Trump’s opponents struggle to compete with the powerful MAGA ‘movement’ in Iowa
Trump’s Undeniable Influence in Iowa
Hourlong lines in the cold, authorized and unauthorized Make America Great Again merchandise, highly produced “how to caucus” videos — former President Donald Trump may be the messenger, but he has undisputedly inspired a movement.
That is what Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley are up against in Iowa as Trump averages a 30 percentage point advantage on his primary opponents before the Republican Party’s 2024 opening nominating contest on Monday.
Trump’s Unwavering Support
Before Trump’s Mason City rally last weekend, Debbie Neuberger, who read about the campaign stop in “the newspaper,” underscored how most of the people packed into the North Iowa Events Center were for the former president and “they’re going to vote, vote, vote.”
“He’s just awesome,” the Clear Lake haunted house owner, 60, told the Washington Examiner. “People love him. They love him. No matter what, they love him. The more they try to knock him down, the more we love him, the more we go out and help him.”
Trump’s Unbreakable Bond
After a crowded Trump campaign meet-and-greet with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) in rural Keokuk, Sandy Johnson, a precinct caucus captain for the former president, repeated she would never be “not voting for Trump until he, for some reason, is no longer the candidate.”
“There’s always been something about Nikki that I have not liked,” the Keokuk retired retailer, 79, said. “Now Ron DeSantis I like, but then I think he’s probably just a little shallow. I think Trump is really deep. I mean, you might not like his personality, which a lot of people don’t, but that man is sincere, and he’s honest, and he has been through — she said it right when she said ‘persecution.’ They went after him from the get-go.”
Johnson underscores DeSantis’s predicament, more so than that of Haley, with the Florida governor’s personality and politics appealing to similar likely caucusgoers as Trump.
DeSantis’s Challenge
Dallas County Republican Chairwoman Kelley Koch, who represents a region close to more liberal Des Moines, contended DeSantis, in particular, was “misadvised” and that “98%” of Iowa Republicans had decided for whom they would be caucusing “a while ago” but did not share their decision with pollsters or reporters.
“All the other guys never really entered the picture,” Koch said after a drop-in with Donald Trump Jr. in Urbandale. “The reason why, and I mean this sincerely, our country is so messed up right now, with so many problems, that we don’t have time for a rookie.”
Trump’s Unmatched Appeal
Of DeSantis, she added: “I don’t think they truly knew that the MAGA people were sleeping at home, working every day, raising kids. And then when the race kicked in, everybody started to wake up.”
Marian Webster, 69, an Urbandale retiree who was also at the Trump Jr. event, expressed sympathy for DeSantis and Haley because she was sure “they mean well” and “want the best for the country.”
“But I don’t see them, I want to say ‘comparable’ to Trump,” she said. “He’s just, he has outdone, I think, any politician. The only other one that comes to mind is [former President Ronald] Reagan that I can remember.”
Not everyone is a Trump supporter, with one Iowa Republican telling the Washington Examiner he would consider voting for President Joe Biden in the general election if Trump becomes his party’s nominee. Others conceded they would reluctantly cast their ballot for Trump, preferring another four years of the former president to another term of the Biden administration.
But as DeSantis and Haley make primary and general election arguments against Donald Trump, Eric Trump remained unconcerned, describing his father’s third presidential campaign and supporters as “the greatest movement that’s ever existed in politics.”
The Trump Movement
“Most people are angry,” the younger Trump said in an interview. “They’re angry at the state of this country. They’re angry at the economy. I think they’re going to turn out, and I think they’re going to turn out in big numbers. … The movement wants Trump back in, and I think they’re going to show up.”
Eric Trump additionally cited his father’s legal entanglements and alleged the federal government was being weaponized against him.
“It shouldn’t be this way. It’s horribly sad for our nation, but they’re crazy,” he said. “People are sick and tired of it, and they want to be proud of their country. They want to have a president who’s a cheerleader for our country. I think that’s going to really put two people whose campaigns are already faltering really on massive life support.”
Kari Lake, an Arizona Republican Senate candidate and Donald Trump supporter, presented a more positive case on Trump’s behalf, asserting the former president has a record regarding the economy, energy, and foreign policy as part of his “America First” platform.
“Well, I wouldn’t use David and Goliath because we know David won that battle,” the former television news anchor and 2022 gubernatorial nominee said. “This is like T-ball versus the major leagues, and we’ve got Babe Ruth in President Trump. So, that’s how I would equate it.”
“People recognize that in President Trump, there’s a fighter, somebody who stands up and fights every day,” she continued. “He doesn’t need this. He has an incredible life outside of politics. He jumped in because he saw that our country was moving in the wrong direction. And this movement is growing. It’s not contracting. It’s growing, and I don’t know that any other candidate can even come close to President Trump. And people recognize that he’s going to get back into office and turn this nightmare around.”
What factors contribute to Trump’s undeniable influence and appeal in Iowa?
Olitics.”
In the state of Iowa, Trump’s influence is undeniable. His rallies draw large crowds of devoted supporters who are eager to vote for him. The enthusiasm for Trump is unwavering, even in the face of criticism and attempts to undermine him. His supporters admire his authenticity and honesty, believing in his ability to lead the country.
On the other hand, Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley face a challenging task in Iowa. While both have their own appeal, they struggle to match the fervor and loyalty that Trump commands. Iowa Republicans have already made up their minds about whom they will be caucusing for, and DeSantis and Haley have failed to capture their attention and support.
Dallas County Republican Chairwoman Kelley Koch argues that DeSantis was misadvised and that Iowa Republicans are not interested in a rookie candidate. The current state of the country, with its multitude of problems, requires a leader who already has experience and a strong track record. DeSantis, despite his appeal, is seen as lacking the necessary qualifications.
It is clear that Trump’s appeal is unmatched. Even those who sympathize with DeSantis and Haley cannot deny Trump’s remarkable success as a politician. Some compare him to former President Ronald Reagan, citing his ability to captivate and inspire the American people.
However, not everyone in Iowa is a Trump supporter. There are some who would consider voting for President Joe Biden if Trump becomes the nominee. Nevertheless, a significant number of individuals are willing to reluctantly support Trump for another term rather than see another four years of the Biden administration.
In conclusion, Trump’s influence in Iowa is undeniably strong. He has inspired a devoted movement of supporters who are eager to vote for him. DeSantis and Haley face an uphill battle in trying to persuade Iowa Republicans to choose them over Trump. His appeal and the loyalty of his supporters are unparalleled. Only time will tell if another politician can match Trump’s success in capturing the hearts and minds of the American people.
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