The race for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election is heating up, and nowhere is it more evident than in Iowa.
The latest poll released by the Suffolk University Political Research Center reveals an intense battle between two prominent candidates: Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis.
While both are vying for the second spot, they find themselves trailing behind the front-runner, former President Donald Trump, who continues to dominate the field.
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According to the Suffolk University poll, Haley has secured the support of 20 percent of likely caucusgoers, giving her a 7-point lead over DeSantis, who garnered 13 percent.
Despite their efforts, neither candidate has been able to break into the double digits, leaving Trump with a commanding lead of 54 percent. It’s clear that the former president’s popularity remains unmatched among Iowa Republicans, at least in the polls.
The Haley-DeSantis Showdown
As the Iowa Caucuses draw near, Haley and DeSantis intensify their attacks on each other. The battle for second place is fierce, and both candidates are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to gain an advantage. In a one-on-one debate held in Des Moines, the final debate before the caucuses, the candidates sparred on a range of issues, including abortion, foreign policy, and spending.
Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and United Nations ambassador under the Trump administration, went on the offensive, criticizing DeSantis for his campaign spending.
She accused him of blowing through $150 million without much to show for it. “If you can’t manage a campaign, how are you going to manage a country?”
Haley questioned, highlighting what she sees as a weakness in DeSantis’s leadership abilities.
DeSantis, however, defended his record as the governor of Florida and fired back at Haley. He highlighted his achievements and attacked her on various fronts, seeking to undermine her momentum in the primary race.
Trump’s Influence
While Haley and DeSantis battle it out, it’s important not to overlook the significant influence of former President Donald Trump.
Despite skipping the CNN debate, Trump held his own town hall event hosted by Fox News in Des Moines.
His unwavering popularity among Republicans was evident, as the majority of likely caucusgoers (54 percent) expressed their support for him.
Trump’s absence from the debate allowed Haley and DeSantis to dominate the stage, but it also emphasized his continued prominence within the party.
Christie’s Departure and its Impact
Hours before the debate, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced his withdrawal from the GOP race. Many viewed this move as beneficial to Haley, especially in New Hampshire, where the race is tighter.
Although Christie only had 2 percent support in Iowa before dropping out, his departure could potentially redistribute his supporters to other candidates.
This development adds an element of unpredictability to the race and could impact the dynamics between Haley and DeSantis.
The Importance of New Hampshire
While Iowa holds the first caucuses, the battle for the Republican nomination extends beyond its borders. New Hampshire, scheduled to hold its primary on January 23, has become a crucial battleground for the candidates.
Polls indicate a tighter race in the Granite State, with Trump managing to maintain his lead, albeit with narrower margins. A strong showing in New Hampshire could provide a much-needed boost to either Haley or DeSantis and potentially reshape the trajectory of the primary race.
Additional Candidates in the Mix
Although the spotlight is currently on Haley and DeSantis, other candidates are also vying for the Republican nomination.
Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has managed to secure 6 percent support in the Suffolk University poll, while Chris Christie, prior to his exit, had 2 percent.
While these candidates may not be leading the pack, their presence adds diversity and complexity to the race, making it even more challenging for Haley and DeSantis to secure the second spot.
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