Republican presidential candidates are urging their supporters to brave glacial temperatures in Iowa to participate in the party’s first nominating contest on Monday (January 15). There are concerns that the predicted record cold snap could deter voters from turning out. The icy weather in the Midwestern state is becoming a wildcard in this crucial contest, potentially impacting former President Donald Trump’s bid to secure the Republican nomination and face Democratic President Joe Biden in the general election.
His top rivals, former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, are relying on strong showings in Iowa to challenge Trump’s perceived inevitability. However, the extreme cold may disrupt these calculations by suppressing voter turnout.
Iowa’s highways are filled with abandoned cars stuck in snowbanks, political yard signs are buried under snow, and the freezing temperatures have even caused coffee to freeze. The latest poll indicates Trump leading with 48% support, while DeSantis, who heavily invested in Iowa, has slipped to third place at 16%. Haley, capitalizing on donor dissatisfaction with DeSantis, has risen to second place with 20%.
DeSantis is urging his supporters to endure the cold, emphasizing the importance of their votes and acknowledging the potential for significantly lower turnout due to the weather. With DeSantis having staked much on a strong Iowa result, he has campaigned extensively across the state, targeting socially conservative voters and securing the endorsement of the governor.
The 2016 Republican caucus witnessed record turnout, with around 187,000 votes cast, comprising approximately 29% of the state’s registered Republican voters at that time. In 2012, Republican turnout was around 18%. DeSantis and Haley are fiercely vying for second place, hoping momentum from Iowa will carry them to New Hampshire.
From 7 p.m. CST on Monday (0100 GMT on Tuesday), Iowans will gather in various locations to discuss the Republican candidates before casting secret ballots, with results typically announced within a few hours.
#vivekramaswamy #nikkihaley #rondesantis #donaldtrump #trump2024campaign #uspresidentialelections2024 #iowa #uselection2024 #worldnews
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