2024 Iowa Caucuses: Blizzard Halts Final Sprint
TL/DR –
A blizzard has disrupted the 2024 Republican presidential field in Iowa, leading to cancellations of campaign events. The weather has led to questions about voter turnout in the caucus, with the state expected to experience its coldest caucuses ever. Prominent candidates Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, and Nikki Haley had to adjust their campaign schedules due to the weather, but have expressed hope that their supporters will still turn out to vote.
2024 Republican Presidential Field Frozen by Iowa Blizzard
A blizzard in Iowa on Friday disrupted the 2024 Republican presidential campaign, causing concern over voter turnout due to record-low temperatures.
Former President Donald Trump cancelled most of his Iowa campaign schedule, opting for telephone events. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley also canceled their Friday campaign events.
As an extreme Arctic blast hits the central US, Iowa is predicted to experience its coldest caucuses and January day in at least five years on Monday, with temperatures plunging below zero.
Although the weekend is traditionally filled with candidates crisscrossing Iowa, it remains unclear whether campaign events will go ahead or if voters will endure the frigid weather to attend them.
The icy conditions have left Republican contenders and their teams uncertain about caucus turnout and potential campaign alternatives.
Haley, addressing voters over the phone, encouraged caucus-goers to bundle up for possible outdoor lines. She entreated them to brave the cold, stressing the importance of their votes.
DeSantis, unsure of how the extreme cold will impact Monday’s outcome, highlighted the vital role his campaign and super PAC could play in organizing for the early-voting states.
DeSantis and Haley are scheduled to attend events across various Iowa cities, though DeSantis canceled a stop in Waterloo due to the weather.
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson was forced to cancel a meet-and-greet in Iowa City Friday night when the venue was closed due to the weather. Despite the cancellations, Trump’s campaign retains a Sunday event in Indianola on his schedule.
Despite the unprecedented weather conditions, Trump’s aides remain confident that low caucus turnout will not dramatically alter the race.
Trump speculated that the severe weather might benefit his campaign, stating, “our people are more committed than anybody else — so maybe it’s actually a good thing for us.”
—
Read More US News