The NPR Politics Podcast Trump Visits Early States As Crowded Field Stymies Rivals
Oct 12, 2023
Donald Trump is making frequent visits to Iowa and New Hampshire while avoiding traditional campaign engagement. Despite this, his lead remains strong as rivals struggle to gain traction. The discussion dives into the dynamics of the Republican primary, including the impact of recent candidate withdrawals and the strategies of challengers like Haley and DeSantis. Attention is also drawn to shifting political narratives, particularly the emphasis on foreign policy issues like the situation in Israel over others.
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Trump's Early State Strategy
- Trump is ramping up appearances in early primary states, but still lags behind opponents in time spent.
- Despite this, he maintains a dominant lead in polls, attacking Biden and key rivals like DeSantis and Haley.
Trump's Vulnerabilities
- Trump's strong position in the primary is vulnerable due to potential electability concerns among independents.
- His controversial comments on foreign policy, like those regarding Hezbollah, also create openings for attacks.
Haley's Advantage
- Nikki Haley's polling bump in New Hampshire coincides with her comfort discussing foreign policy, particularly the Israel attack.
- Her experience as UN ambassador allows her to capitalize on the current focus on foreign policy debates.