CNN – Donald Trump is braving the bitter cold in Iowa on the last day of campaigning ahead of Monday’s caucuses. New polling shows him with a dominant lead among Hawkeye State Republicans, as his closest competitors continue their jockeying for second place.
According to the Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom poll, Trump leads the pack with 48% of likely caucus-goers naming him as their top choice. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is in second place with 20% and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 16%.
The frigid forecast for caucus day, with wind chills as low as 40 degrees below zero, has largely forced Republicans off the trail and onto Zoom calls and tele-town halls. The weather is creating some uncertainty in a campaign that Trump has always seemed destined to dominate.
Trump, who was absent from the Hawkeye State for most of Saturday due to the weather, will be on hand for a rally in Indianola on Sunday afternoon. Concerns over how the weather will affect voter turnout are looming over the final furlongs of the race for Iowa, which began more than a year ago and have throughout appeared to be Trump’s to lose.
Some of Trump’s rivals have seized on the uncertainty in a late Saturday night message to supporters. They are touting their improved poll numbers and promising that voters will have a chance to voice their desire for a new generation of conservative leadership.
Trump, on the other hand, expressed confidence in his supporters, emphasizing their enthusiasm and dedication in the midst of extreme conditions.
The former president, on this occasion at least, has the data to back up his claim. Nearly 90% of Trump-backing likely caucus-goers say in the poll that they are extremely or very enthusiastic about voting for him, a figure that towers over his nearest rivals.
The Iowa caucuses are the first major contest of the United States presidential primary season. They take place in the Midwestern state of Iowa, and are considered an early indication of which candidates have the most support. Winning the Iowa caucuses can give a candidate momentum, and is often seen as a sign of a strong campaign.
The historic and unexpected weather conditions have added an extra layer of uncertainty to an already closely watched race, creating a challenging environment for all candidates involved. The unusually cold and snowy conditions are expected to affect voter turnout, posing unique challenges for the campaigns as they work to rally support for their respective candidates.
As the campaign season carries on, with Iowa in the spotlight, voters and candidates alike are gearing up for a critical moment in the race for the 2024 presidential primary.
Read More Politics-news/” target=”_blank”>Politics News
