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Former President Donald Trump is projected to win the Iowa caucus, with the focus now shifting to who will take second place.
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are both polling in the high teens, splitting the non-Trump vote.
The caucus serves as a barometer for the Republican party in 2024, with Trump’s level of support indicating the potential challenges for any challenger.
CNN calls Iowa for President Trump.
"CNN can make this projection based on his overwhelming lead in our entrance poll of Iowa caucus goers. The former president pulling off a HUGE early victory. Trump, easily defeating his top opponents Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis." pic.twitter.com/2xfRYN2MGs
— AnalyzingAmerica (@AnalyzAmerica) January 16, 2024
If Trump wins over 50% support, it suggests a difficult path for a single challenger, while falling short raises the possibility of a unified challenger defeating him in a nomination fight.
Trump urged his supporters to ensure a decisive victory in the Iowa caucuses, emphasizing the importance of their vote in bringing retribution to Washington.
He made claims about political enemies, the 2020 election, and the need to fight back.
Despite frigid temperatures, his supporters expressed unwavering dedication. (Trending: Bombshell UFO Footage Released To The Public)
Trump also downplayed expectations of crossing 50% of the vote, while his rivals, Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, remained confident.
“These caucuses are your personal chance to score the ultimate victory over all of the liars, cheaters, thugs, perverts, frauds, crooks, freaks, creeps and other quite nice people,” Trump said.
“The Washington swamp has done everything in its power to take away your voice. But tomorrow is your time to turn on them and to say and speak your mind and to vote.”
“I’m here in part out of spite,” one supporter said.
“I can’t abandon him. After what they did to him in the last election, and the political persecution he faces, I feel like I owe him this. He’s our only option.”
“You can’t sit home,” Trump said. “If you’re sick as a dog, you say ‘Darling, I gotta make it.’ Even if you vote and then pass away, it’s worth it.”
“With our folks, they’re committed, they’re gonna be there,” DeSantis said. “We’re going to have a good night.”
The weather posed challenges, but the turnout was expected to remain strong.
“It’s been 11 months, and it comes down to tomorrow,” Haley said.
“I have one foot in Nikki’s camp but we’ll see,” one voter said. “It’s an opportunity most Americans don’t get to be this close in person.”
Additionally, Trump garnered support from key figures, and undecided voters were still contemplating their choices.
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