Today’s Iowa Caucuses: Key Points to Watch
TL/DR –
The historically coldest Iowa caucuses are expected to signify a third GOP presidential nomination for Donald Trump, followed by a heated battle for second place between Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida and Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina. Despite facing 91 felony counts from four criminal prosecutions, Trump is likely to win with a majority, raising concerns about the allegiance of the Republican party’s primary voters. A strong second-place finish for either DeSantis or Haley could significantly impact the New Hampshire primary election.
Historic Coldest Iowa Caucuses Expected to Favor Trump
The coldest Iowa caucuses in history arrive, with expectations favoring former President Donald J. Trump for a third Republican nomination. The battle for second place, intensifying between Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, will spotlight Trump’s closest competitor ahead of the New Hampshire primary.
High Stakes for Iowans Amid Trump’s Legal Troubles
Regardless of Trump’s 91 felony counts and pending legal issues, Iowans are poised to make the first verdict on whether the Republican party can move beyond the controversy of his era.
Trump’s Potential Victory and the Fight for Second Place
Despite typically close Iowa caucuses, Mr. Trump is notably ahead in the polls, projecting confidence in a decisive victory. A strong result would indicate his lasting support among Republicans, even if the field narrows down to him and one competitor.
The intense race for second place sees DeSantis and Haley vying for the spot, with the final Iowa Poll by The Des Moines Register showing Haley at 20 percent and DeSantis at 16 percent.
Haley’s Electability Claims and Caucus Attendance
Haley’s closing argument in Iowa focuses on her ability to defeat Biden in a landslide victory; a claim supported by a CBS News poll. However, she needs to make Iowa’s non-college-educated voters believe in her electability to reach a wider Republican electorate.
Turnout for the caucuses will also be crucial, especially considering 2016’s turnout of about 30 percent of registered Republicans. Despite the frigid temperatures and snow, candidates, including DeSantis and Trump, are hoping their ground game strategies will encourage a high turnout.
The Standings of Other Candidates
Among other candidates, entrepreneur and political newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy and former Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas look forward to exceeding expectations. However, their current numbers suggest limited influence. The Iowa caucuses result will determine whether they continue their campaign or side with either Trump or another candidate.
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