It Wasn’t a Debate … It Was Better

This year’s most unique and revealing presidential campaign event was held in downtown Des Moines on Friday. Family Policy Alliance joined with our Iowa ally, The Family Leader, for the Thanksgiving Family Forum – a roundtable conversation with the leading Republican presidential candidates, based on polling.

In recent weeks, the Republican National Committee objected to the Forum on the grounds that it was a non-sanctioned debate. But the RNC dropped its opposition after agreeing with The Family Leader’s CEO, Bob Vander Plaats, that the Forum wasn’t a debate, but rather a unique opportunity to get to know what makes the candidates tick.

Approximately 800 people crowded in to hear from three of the four leading Republican candidates:Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Ambassador Nikki Haley and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. Former President Donald Trump was invited but declined to attend.

What they heard included revealing glimpses into the candidates’ lives. For example, all three candidates, led by Gov. DeSantis, shared personal stories about difficult situations, including miscarriages, that shaped their convictions on the sanctity of life.

They also answered challenging questions:

• Ramaswamy was asked about his Hinduism and the source of “truth” that is the tagline of his campaign. He welcomed the question, saying that it was the first time on the campaign trail that he had a chance to delve into his Hindu beliefs.
• Haley went into detail about her statements on abortion in the last debate that some interpreted as espousing a pro-choice position, which she strongly contests.
• DeSantis answered the charge that he should “wait his turn” and not run until 2028.

C-SPAN carried the Forum live. To watch the full discussion or select clips, click here.
Sincerely,

John Paulton
Vice President, State Alliances

P.S. The Family Leader is one of 40 state groups that Family Policy Alliance hosts and serves. That includes groups we added this year in two more states, Maryland and Oklahoma. To find the group in your state, click here.

 

 

 

In the recent election in Virginia, issues like parental rights and abortion took center stage, which drew the interest of many social conservatives around the country. This was one of the most shocking off-year elections we’ve seen in a long time, so we invited an expert to break down the results and offer potential insight for future elections nationwide.

Joining the SoCon Report Podcast live today is Victoria Cobb, President of The Family Foundation of Virginia, to help us break down what happened. With a remarkable seventeen years of experience fighting for pro-family values in Virginia, she is a valuable resource for dissecting this election. Ask her your questions in the comments of our livestream!

TUNE IN Thursday, November 30^th on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
SoConReport or the Family Policy Alliance Website
9:00am PT / 10:00am MT / 11:00am CT / 12:00pm ET

At Family Policy Alliance, our vision is a nation where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished. To stay up to date on the fight to protect families and learn how to take action, follow us on social media!

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See you in the comments section!

Emma Rarden
Communications Specialist – Producer

 

 

 

 

 

 

The third GOP Debate was held last night, and there’s a lot to unpack. But what’s important for social conservatives like you? We got you covered. Join us LIVE this morning to hear it first!

Craig DeRoche, Autumn Leva, and Jason McGuire will break down what happened, who stood out, and what it all means – no fluff included. Plus, join us in the comments section with your own thoughts and questions. Don’t miss this timely discussion by social conservatives, for social conservatives!

TUNE IN Thursday, November 9th on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube,
SoConReport or by clicking the image below
7:00am PT / 8:00am MT / 9:00am CT / 10:00am ET

Not on Facebook? Watch on YouTube!

At Family Policy Alliance, our vision is a nation where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished. To stay up to date on the fight to protect families and learn how to take action, follow us on social media!

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See you in the comments section!

Emma Rarden
Communications Specialist – Producer

P.S. Have you checked out our NEW podcast? On The SoCon Report Podcast, we pick the brains of newsmakers and experts to break down what’s happening now on the issues YOU care about. With new episodes weekly, you’ll be up to date on all things that affect your family. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts.

 

 

 

 

 

Off-year elections are often overlooked, but they play a crucial role in shaping our political landscape. These elections are often used to test hot-button issues on both sides of the aisle, before going full-force on the national stage. This year in Virginia, parental rights and abortion seem to be the dominating issues, potentially foreshadowing the Presidential race in 2024.

Joining Thursday’s live podcast to help us analyze this election is Victoria Cobb, President of The Family Foundation of Virginia. She’ll help us follow the money, analyze Gov. Younkin’s impact, and share how The Family Foundation will respond to potential outcomes.

TUNE IN Thursday, November 2nd on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube,
SoConReport.com or by clicking the image below
8:00am PT / 9:00am MT / 10:00am CT / 11:00am ET

With seventeen years of leadership at the helm, Victoria Cobb brings unparalleled insights into Virginia politics and policy. Her expertise extends beyond party lines, making her a valuable resource for dissecting this election cycle. Ask her your questions in the comments of our livestream!

At Family Policy Alliance, our vision is a nation where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished. To stay up to date on the fight to protect families and learn how to take action, follow us on social media!

See you in the comments section!

Emma Rarden
Communications Specialist – Producer

P.S. Have you checked out our NEW podcast? We pick the brains of newsmakers and experts to break down what’s happening now on the issues YOU care about. With new episodes weekly, you’ll be up to date on all things that affect your family. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He picked a radical to replace California Senator Feinstein and he vetoed a bill that came from his own party’s radical wing.  . Plus, he agreed to debate Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on national TV. Is California Governor Gavin Newsom attempting to climb to the top of the radical Left’s leader board?

Our friends at the California Family Council know all about the political scene in California – that’s why we’re asking them LIVE for the inside scoop on Newsom’s recent decisions. Hear from Jonathan Keller and Sophia Lorey TODAY!

TUNE IN NOW on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube
or SoConReport or by clicking the image below.
10:30am PT / 11:30am MT / 12:30pm CT / 1:30pm ET

Ever wondered how you can help make a difference right where you’re at? Watch for an email in the next 24 hours premiering our new 4-course series, called How to Beat the Radical Left! You will be able to learn from experts how grassroots activism can make a bigger impact than you think, how sharing your story can change hearts and minds, and how you can work with even the unlikeliest of allies to win social conservative issues.

Again watch your inbox for this exciting new opportunity to learn more about changing our culture.

In the meantime, see you in the comments section as we unpack the latest from California!

Emma Rarden
Communications Specialist – Producer

 

P.S. Have you checked out our NEW podcast? We pick the brains of newsmakers and experts to break down what’s happening now on the issues YOU care about. With new episodes weekly, you’ll be up to date on all things that affect your family. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second GOP debate will happen tonight, but what’s important for social conservatives? We got you covered. Join us LIVE Thursday morning to hear it first!

Craig DeRoche, Autumn Leva, and Cole Muzio will break down what happened, who stood out, and what it all means – no fluff included! Plus, join us in the comments section with your own thoughts and questions. Don’t miss this timely discussion by social conservatives, for social conservatives!

TUNE IN THURSDAY on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
SoCon Report or by clicking the image below
7:00am PT / 8:00am MT / 9:00am CT / 10:00am ET

Ever wondered how you can help beat the radical left? Join us later today for mini courses 3 and 4 of How to Beat the Radical Left! Learn from former NCAA All-American swimmer Riley Gaines as she shares how to use your story to make a difference. Then, stick around to hear from Bob Vander Plaats, President and CEO of The FAMiLY Leader to learn how you can work with even the unlikeliest of allies to win social conservative issues.

Best of all? The live course is completely FREE! Register here to ask Riley Gaines your question.

In the meantime, see you in the comments section as we break down the GOP debate!

Emma Rarden
Communications Specialist – Producer

 

P.S. Have you checked out our NEW podcast? We pick the brains of newsmakers and experts to break down what’s happening now on the issues YOU care about. With new episodes weekly, you’ll be up to date on all things that affect your family. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts.

 

The results are IN! This year, we asked you to participate in the Social Conservative Straw Poll, the only straw poll just for people like you! We asked you who you’d choose for president if the election were held today and where you stood on the issues. You showed up en force. A whopping 14,870 self-identified social conservatives participated in the poll!

And here are the results….

98% said the nation is headed in the wrong direction

As the Left continues to push its woke agenda, it doesn’t come as a surprise that most social conservatives are concerned about the direction of the nation. The good news, though, is that this has been a year of major victories for conservatives in states around the nation. More on that next week!

91% confirmed that abortion should either never be legal or should only be allowed until 6 weeks (when a heartbeat can be detected)

As our CEO Craig DeRoche said, “At a time when mainstream media wants to build a narrative of division among conservatives, the truth is that social conservative voters are united on the issues that matter most.” Life is a winning issue for social conservative voters!

Drumroll for the presidential results, please…

If the election were held today, 55% would vote for former President Donald Trump and 32% would choose Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. (The next-closest candidate was Senator Tim Scott, with 5% of the vote.)

Those numbers might sound like any other poll you’ve seen recently, but there’s actually an interesting story here: Governor DeSantis is polling higher in our Social Conservative Straw Poll than he is in polls of other voters. That says something about social conservatives as a group. Social conservatives are interested in the pro-parent, pro-life, pro-child policies that have happened in Florida, and they’re willing to prioritize a candidate who aligns with them on those issues. That matters, because social conservatives are one of the largest voting blocs in the nation, with real power to influence who our elected leaders will be.

Much will happen over the next year, with campaigns to unfold and debates to be held, so it’s too early to say who social conservatives will ultimately rally behind. But, one thing is clear at this juncture: social conservatives are united in wanting a change of direction for our country, and they’re exploring options to make that change a reality.

Next Steps

Want to get our analysis on this week’s presidential debate? Watch now on Facebook, YouTube, our website, or SoConReport.com! (And, speaking of SoConReport, be sure to check that page regularly to stay in the loop on the latest social conservative news!)

Thanks for participating in the Social Conservative Straw Poll!

Meridian Baldacci
Director, Strategy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you watch the debate last night? Wow – there’s a lot to unpack… But what’s important for social conservatives? We got you covered. Join us LIVE this morning to hear it first!

Craig DeRoche, Autumn Leva, and Jason McGuire will break down what happened, who stood out, and what it all means – no fluff included. Plus, join us in the comments section with your own thoughts and questions. Don’t miss this timely discussion by social conservatives, for social conservatives!

TUNE IN NOW on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube
Or by clicking the image below or on SoConReport.com

7:00am PT / 8:00am MT / 9:00am CT / 10:00am ET

While you wait, let us know: did the debate change your mind about who you’d choose for president? Answer our 3-question quiz here! Then, watch for an email TOMORROW where we’ll be announcing the results of our Social Conservative Straw Poll – the only straw poll just for social conservatives!

At Family Policy Alliance, our vision is a nation where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished. To stay up to date on the fight to protect families and learn how to take action, follow us on social media!

See you in the comments section!

Emma Rarden
Communications Specialist – Producer

 

P.S. Have you checked out our NEW podcast? We pick the brains of newsmakers and experts to break down what’s happening now on the issues YOU care about. With new episodes weekly, you’ll be up to date on all things that affect your family. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts.

 

 

 

Are you wondering where the 2024 presidential election is headed? The answers could begin to unfold in a major way next week.

On Friday, Family Policy Alliance joins with our allied group in Iowa, The Family Leader, in hosting the FAMiLY Leadership Summit – the biggest social conservative event on the 2024 presidential election calendar.

The Des Moines Convention Center is expected to be sold out as social conservatives in Iowa and around the country gather to hear from many of the major candidates for president. Tucker Carlson will interview each of the candidates in order to help social conservatives better understand who they are as people and where they stand on critical social issues.

Candidates who are confirmed to attend include Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Tim Scott, former Ambassador Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Former President Donald Trump has yet to announce whether he will attend the Summit.

Attendees at the event will also hear from Pastor Alistair Begg, host of the Truth for Life radio ministry, from pro-life OBGYN Dr. Bill Lile, and from Iowa governor Kim Reynolds. Family Policy Alliance President and CEO Craig DeRoche will also address the audience.

“It’s our privilege at Family Policy Alliance to serve and collaborate with our network of state family policy councils, including Bob Vander Plaats of The Family Leader in Iowa,” said FPA CEO Craig DeRoche. “Under Bob’s leadership, The Family Leader has elevated social issues like life, religious freedom and parental rights within the presidential contest in Iowa. And with the national attention on this event, the candidates’ answers won’t just stay in Iowa.”

Dozens of news outlets will be converging on Des Moines for this event, so stay tuned for news coverage from Iowa on Friday.

Sincerely,

John Paulton
Vice President for State Alliances