Whit Ayres on the State of the Race: Is It Still Trump's Party?
Aug 25, 2023
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Pollster and strategist Whit Ayres discusses the state of the Republican race after the first debate, emphasizing Trump's dominance but also the unpredictability introduced by upcoming trials. Ayres and Kristol assess other candidates such as DeSantis, Haley, Pence, Scott, Christie, and Ramaswamy, considering their breakout potential and ability to challenge the frontrunner. They also delve into topics like division within the Republican Party and the impact of felony charges on a presidential candidate.
Trump's dominance in the Republican Party is strong, and his lead in the polls may not change until voting begins next year.
The focus on early states like Iowa is crucial, as they deviate from national polls and offer opportunities for other candidates to gain momentum.
Consolidating the support of the maybe Trump voters, who represent a significant portion of the party, is critical for any candidate looking to challenge Trump.
Deep dives
Trump as the dominant figure in the race
Donald Trump is the quasi incumbent in the Republican Party and is the dominant figure in the race. He has a lead in the polls and is likely to maintain that lead until people start voting next year. While there is a never-Trump portion of the party, it is small and Trump has a strong hold on the always-Trump voters. The race may not change much until the early states vote, but polls can shift based on actual voting. One important factor to watch is the outcome and timing of the January 6th trials, as it could significantly impact the race if Trump is acquitted or convicted of a serious felony charge.
The importance of early states and Iowa's role
The focus on early states like Iowa is crucial in understanding the dynamics of the race. Iowa and New Hampshire tend to deviate from the national numbers, creating opportunities for candidates to gain momentum. The support for Trump is lower in these states compared to national polls, which means that other candidates have a chance to make an impact. Building a strong base in these early states and performing well can give candidates an advantage and potentially change the direction of the race.
The maybe Trump voters and their role
The maybe Trump voters represent the largest portion of the Republican Party, with about 55% of the base. These voters are willing to support Trump again but have concerns about his controversy and baggage. They are open to considering alternative candidates who they believe have a better chance of winning in 2024. Consolidating the support of this group is critical for any candidate looking to challenge Trump. Nikki Haley stood out in the recent debate and has the potential to attract this maybe Trump portion of the party.
The potential of Pence, Haley, and Scott
Mike Pence, Nikki Haley, and Tim Scott have the opportunity to appeal to the maybe Trump voters. Pence, in particular, performed strongly in the debate and has a chance to overcome concerns from both the never-Trump and always-Trump factions. Haley also made a strong impression and might get a second look from the maybe Trump voters as a viable alternative to Trump. Tim Scott, while well-regarded, didn't have a standout performance in the debate. However, he could still attract evangelical voters in states like Iowa.
Unforeseen events and the path ahead
The race for the Republican nomination is far from predictable, with various potential factors that could impact its outcome. Unforeseen events, like the January 6th trials and other legal developments, could significantly change the dynamics of the race. Money and donor support will play a crucial role, as candidates need to sustain their campaigns. The early states, like Iowa and New Hampshire, will be important indicators of candidate support. The possibility of a consolidation among non-Trump candidates before or after voting begins also remains a potential game-changer.
Where do things stand in the Republican primary field after the first debate? How strong is Trump? How have the other candidates done so far? How might the Trump trials affect the race as we head into primary season?
To discuss these questions, we are joined again by veteran Republican pollster and strategist Whit Ayres. Though Trump remains the strong favorite, Ayres argues that the forthcoming trials make the race more unpredictable than it might seem from simply reading current polling data. Ayres and Kristol also assess the debate performances and candidacies of Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Mike Pence, Tim Scott, Chris Christie, and Vivek Ramaswamy—and consider what each might have to do to break out in the race and take on the frontrunner.
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