2024 Presidential Campaign Blog

Three Presidential Candidates Confirm for Thanksgiving FAMiLY Forum in in Des Moines, Iowa, on November 17, 2023

THREE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES CONFIRM FOR 2023 THANKSGIVING FAMiLY FORUM
Unique event to welcome DeSantis, Haley, and Ramaswamy for roundtable discussion

Urbandale, IOWA – The FAMiLY Leader Foundation is pleased to announce that three Republican candidates for president have confirmed participation in The 2023 Presidential Thanksgiving FAMiLY Forum at the Des Moines Mariott Downtown in Des Moines, Iowa, on Nov. 17, 2023, from 3:30-6:00 p.m.: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Former U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.

Former President Donald Trump was invited but has not accepted the invitation. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott was also issued an invitation, but after suspending his campaign, will not be appearing.

The Thanksgiving FAMiLY Forum is a unique event on the political calendar – an evening where the invitees gather around a table, instead of standing at podiums, for what is described as "a family discussion with presidential candidates," moderated by The FAMiLY Leader President and CEO Bob Vander Plaats.

"Truly this is a one-of-a-kind event," says Vander Plaats. "The Thanksgiving FAMiLY Forum gives us a chance to see what's in the candidates' hearts, not just what's in their plans. And coming shortly before the holiday season, it may be the last, best chance to really understand what makes these leaders tick before Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses.

"At this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, it’s vital that we look beyond politics to leadership that will move our country forward," adds Vander Plaats. "This year’s Forum provides a unique opportunity to learn and discern, as Americans prepare to choose well in the upcoming 2024 Election and beyond."

This marks the The FAMiLY Leader Foundation’s third such Forum, with similar events in both the 2011 and 2015 election cycles drawing thousands of attendees and hundreds of media outlets.

The 2023 Presidential Thanksgiving FAMiLY Forum and its honored guests are being brought to Iowa by The FAMiLY Leader Foundation’s #ChooseWell2024 initiative and its cornerstone partners: Family Policy Alliance, First Liberty Institute, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, and The Heritage Foundation, and the Forum’s premier sponsor, Sukup Manufacturing Co.

For more information about The 2023 Presidential Thanksgiving FAMiLY Forum, visit
https://www.thefamilyleader.com/tff23

Republican National Committee (RNC) Announces Participants for Third Debate in Miami

RNC Announces Participants for Third Debate in Miami

WASHINGTON – Today, Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel announced the below Republican primary candidates have met the RNC’s criteria and will participate in the third Republican primary debate in Miami on November 8:

Third Republican Primary Debate Participants (Listed in Alphabetical Order)

• Governor Chris Christie
• Governor Ron DeSantis
• Ambassador Nikki Haley
• Vivek Ramaswamy
• Senator Tim Scott

“We are looking forward to our third debate in Miami, a welcome opportunity for our candidates to showcase our winning conservative agenda to the American people. We are especially honored to be the first political party to partner with a Jewish organization for a debate in our partnership with the Republican Jewish Coalition, and our candidates will reaffirm the Republican Party’s unwavering support of Israel and the Jewish community on the stage Wednesday night.” – RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel

The NBC News Republican Primary Debate with partners Salem Radio Network, the Republican Jewish Coalition, and Rumble will air at 8 p.m. ET on NBC News and will be livestreamed on Rumble.

The FAMiLY Leader Foundation Says That Five Presidential Candidates Have Met Qualification Criteria for the 2023 Presidential Thanksgiving FAMiLY Forum in Des Moines, Iowa, on November 17, 2023

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE INVITEES ANNOUNCED FOR 2023 THANKSGIVING FAMiLY FORUM
Unique event welcomes candidates to stage for roundtable discussion

Urbandale, IOWA – The FAMiLY Leader Foundation is pleased to announce that five Republican candidates for president have met qualification criteria and have been invited to The 2023 Presidential Thanksgiving FAMiLY Forum at the Des Moines Mariott Downtown in Des Moines, Iowa, on Nov. 17, 2023: Former President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Former Ambassador Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Sen. Tim Scott.

The Thanksgiving FAMiLY Forum is a unique event on the political calendar – an evening where the invitees gather around a table, instead of standing at podiums, for what is described as "a family discussion with presidential candidates," moderated by The FAMiLY Leader President and CEO Bob Vander Plaats.

"Truly this is a one-of-a-kind event," says Vander Plaats. "The Thanksgiving FAMiLY Forum gives us a chance to see what's in the candidates' hearts, not just what's in their plans. And coming shortly before the holiday season, it may be the last, best chance to really understand what makes these leaders tick before Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses.

"At this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, it’s vital that we look beyond politics to leadership that will move our country forward," adds Vander Plaats. "This year’s Forum provides a unique opportunity to learn and discern, as Americans prepare to choose well in the upcoming 2024 Election and beyond."

This marks the The FAMiLY Leader Foundation’s third such Forum, with similar events in both the 2011 and 2015 election cycles drawing thousands of attendees and hundreds of media outlets.

The 2023 Presidential Thanksgiving FAMiLY Forum and its honored guests are being brought to Iowa by The FAMiLY Leader Foundation’s #ChooseWell2024 initiative and its cornerstone partners: Family Policy Alliance, First Liberty Institute, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, and The Heritage Foundation.

For more information about The 2023 Presidential Thanksgiving FAMiLY Forum, visit
https://www.thefamilyleader.com/tff23

Governor Kim Reynolds Announces “Fair-Side Chats” Schedule

Governor Kim Reynolds Announces “Fair-Side Chats” Schedule

DES MOINES -- Today, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced the current schedule for her Fair-Side Chats with Republican candidates for President at the Iowa State Fair. The one-on-one style interviews will provide fairgoers a unique opportunity to learn more about the candidates themselves as well as their policy priorities.

“I am so proud that I get to have the opportunity to introduce these candidates to Iowans at an event so near and dear to my heart,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “The Iowa State Fair showcases the best of Iowa – from our people to our culture and wonderful agriculture industry – and it’s the perfect venue for a conversation with the candidates.”

The current full schedule is as follows:

Thursday, August 10:

10:30 AM: Larry Elder

Friday, August 11:

8:30 AM: Gov. Doug Burgum

9:30 AM: Vice President Mike Pence

10:30 AM: Mayor Francis Suarez

Saturday, August 12:

8:30 AM: Vivek Ramaswamy

9:30 AM: Amb. Nikki Haley

10:30 AM: Gov. Ron DeSantis

Tuesday, August 15:

8:30 AM: Gov. Asa Hutchinson

9:30 AM: Ryan Binkley

10:30 AM: Sen. Tim Scott

Friday, August 18:

9:30 AM: Perry Johnson

10:30 AM: Will Hurd

Iowans can submit questions for candidates here: https://secure.winred.com/reynoldsgregg/fairsidechats

All Republican candidates for president were invited. This schedule is subject to change and updates will be provided if necessary.

The interviews will take place at JR’s SouthPork Ranch. The Fair-Side Chats will be open to fairgoers and media.

Iowa GOP Announces 2023 Lincoln Dinner Lineup at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines on Friday, July 28, 2023

Iowa GOP Announces 2023 Lincoln Dinner Lineup

DES MOINES -- The Iowa GOP will host its annual Lincoln Dinner fundraiser at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines beginning at 5PM CT on Friday, July 28th. Chairman Jeff Kaufmann will host the event which will feature GOP 2024 presidential candidates having the opportunity to mingle with and address attendees.

Presidential candidates who have confirmed their attendance so far include:

• President Donald J. Trump
• Governor Ron DeSantis
• Vice President Mike Pence
• Ambassador Nikki Haley
• Senator Tim Scott
• Vivek Ramaswamy
• Governor Asa Hutchinson
• Larry Elder
• Perry Johnson

Vivek Ramaswamy Confirms for FAMiLY Leadership Summit in Des Moines, Iowa on July 14, 2023.

VIVEK RAMASWAMY CONFIRMS FOR 2023 FAMiLY LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Will join Tucker Carlson for live, one-on-one, on-stage interview

Urbandale, IOWA – The FAMiLY Leader Foundation is pleased to announce business leader and New York Times bestselling author Vivek Ramaswamy has confirmed for the 12th annual FAMiLY Leadership Summit at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines on July 14, 2023.

The 2023 FAMiLY Leadership Summit will feature a series of live, individual interviews – including an interview of Ramaswamy with television and news personality Tucker Carlson – designed to educate and equip Americans to discern a positive vision for America’s future as the country prepares for the 2024 election.

"We are thrilled that Mr. Ramaswamy will be joining us for perhaps the most significant and anticipated FAMiLY Leadership Summit yet," says Bob Vander Plaats, president and CEO of The FAMiLY Leader. "At this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, it’s vital that we look beyond politics as usual to the principles and the vision that will move our country forward. This year’s Summit provides a unique opportunity to learn and discern, as Americans prepare to choose well in the upcoming 2024 Election and beyond."

Vivek Ramaswamy Photos, Joni Ernst 2023 Roast and Ride, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, June 3, 2023 #RoastandRide

Joni Ernst 2023 Roast and Ride Photos, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, Saturday, June 3, 2023 #RoastandRide

Joni Ernst: “The Road to 2024 Runs Through Roast and Ride”
Ernst Hosts Record-Breaking Roast and Ride Benefiting Veterans

DES MOINES — Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst hosted more than 1,000 Iowans, including nearly 250 motorcyclists, at her annual Roast and Ride. The motorcycle ride benefitted the Freedom Foundation, a veterans helping veterans organization based in Cedar Rapids.

Ernst, who served in the Iraq War during her more than two decades in the Iowa Army National Guard, invited confirmed and potential GOP White House contenders to take part in her annual ride and ensuing rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Attendees included: Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Asa Hutchinson, Larry Elder, Perry Johnson, Vivek Ramaswamy, Vice President Mike Pence, Ambassador Nikki Haley, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Iowa’s entire Republican Congressional delegation joined the event.

“The road to the White House runs right through my Roast and Ride!” said Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). “While Democrats have given middle America the middle finger, Republicans know that Iowa is FIRST in the nation for a reason. What an incredible opportunity to bring eight of our presidential hopefuls to the Hawkeye state and give thousands of Iowans the chance to hear their plans to get our country back on track. Roast and Ride is THE event of 2023.”

“Rockstar Senator Joni Ernst! She is a dear friend… and I so appreciate our partnership over the years,” said Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. “Joni is doing God's work on behalf of Iowans in D.C. If you’re working on an issue that Joni is passionate about, you want her on your side!”

“Joni is an outstanding Senator. We’re going to take back the White House and the Senate in 2024,” said Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).

“I want to thank Senator Ernst for hosting us. Iowa and Florida show America how it’s done!” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. “We can restore American greatness... there is no substitute for victory."

“I absolutely adore Joni Ernst. She’s a great friend and a great senator, and kudos to you for putting her back in D.C.,” said Nikki Haley. “We need courage to face this moment.”

“It is great to be back at the Roast and Ride! Join me in thanking the incomparable Joni Ernst for caring about our veterans so much,” said Vice President Mike Pence. “Joe Biden has weakened America at home and abroad, and the answer, Iowa, is strong conservative leadership back in the White House… I’m announcing in Iowa!”

“I love Iowans because they aren't afraid to ask the hard questions,“ said Vivek Ramaswamy. “We must revive American exceptionalism to save the United States.”

“I love Iowa, what a state!“ said Perry Johnson. “Joni Ernst said she would cut the pork, and I’m going to do the same thing.”

“Thank you for this event Joni, and thank you for inviting me,” said Larry Elder. “I have a patriotic and moral obligation to do what I can for a country that has done so much for me. God bless you and God Bless America!”

“Thank you Joni, what an incredible job she’s done,” said Asa Hutchinson. “Iowa can spot normal from a long way away… and Iowa plays an important role as first in the nation.”

“It is so good to be with Senator Joni Ernst at the Roast and Ride again!” said Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.). “If you have faith in God, faith in yourself, and faith in America, all things are possible."

Vivek Ramaswamy to Visit Iowa on April 21-24, 2023

Vivek Ramaswamy to Visit Iowa on April 21-24, 2023

21
APRIL
5:00 PM
SPRING DINNER
TIMBER LANES EVENT CENTER - MAQUOKETA, IA

22
APRIL
9:00 AM
THE 9/12 GROUP
MONTICELLO COUNCIL CHAMBER ROOM - MONTICELLO, IA

22
APRIL
3:30 PM
IOWA FAITH & FREEDOM COALITION: ROAD TO VICTOR
HORIZON EVENTS CENTER - CLIVE, IA

23
APRIL
9:00 AM
VETERANS & PANCAKES W/VIVEK
VFW POST - DES MOINES, IA

23
APRIL
5:00 PM
MOMS FOR LIBERTY-IA WITH VIVEK
THE SIMPSON BARN - JOHNSTON, IA

24
APRIL
5:00 PM
TOWNHALL
IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE - COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA

Vivek Ramaswamy Launches Paid Media Blitz in Iowa & New Hampshire

Vivek Ramaswamy Launches Paid Media Blitz in Iowa & New Hampshire

COLUMBUS, OH – Presidential candidate and political outsider Vivek Ramaswamy
announced a six-figure, two-week advertising blitz across Iowa and New Hampshire. The ad buy is part of a multi-million dollar ad campaign in the early states
over the next several months beginning today.

Ramaswamy’s first ad is called “Identity Crisis” and will begin airing statewide
immediately in both Iowa and New Hampshire on broadcast, cable television, radio
and digital platforms.

Watch “Identity Crisis” here.

The 30-second message highlights Vivek’s core campaign message and vision for
a national revival and fight for America’s identity.

“I am successful entrepreneur and I’m running for President of the United States.
We are in the middle of a national identity crisis,” Ramaswamy says in the ad.
“Faith, patriotism and hard work have disappeared. Wokeness, gender ideology
and the climate cult have taken their place. We spend so much time celebrating our
diversity that we forget the values that bind us together. I believe deep in my bones
those values still exist,” he said.

Ramaswamy will continue campaigning in Iowa and New Hampshire in the coming
weeks to share this vision with the voters.