In the countdown to the Iowa caucus, presidential candidates are ramping up their efforts to win over voters. As the race heats up, let's take a look at the current standings and a glance back at the history of the caucus.
According to recent polls, Donald Trump has seen a rise in support, with his percentage mark increasing by six points from September to December. He now holds a commanding lead of 52% in the state, well ahead of other contenders. The second-place position is held by DeSantis, but there is a significant 33-point gap between him and Trump, based on the average from various polls. However, it's important to remember that nothing is certain until the caucus takes place on January 15th.
Reflecting on the 2016 caucus, Ted Cruz emerged as the winner with 27.5% support, followed closely by Donald Trump with just under 25%. Marco Rubio secured third place. Trump went on to win Iowa in the general election against Hillary Clinton, receiving just over 51% of the vote. In 2020, Trump's support in Iowa increased to about 53%, winning every county except for six.
As the candidates focus on Iowa, their ground game strategies are under scrutiny. DeSantis recently announced his campaign's success in mobilizing 1,500 captains across the state. However, Trump's team counters with their claim of having 1,700 captains, sparking a competition to determine whose ground game will prevail.
In addition to campaign efforts, several town halls have been scheduled to provide Iowans with an opportunity to voice their concerns and hear directly from the candidates. Donald Trump is set to participate in a town hall hosted by Bret Baier and Martha McCallum on January 10th. Furthermore, Nikki Haley and DeSantis will also have their own town halls, giving voters a chance to engage with the candidates and discuss the issues that matter to them.
The Iowa caucus plays a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the presidential race. With its strategic importance, candidates from both parties are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for victory. As the days tick down to the caucus, the political landscape in Iowa remains unpredictable, and it will be fascinating to watch how the candidates' strategies unfold in this crucial battleground state. Stay tuned for more updates as the race continues to unfold.
