Jake Tapper and Dana Bash's Iowa picks
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CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash are no strangers to Iowa after following candidates like George W. Bush and John Kerry over the years.
Driving the news: Tonight, they'll be moderating the last GOP presidential debate at Drake University before the Iowa caucuses.
What's happening: We asked the politico veterans about their favorite caucus memories and top places to visit around Des Moines.
- Answers are edited for Smart Brevity.
🌽 Q: What is the most "Iowan" memory you have from the caucuses?
Tapper: I met my future wife at Hotel Fort Des Moines on Jan. 19, 2004, the night Sen. John Kerry won the Democratic caucuses.
- I was with ABC News and had dinner at Centro with plans to then visit the HQ of whomever won. That turned out to be Kerry.
- We walked into Chequers, the hotel bar, and there she was! The next night we went out for dinner at La Tomate in D.C. and that was it! 20 years ago!
Bash: In 2007, I was covering the GOP presidential candidates, and I remember very early in that cycle noticing how much voters seemed to like a former Arkansas governor named Mike Huckabee.
- At that point, he wasn't on the radar of most people in the national media, but I watched him catch fire and get on the map the way only Iowa GOP voters can do for a candidate.
🛍 Q: Where in Des Moines would you buy a friend a gift?
Tapper: The Des Moines airport actually has some sweet souvenirs.
- I got myself a great Iowa State Cyclones cap the other day when I was there for a town hall with Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Bash: This was the easiest question: Raygun! They have the best and most clever items.
- The last time I was there, I got a mug with "America Needs Nasty Women" on it for Kaitlan Collins as a gift for the launch of her new show. I may have gotten one for myself, too...
