The story, however, according to the Associated Press, was that DeSantis made “little effort” to interact personally with the group of Iowa voters as well as grassroots activists.

“His second trip to Iowa in two months was anticipated to help allay worries about his sometimes uncomfortable personal appeal as he visited with Republican leaders, donors, and helpers while in the spotlight of the national media. In Sioux Center, though, where over 600 individuals had come to see him at an event advertised as a family picnic for U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra, DeSantis spent little time with photos or handshakes.”

“DeSantis largely delegated his associated super political action committee’s political activities, which included setting up a booth where potential backers of his as-yet-undisclosed presidential campaign might sign up.”

And was that accurate? Simply put, no. The AP felt it essential to tell a quickly exposed untruth for whatever reason. As soon as the allegation surfaced, individuals started uploading pictures and videos showing DeSantis spending a lot of time in the throng mingling, shaking hands, and snapping selfies. Even later, he remained to prepare hamburgers and express gratitude to volunteers.

What did the update change? At least it acknowledges that DeSantis did engage in some initial introductions.

“DeSantis spent approximately 15 minutes after his address mingling around the big crowd, followed by reporters, TV crews, and security detail, shaking hands and chit-chatting with voters. The Rock Valley couple Lyle and Sonia Remmerde grabbed a handshake before he sprinted outside to take photos with Reynolds and Feenstra while cooking burgers along with pork chops on the grill. She said that DeSantis’ manner strikes her as ‘normal.’”

So what’s going on here? Why even try to lie about something so stupid? The press has a particular story about each significant Republican, is the answer. For DeSantis’ story, it is that he is unlikable and cannot connect with voters.