US Presidential Elections 2024: Donald Trump emerges as front-runner in Iowa caucus amid freezing temperatures
Donald Trump emerged as the front-runner, overshadowing the competition. Former President Donald Trump holds a strong position, turning Iowa's first-in-the-nation contest into a struggle for the second spot. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley aim to position themselves as the main alternatives.
The Iowa caucus, a significant event, commenced at 7 pm local time on Monday - January 15 (0100 GMT on Tuesday - January 16). Despite facing legal challenges, Trump enjoys substantial support in the Midwestern state. Opinion polls reveal Trump's broad support, with immigration and the economy being the primary concerns for voters, as per the report.
A survey by Edison Research indicates varying priorities among Republicans participating in the caucuses. A decisive Trump victory could strengthen his claim as the sole Republican candidate capable of challenging Democratic President Joe Biden. Supporters express optimism, anticipating a landslide for Trump.
DeSantis, a primary challenger, stakes his campaign on Iowa, while other contenders such as Vivek Ramaswamy and Asa Hutchinson seek recognition. A third-place finish may prove detrimental to DeSantis's prospects. Life-threatening cold temperatures may impact voter turnout, but Trump's hold on loyal supporters might mitigate the effect, the report noted.
DeSantis and Haley also expressed confidence despite the challenging weather conditions. A wildcard factor is the involvement of Democratic voters registering as Republicans to influence caucus results. This strategy aims to impact the outcome in a state historically significant in the presidential campaign calendar.
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