Tommy goes to Iowa to experience the campaign events and voters' opinions. He attends Ron DeSantis events and finds them boring. He interviews Vivek Ramaswamy on his campaign bus. It is discussed if any of these candidates have the potential to beat expectations and defeat Donald Trump in Iowa.
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Quick takeaways
The Iowa caucuses remain highly unpredictable, with voters expressing uncertainty and no candidate capturing the same level of excitement as Trump.
The importance of retail politics in Iowa is emphasized, highlighting the value of face-to-face interactions in fostering political engagement and allowing voters to assess candidates up close.
Deep dives
Mixed opinions on candidates in Iowa
The episode highlights the undecided nature of Iowa voters, even 11 days before the caucuses. Many voters express uncertainty and are still weighing their options. Some express support for candidates like Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, praising their policy positions, while others are steadfast in their support for Donald Trump. There seems to be a lack of enthusiasm and a feeling that no candidate has yet captured the same level of excitement as Trump. Candidates like Ron DeSantis face challenges in generating energy and connecting with voters, particularly due to concerns about his charisma and ability to inspire. Overall, it is clear that Trump remains the front-runner, but the unpredictable nature of the Iowa caucuses means that surprises are always possible.
The importance of retail politics in Iowa
The podcast explores the significance of retail politics in Iowa, where candidates traditionally focus on face-to-face campaigning, holding events, and shaking hands with voters. The interactions between candidates and voters were seen as essential in making a well-informed decision. The podcast raises concerns that future candidates may choose to bypass the early state process, relying on big rallies and social media instead. However, it emphasizes the value of in-person interactions in fostering political engagement and allowing voters to assess candidates up close.
Nikki Haley's performance in Iowa events
Nikki Haley's surge in the polls and her performance in Iowa events is examined. Her campaign has generated attention and financial support from supporters, but there have also been gaffes and controversy that have impacted her candidacy. Criticism has been directed at her for not mentioning slavery as a cause of the Civil War and engaging in missteps in speaking engagements. Still, voters express support for Haley's policy positions and find her polished and credible. While she remains a strong contender, there is uncertainty about her electability and the potential ceiling of support she can achieve in a race against Joe Biden.
Donald Trump's continued dominance
Despite infrequent visits to Iowa, Donald Trump maintains a significant lead in the polls. His absence from the debate was symbolic of his confidence and strategic focus on turning out his supporters rather than engaging with other candidates. There is a clear enthusiasm for Trump among his base, while other candidates struggle to match his level of support. Undecided voters and those considering alternatives are often in search of a candidate who can generate the same level of energy and excitement as Trump. The podcast highlights that Trump's victory in Iowa, even without heavy campaigning, could have implications for the future of retail politics and early state processes.
Less than two weeks before the caucuses, Tommy heads to Iowa to spend a few days going to campaign events, talking with voters, and taking the pulse of the race for second place. He attends two Ron DeSantis events—and learns the Florida governor is as boring as everyone says—interviews Vivek Ramaswamy on his campaign bus, and sneaks into a Nikki Haley event. With just a few days of campaigning to go, do any of these candidates have the momentum to beat expectations in Iowa and defeat Donald Trump?
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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