Some Trump Voters Are Gushing Over This Iowa Democrat

A funny thing is happening in Iowa: Trump voters who now disapprove of the president are falling for a Democratic gubernatorial candidate named Rob Sand. One focus group participant put it bluntly: "I just want to say I love Rob Sand." Another praised him for being willing to "buck back" and say things "with a big middle finger." This is not the kind of language you usually hear from Trump voters about Democrats, and it points to something real happening in red states this cycle.

The Rob Sand Formula

Rob Sand is the Iowa state auditor who has been leading in just about every general election poll for governor for months. According to Atlantic staff writer Elaine Godfrey, who has followed him since his "99 County town halls" during his auditor days, what you see is what you get. He's folksy without trying to be folksy, has a specific northern Iowa accent that sounds almost Minnesotan, and is "kinda awkward" with a dad-joke sense of humor that doesn't always land.

Godfrey said something striking about him: "If it turns out that Rob Sand is having an affair and kind of a sleaze bag, then I'm quitting this job because he is so convincing in his authenticity." The caveat is important — you can be an authentic sleaze bag — but voters are clearly responding to something real.