Donald Trump embarked on the final day of campaigning in Iowa, facing bitter cold weather ahead of Monday’s caucuses. Recent polling from the Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom indicates Trump’s substantial lead among Hawkeye State Republicans, with 48% of likely caucus-goers choosing him as their top candidate. Nikki Haley, former South Carolina Gov., follows with 20%, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 16%.
The polling results set the stage for a frenetic final day, with Iowa expecting its coldest caucus on record amid extreme weather conditions. The campaign trail shifted to virtual platforms due to the frigid forecast, raising concerns about voter turnout. Trump urged his grassroots supporters to show up for the caucus on Monday.
Weather-related uncertainties loom over the race’s final stretch, which has long appeared to be Trump’s to lose. The DeSantis campaign, acknowledging the historic weather conditions, emphasized the effectiveness of their get-out-the-vote organization. Meanwhile, the Haley campaign focused on improved poll numbers and expressed confidence that Iowans would voice their desire for a new generation of conservative leadership despite the cold weather.
Trump, who canceled several in-person events on Saturday due to weather, is set to rally in Indianola on Sunday afternoon and host a tele-rally with GOP state Rep. Bobby Kaufmann. The final push in the campaign underscores the significance of voter turnout, especially in the face of challenging weather conditions.
