The Republican presidential primary for 2024 got under way in earnest on Saturday when eight contenders – minus Trump – took part in the Iowa senator Joni Ernst’s “Roast and Ride”, a combination of barbecue-rally and motorcycle ride.
The annual event is a slice of pure Americana. When a young pastor off ered a prayer from the back of a pickup truck outside a big yellow barn owned by HarleyDavidson, bikers removed their caps, placed them over their hearts and bowed their heads.
Mike Pence, set to make his entry into the primary offi cial next week, was the only hopeful to actually take part in the charity parade. The former vice-president, who turns 64 next week, rode a cobalt blue bike and wore a black leather vest with patches that said “Indiana”, “Pence” and “rolling thunder” .
Pence was among the Republican aspirants who, speaking in front of an outline of the Iowa map, delivered speeches of about 10 minutes . But none mentioned Trump by name, giving the impression of a party in denial.
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