Donald Trump's third presidential campaign began with the largest-ever victory by a candidate in the Iowa caucuses. The former president devastated his rivals, obtaining more than 50% of the state's votes leaving Ron DeSantis in second place (21.2) at 30 points. His victory, moreover, came in every county except Jackson County, where Nikki Haley prevailed by a single vote (2171-1270). The last conservative candidate to win the Hawkeye State and end up reaching the White House was George W. Bush in 2000.
The electoral map leaves no doubt about the preferences of Iowans. Trump won widely in practically all electoral districts, even managing to exceed 70% in several counties throughout the State. His best result occurred in Keokuk County, where the former president took 74.6% of the registered votes.
After the victory, an unusually moderate Trump praised his rivals DeSantis, Haley and Ramaswamy, whom he called "very smart people, very capable people" and stressed that it's time for unity: "It’s just so important, and I want to make that a very big part of our message: We’re going to come together. It’s going to happen soon, too," Trump said.
Pastor Binkley, surprising fifth ahead of Hutchinson in Iowa
The second and third classified were also satisfied with the results. DeSantis because a defeat in Iowa would have been the final blow to his electoral campaign, especially since the upcoming primary elections are clearly in favor of Haley. Haley, for her part, managed to make good the forecasts of the final survey and maintain her support close to 20%, to face the primaries of New Hampshire and South Carolina in a good situation, where the surveys give her excellent results. CNN even leaves the difference between the former president and the former governor of South Carolina in single digits (39%-32%).
Fourth place was held by Vivek Ramaswamy, who received 7.7% of the votes and later announced his withdrawal from the presidential race, indicating that, from now on, he endorses Trump as a future candidate. Fifth place went to Pastor Ryan Binkley (0.7%), who surprised Asa Hutchinson (0.2%). As a curiosity, the retired Chris Christie obtained 35 votes, 0.03%.
Biden calls for voting against Trump and "MAGA Republican extremists"
President Joe Biden, Trump's presumed rival in November according to the polls, left his reflections on the magnate's victory in Iowa, calling on Democratic and moderate voters to join him against "the Republican MAGA extremists."
Looks like Donald Trump just won Iowa. He's the clear front runner on the other side at this point. But here's the thing: this election was always going to be you and me vs. extreme MAGA Republicans. It was true yesterday and it will be true tomorrow.
Looks like Donald Trump just won Iowa. He’s the clear front runner on the other side at this point.
But here’s the thing: this election was always going to be you and me vs. extreme MAGA Republicans. It was true yesterday and it’ll be true tomorrow.
So if you’re with us, chip…
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 16, 2024
