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.
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.
Who would you choose for President in 2024? We want to know YOUR answer!
Throughout the year, mainstream media loves to cite polls telling us who they think will be president next and what Americans think about the latest political issues. Inevitably, many of these polls are written to engineer a woke outcome.
Often politicians, big tech, big business and the media simply choose to ignore conservative viewpoints because those aren’t the voices they want heard.
Family Policy Alliance wants to change that — to bring conservative voices to the forefront. That’s why today we are releasing the ONLY straw poll for social conservatives! YOUR voice deserves to be heard, and we want to know what’s on your mind!
Take this quick poll to tell us who you think should be President in 2024 and whether the country is headed in the right direction. Then, SHARE with your friends. We need as many conservative voices as possible to take this poll, so that we can tell the TRUTH about what so many Americans believe.
Will you raise your voice?
Sincerely,
Meridian Baldacci
Director o f Strategy
P.S. After you take the poll, don’t forget to share with friends. The more people that take the poll, the harder it will be for the media to ignore.