This had to hurt his feelings. Oh well, Trump 2024!
A video capturing a peculiar incident during Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ campaign in Atlantic, Iowa, has gained widespread attention on social media, amassing over 1.4 million views on X, formerly known as Twitter. The incident unfolded as DeSantis, once considered a leading contender for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, campaigned in Atlantic ahead of the state’s Republican caucus.
During the address to supporters, a man identified as Davram Stiefler from the comedy duo The Good Liars approached DeSantis with a small trophy, humorously dubbing it a “participation trophy.” The man expressed appreciation for DeSantis’s effort in the election, stating, “Probably won’t win the election, right, but proud of you for trying.” DeSantis, responding with a touch of humor, declined the trophy, asserting, “I don’t need participation trophies. Sorry, buddy.”
The video clip, shared by Washington Examiner reporter Samantha-Jo Roth, quickly garnered attention, reflecting the lighter moments of political campaigns. Meanwhile, recent polls indicate a shift in DeSantis’ standing, with a survey by NBC News, Mediacom, and The Des Moines Register placing him third among likely Republican caucus voters in Iowa.
The political dynamics were further highlighted in the fifth Republican presidential debate, where DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley faced off. Notably, former President Trump, a key figure in GOP politics, chose not to attend. The debate touched on issues such as corporate influence within the party and disagreements over Disney’s involvement in politics.
DeSantis, known for his ongoing feud with Disney, criticized Haley for her alleged ties to the “corporatist element” in the GOP. The disagreement stems from Disney’s opposition to DeSantis’ Parental Rights in Education legislation, referred to as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which initially restricted discussions on sexuality and gender identity in Florida schools.
As the political landscape intensifies, DeSantis faces challenges not only within his party but also from competitors like Nikki Haley, setting the stage for a dynamic and closely watched primary season.
WATCH:
📍Atlantic, Iowa — a man came up to DeSantis at his town hall & tried to hand him a participation trophy. He said DeSantis he “probably won’t win the election.” He also called DeSantis “our favorite snowflake.” pic.twitter.com/fTEY9Y4kM9
— Samantha-Jo Roth (@SamanthaJoRoth) January 13, 2024