Indianola, Iowa — Donald Trump is wrapping up his campaign in Iowa with a strong lead among Republicans in the state, according to recent polling. With the caucuses just around the corner, Trump holds a dominating 48% of likely caucus-goers, followed by Nikki Haley at 20% and Ron DeSantis at 16%.
The release of the poll has set the stage for a frenetic final day of campaigning in Iowa, where the weather conditions have been extremely cold. The projected wind chills of up to 40 degrees below zero have forced candidates to rely on virtual events and calls to voters. This unprecedented weather adds an element of uncertainty to the campaign, which has largely been perceived as Trump’s to win.
Despite the freezing temperatures, Trump remains confident in his grassroots support and calls for his supporters to show up on Caucus day. However, concerns over voter turnout persist, as the inclement weather may discourage some voters from venturing out to the caucus sites.
While DeSantis’ campaign emphasized the unpredictability of turnout given the historic weather conditions, Haley touted her improved poll numbers and presented herself as the candidate for a new generation of conservative leadership. With contrasting strategies, the top-tier candidates are making their final push leading up to the caucuses.
Trump, who had to cancel several in-person events due to the weather, is scheduled to attend a rally in Indianola on Sunday. He also expressed his concerns about voter turnout in light of the extreme weather, but noted the unwavering dedication of his supporters.
The poll reveals that nearly 90% of Trump-backing caucus-goers are extremely or very enthusiastic about voting for him, a figure that surpasses his rivals. DeSantis and Haley have lower enthusiasm levels among their supporters, highlighting the strong support for Trump in Iowa.
As the primary season finally begins, DeSantis, once seen as a top contender, has become somewhat of an afterthought. While there is potential for him to outperform his baseline numbers, his aspirations and chances of securing a ticket to New Hampshire are on the line.
In the final stretch of the campaign, the candidates are leaving no stone unturned. DeSantis has a packed schedule with multiple stops across Iowa, while Haley looks to appeal to a broader range of voters in Dubuque and Ames before concluding her day in Adel.
As the race intensifies, Trump took the opportunity to criticize his opponents, including Haley and DeSantis, along with President Joe Biden and other figures. However, he remains confident in his chances of securing victory.
In summary, Donald Trump leads the pack heading into the Iowa caucuses, enjoying a significant lead over his rivals. The extreme weather conditions pose a challenge to voter turnout, but Trump’s strong grassroots support and enthusiastic backers could still give him an edge on Caucus day. The remaining candidates are making their final efforts to sway undecided voters in the crucial days leading up to the caucuses.