Washington, D.C. — September 16, 2023 — In an intriguing turn of events, former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis are scheduled to address separate conferences in the nation’s capital today, raising questions about the possibility of interaction between the two prominent Republican presidential candidates.
These dual events, namely the Concerned Women of America (CWA) Approved Leaders summit and the “Pray Vote Stand” summit hosted by the Family Research Council (FRC), have drawn the attention of political pundits and enthusiasts alike. Both gatherings are strategically aimed at Christian conservatives, a crucial demographic in the upcoming GOP presidential primary.
Recent polling data suggests that DeSantis is the closest rival to Trump in the fierce competition for the 2024 Republican nomination. However, Trump has maintained a comfortable lead over the Florida governor in recent months. According to a recent Wall Street Journal survey, a staggering 59 percent of Republican voters favor Trump as their preferred candidate, while DeSantis lags far behind at 13 percent.
Governor DeSantis is scheduled to address the CWA summit, which is taking place at the Capital Hilton during lunchtime. Later in the evening, Trump will also make an appearance at the same summit. The CWA, as described on its website, is an organization dedicated to protecting and promoting Biblical values and Constitutional principles through prayer, education, and advocacy. The group’s focus encompasses seven core issues: the family, the sanctity of human life, religious liberty, education, sexual exploitation, national sovereignty, and support for Israel.
Both Trump and DeSantis are slated to speak at the Pray Vote Stand summit’s evening program, scheduled between 7:20 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET. They will be joined by fellow GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. However, it’s worth noting that the timing of their appearances is listed as “subject to change,” leaving room for speculation about whether they will share the stage or engage with each other in any meaningful way.
The Family Research Council (FRC) explains its mission as serving “in the kingdom of God by championing faith, family, and freedom in public policy and the culture from a biblical worldview.”
The decision by both Trump and DeSantis to participate in both conferences underscores the significant influence of Christian evangelicals, a crucial voting bloc that both candidates are actively courting in their bid for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. It’s worth noting that evangelicals played a pivotal role in supporting Trump during the 2016 and 2020 elections, making their support highly coveted in the Republican political landscape.