Tomorrow (15th January, 2024) marks the Iowa caucuses. Here's the most recent update.
On the eve of the nation’s inaugural nominating contest, Republican presidential candidates crisscrossed the frozen terrain of Iowa on Sunday, engaging in a final sprint. Former President Donald J. Trump escalated his attacks on Nikki Haley, who is striving to garner support from within the party’s Trump skeptics.
Candidates traversed restaurants and rallied voters in subzero temperatures, facing challenges in scheduling and predicting voter turnout amid wind chills forecasted to plummet as low as 45 degrees below zero on Monday.
Addressing a rally in Indianola, Mr. Trump praised the resilience of the Iowa people while intensifying his critique of Ms. Haley, his closest contender. A recent poll placed her in second place in Iowa, trailing the former president by 28 points.
Despite weather-related disruptions forcing Ms. Haley to relocate an event in Dubuque, she aimed for a strong second-place showing over Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida. Attention is set to shift to New Hampshire, where polls indicate her growing support against Mr. Trump, and South Carolina, where she served two terms as governor.
During a campaign stop in Ames, Ms. Haley emphasized the need for new generational leadership, distancing from negativity and focusing on future solutions. She received an endorsement from Larry Hogan, the former Republican governor of Maryland and a prominent Trump critic.
Mr. DeSantis campaigned in Dubuque and Cedar Rapids, urging supporters to brave the frigid conditions on Monday, emphasizing the impact of their voices and votes.
In other developments:
- Mr. Trump, in his sole campaign rally of the weekend, criticized Ms. Haley, Mr. DeSantis, and opponents of the “MAGA movement,” portraying the caucuses as an opportunity for “ultimate victory” against perceived adversaries.
- Larry Hogan’s endorsement added to the support for Ms. Haley, urging rivals of Mr. Trump to unite behind her.
- Mr. Trump secured endorsements from two former primary opponents: Senator Marco Rubio of Florida and Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota.
- A recent poll revealed Mr. Trump maintaining a commanding lead, with 48 percent support among likely caucusgoers, while Ms. Haley narrowly led Mr. DeSantis for second place.