Dem does something surprising to create a bipartisan moment of unity: "Hard to believe this is real" - LGBTQ Nation

"“I want to do something to prove that Democrats, independents, and Republicans can work together to make something wonderful,” Rob Sand, the current Iowa Auditor of State who is running for governor, tells a crowd in the video. He then asks everyone at the town hall to sing the first verse of the long-beloved patriotic anthem."

"“This is beautiful, actually,” wrote trans activist Charlotte Clymer, “and some on the far-left who don't understand why this appeals to so many of us is probably a great place to start in unpacking why they seem incapable of connecting with voters outside of their ideological camp.”"

"Reporter Kevin Driscoll commented, “It's hard to believe this is real when you first watch it.” While some said the moment was too corny, many others also praised Sand for trying to bring people together."

"I don't care which party you are, this is so awesome.We are ALL Americans, and we need reminders like this. https://t.co/iLOP1d21j4- Dave Hale - Concerned Republican (@CountryFirstRep) May 18, 2026 I recorded this at @RobSandIA's town hall in Winterset last September. More than 100 people showed up on a high school football Friday evening.A lot of people think this is corny, but every time I saw it happen, the audience embraced the singing. https://t.co/NbXyixFiH5- Bleeding Heartland (@LauraRBelin) May 17, 2026"

A video shows Rob Sand, an Iowa gubernatorial candidate and current Iowa Auditor of State, asking attendees at his town halls to sing “America the Beautiful” together before political arguing begins. He says the goal is to prove Democrats, independents, and Republicans can work together to make something wonderful. Attendees listen and sing the first verse in a moment described as powerful and unifying. Reactions include praise for bringing people together and comments that the act is corny but embraced by the audience. Some observers note the appeal of connecting with voters beyond ideological camps, while others express surprise that the video appears real.

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