As Iowa shivers in the bitter cold, the final day of campaigning before the caucuses unfolds with Donald Trump enjoying a substantial lead among Hawkeye State Republicans. The Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom poll paints a clear picture. Trump secured 48% of likely caucus-goers, leaving former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley at 20% and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 16%.
This critical poll not only sets expectations but also adds urgency to the campaigns on the eve of what is predicted to be the coldest caucus on record. Iowa is preparing for its iciest January day in at least five years, with wind chills plunging to a bone-chilling 40 degrees below zero. Following a week of harsh conditions, the extreme weather has shifted much of the campaign onto virtual platforms, injecting uncertainty into a race that has largely favored Trump.
The DeSantis campaign addresses the weather-related uncertainties, asserting that any pollster claiming to predict turnout given historical weather conditions is not being truthful. They emphasize the readiness of their get-out-the-vote organization, perfectly designed for the forecasted conditions. On the other hand, the Haley campaign remains optimistic, focusing on improved poll numbers and assuring that Iowans will brave the cold to voice their desire for a new generation of conservative leadership.
Despite canceling several in-person events due to weather, Trump remains confident in his grassroots support, urging supporters to attend the caucuses. Questions about the weather's impact on voter turnout linger, creating an unpredictable element in a campaign that, until now, appeared to be Trump's to lose.
With the busiest schedule among top-tier candidates on Sunday, DeSantis embarks on the "Never Back Down" super PAC's "Countdown to Caucus" tour. Meanwhile, Haley targets less conservative voters in Ames, recognizing the need to broaden her support base for the upcoming contests.
Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, polling at 8%, becomes a wildcard with an ambitious five-stop itinerary. His campaign faces scrutiny for responding to late attacks from Trump, who accuses Ramaswamy of employing deceitful campaign tricks.
In a surprising twist, DeSantis, once seen as the likely challenger to Trump, finds himself somewhat overshadowed as the primary season approaches. Trump's critical remarks about Haley and his defamation trial dominate the discourse, leaving DeSantis campaigning as if his aspirations are on the line.
As Iowa braces for a historically cold caucus, Monday's outcome will shape the trajectory of the 2024 GOP presidential primary and serve as a testament to the endurance of voters facing extreme weather conditions. The environment is favorable for a dramatic conclusion to a campaign season that featured virtual campaigning, unpredictable weather, and unexpected twists.
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