Des Moines, Iowa: The 2024 presidential campaign kicked off with a bang on Monday as voters cast their first ballots in the Iowa caucuses. Former President Trump emerged as the clear winner, securing a commanding victory with a lead of approximately 30 points.
While much anticipation surrounded the battle for second place, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis clinched the consolation prize, narrowly beating out former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley.
The caucuses, a traditional winnowing ground for candidates, led to businessman Vivek Ramaswamy suspending his campaign after landing in a distant fourth place. As expected, Ramaswamy endorsed Trump.
Weather played a significant role in this year's caucuses, as a polar vortex gripped Iowa in subzero temperatures, making Monday the coldest caucus day on record. Approximately 112,000 Iowans participated, falling short of the 2016 record of around 186,000 attendees.
Winners:
Former President Trump
Trump's night couldn't have gone better, winning by the predicted margin without any signs of waning support. He likely surpassed the 50-percent mark, undermining arguments against him by his rivals. Trump's conciliatory victory speech included praise for DeSantis and Haley, aiming for unity in an uncharacteristic move.
Pollsters
Despite the challenging nature of caucuses and unpredictable weather, pollsters performed well. Trump's 30-point lead closely aligned with most predictions, showcasing a solid performance. Critics may point out that Haley had surpassed DeSantis in some final polls.
Losers:
Non-Trump Candidates
DeSantis and Haley's close result ensures their continued presence in the race, dividing the non-Trump vote. Trump loyalists, like Kari Lake, dismissed their bids as "vanity projects" and urged them to step aside, emphasizing Trump's candidacy as the key to saving America.
Overall, Trump's resounding victory and the unpredictable weather made the Iowa caucuses a memorable start to the 2024 presidential race.
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