One of the more fascinating elements of the presidential campaigns moving across Iowa is watching how they interact with unfriendly questions. And the campaigns seemingly have different ways of dealing with such individuals.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had climate change alarmists forcibly removed from an event on Friday, according to Citizen Free Press. You can watch the video below:
Climate lunatic gets body slammed after he tried to disrupt a DeSantis campaign event. pic.twitter.com/FbpYOmHVt9
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) January 12, 2024
Walking onto the stage should result in a serious response. And the others could have waited their turn to ask their question. But candidates should be familiar with the game by now.
It is interesting, however, to see the difference in how DeSantis reacted to these individuals as compared to how Vivek Ramaswamy has fielded unfriendly followers on the trail.
There have been times when I’ve seen Vivek approached by unfriendly folks who move to within a range that is closer than what “social distancing” would have allowed under COVID and his team hasn’t responded in such a manner.
Instead, Vivek has engaged these individuals. He even gave them his microphone, allowed them to speak and ask a question for a minute, and then responded.
It is a stark contrast and worth pointing out. I don’t have a problem with the person who went up on the stage being physically moved, but it would have been better to see DeSantis then offer an opportunity to take a question. And if not from that person, one of the other two.
Yes, they were rude. Yes, they were not following the rules. And yes, they likely wouldn’t agree with the answer DeSantis would deliver anyway.
But seeing a back-and-forth rather than a silencing would have been nice. Yes, they were disruptive. But I think Vivek has shown the way forward when it comes to handling these individuals.
Tell them they have a chance to make their case so long as they do it respectfully. If they violate that agreement, it’s over. If they don’t, there is dialogue.
Like this:
Vivek Ramaswamy gives the mic to a climate change protestor in the middle of his event to just conversate openly & honestly. Wow! The dude is a gifted orator. pic.twitter.com/y0iNlHW2tO
— Chris Bradberry (@Cb_112196) January 11, 2024
LGBTQ protestor came to Vivek Ramaswamy's event in Iowa last night and ended up agreeing with his policy @VivekGRamaswamy pic.twitter.com/gFsAiArsfI
— The Report (@TheReportX) December 23, 2023
A real class act.
Vivek Ramaswamy pauses a town hall to invite a protestor who was standing outside to come inside and join the conversation. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/xxIe32KvRl
— Holden Culotta (@Holden_Culotta) October 6, 2023
Here in Iowa, a woman interrupts @VivekGRamaswamy rebuking DC’s climate agenda to shout at him that climate change killed her family (just gonna leave that there)
Vivek’s response is an unusual sight. He didn’t call security. He engaged, debated, reframed. Interesting exchange: pic.twitter.com/ZNKPgycH3y
— Mike Benz (@MikeBenzCyber) January 10, 2024
https://twitter.com/StacyDM007/status/1739869987064434849
What do YOU think? How should candidates respond in these situations? Let us know either in the comments or via email at [email protected]. We’ll publish your answers!
Vivek seems genuine. Refreshing. And smart. He responds with facts.