Trump, DeSantis and other presidential candidates turn Cy-Hawk rivalry game into political showdown
Former president Donald Trump greeted cheering crowds at an Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity tailgate before watching the rivalry Cy-Hawk game. Trump flipped burgers and tossed out autographed footballs as supporters chanted his name.
"This is some turnout," Trump said. "I guess the youth likes Trump. We love Iowa."
After shaking hands and signing autographs outside Jack Trice Stadium, Trump watched the game from a private box. Despite facing 91 criminal charges, the former president continues to hold a double-digit polling lead in Iowa.
That didn't stop rival candidates from also flocking to the rivalry game. Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson dismissed current polling while campaigning at other tailgates outside Jack Trice Stadium.
"The polls are not reflecting what they're hearing on the ground," Hutchinson said, referencing national media's impression about the race while talking to potential caucusgoers at the Iowa State Fair last month. "They're absolutely open to a new direction, but they just haven't figured out where they want to go yet. And that's why Iowa is so important."
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also spent time taking selfies and handshaking at tailgates before watching the game with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds in Jack Trice Stadium.
He argues his grassroots approach and more frequent presence in Iowa will help him overcome Trump's lead.
"We vote in January, and so everything you're doing is mobilizing what you need to do," DeSantis said. "People are recognizing what we've done here has been very effective. We've got a lot more to do, but we're actually putting in the work that you need to do to be able to win."
Watch: Trump throws out signed footballs to crowd in Ames
