Iowa Republicans to support Trump - Haley, DeSantis vie for 2nd: poll

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
16 Jan 2024 03:16

The 2024 Republican contenders anxiously anticipate the outcome of the Iowa caucuses. However, if the polls are any indication, it is clear that Donald Trump holds a consistently strong lead over his fellow candidates.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at the National Federation of Republican Assemblies on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP)

Donald Trump is anticipated to secure victory in the initial ballot of the 2024 presidential race, as Iowa voters convene on Monday night for caucuses that will establish the trajectory for the Republican campaign in pursuit of the White House.

He maintains a substantial lead in a diminishing field of Republicans competing for the party's presidential nomination, as indicated by the polls. However, the former president faces the challenges of managing elevated expectations and adverse winter weather conditions that may impede voter turnout.

Trump holds the backing of over half of Iowa's probable Republican caucus attendees, as reported by the most recent FiveThirtyEight average of state polls. This lead is anticipated to be formidable, even in a state known for producing surprising outcomes in past caucuses.

“I think we are going to have a tremendous night tonight,” Trump told reporters as he left his hotel on Monday afternoon.

“The people are fantastic, and I have never seen spirit like they have.” Nikki Haley, his former ambassador to the UN, trails in second place, on just under 19 percent, according to the FiveThirtyEight average.

Following her, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis trails at nearly 16 percent, with biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy at approximately 6 percent.

The victor in the Republican primary race, a process set to unfold over the next few months and climax at the party's convention in July, will be the candidate to challenge President Joe Biden in the general election scheduled for November.

Despite holding a lead in the polls, Trump's campaign was actively engaged on Monday in efforts to secure a robust voter turnout for the caucuses. The caucuses are set to commence at precincts across the Midwestern state at 7 pm (4 am, GMT+2)