beyond presidential politics. While I voted for the former president in 2016, and again in 2020, I’ve never endorsed him.
Now in 2024, I remain a friend to him while endorsing Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida. While some may question my friendship to the former president while endorsing his opponent, the Proverbs say that you can trust the wounds of a friend. And my endorsement, along with my vote for DeSantis, come from a friend doing what’s best for the GOP, best for America and … best for Trump.
Yes, my vote and all Iowan votes for DeSantis are in the best interest of President Trump. As candidate Vivek Ramaswamy frequently comments, the system is not going to let Trump anywhere near the White House again. The system is focused and determined to destroy all things Trump. While Trump could very well win the primary, the system and the sheer number of Trump haters will never allow him to win the presidency.
By Iowans choosing DeSantis on Caucus night, Jan. 15, we will launch a candidate who can win, not just the primary, but the presidency as well. And when he wins, we will launch a proven leader who has a record of confronting the bureaucracy and defeating its elitist agenda. If you believe that the system is being weaponized against Trump and many of us, then a DeSantis presidency is the former president’s — and our — best line of defense. A DeSantis presidency ensures justice for Trump.
DeSantis caught my attention with his landslide re-election victory in the toss-up state of Florida in 2022. While the political pundits predicted a national GOP red wave, there were only few states that delivered … one of them being Florida. Not only did DeSantis dominate the notorious toss-up state, he won on a track record of bold, conservative and courageous leadership.
He led on school choice and parental rights. He led on all things COVID by treating Floridians like adults. He kept the churches, the schools, the businesses and the beaches open. He held the Fauci regime in check.
He confronted the woke agenda in the schools and in big business, protecting Florida’s children and parents from indoctrination and grooming. And he has led on making Florida a great place to succeed in business with a welcoming tax and regulatory climate.
In short, DeSantis has led in making Florida a model place to live, to work, to play … to raise a family. America needs and would greatly benefit from this type of leadership.
As a friend, I would advise Trump that suffering another election loss at the hands of a hostile media and an electorate turned against you is not good for you … not good for America. As Trump’s friend, I’d thank him for his service while telling him it is time to turn the page. It’s not against you; it’s for America and for future generations.
Every two years we hear this is the most important election of our lifetime. Make no mistake, 2024 is the most important election of our lifetime. Thus, we must choose well. And, for me, choosing well is choosing Governor DeSantis. I hope you’ll join me on Caucus night, Jan. 15.
Bob Vander Plaats is president and CEO of The Family Leader, an Iowa-based non-profit working at the intersection of faith and government.