Trump and DeSantis set for showdown at Iowa’s iconic Lincoln Day Dinner.
Iowa Caucusgoers Prepare for Trump vs. DeSantis Showdown
Iowa caucusgoers are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Lincoln Day Dinner, where they will have the opportunity to witness a side-by-side comparison of former President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL). This event marks a crucial moment in both candidates’ 2024 primary campaigns.
However, amidst the anticipation, special counsel Jack Smith is reportedly preparing to indict Trump for a second time, adding more charges to the original case. Surprisingly, this has only increased Trump’s popularity in Iowa, leaving DeSantis at a disadvantage.
The Importance of the Lincoln Dinner
The Lincoln Dinner, organized by the Iowa Republican Party, holds significant weight in the state’s political landscape. It provides candidates with a unique opportunity to pitch themselves to caucusgoers, activists, and officials. According to University of Iowa politics professor Timothy Hagle, the event draws elected officials, county Republican organizations, and influential activists, making it an ideal platform for candidates to connect with potential supporters.
Hagle explains that attendees at the Lincoln Dinner can have a considerable influence on the outcome of the caucuses. They can encourage others to caucus for a particular candidate, help find precinct representatives, and recruit volunteers for campaign activities like door knocking and phone calls.
Trump’s Selective Campaigning
While Trump has been selective with his campaign appearances, his dominance in early primary polls remains unchallenged. Despite this, the Lincoln Dinner offers caucusgoers a chance to hear from all the candidates and evaluate their speaking skills, issue focus, and ability to connect with voters.
Trump’s absence from certain events, such as the Christians United for Israel event and Gov. Kim Reynolds’s “Fair Side” chats, has raised eyebrows. Reynolds, who remains neutral, introduced DeSantis at his first in-person event in Iowa. Trump’s decision not to participate in these events may be influenced by his overwhelming lead in the polls and his ongoing legal battles.
DeSantis’s Campaign Reset
The Lincoln Dinner will be DeSantis’s first appearance at a major campaign event since his campaign reset and restructure. He recently fired about 40% of his original staff, but campaign manager Generra Peck retained her position, and former digital director Ethan Eilon was promoted to her deputy.
Concerns about DeSantis’s progress and fundraising prompted top advisers to host a donor retreat in Park City, Utah. While DeSantis raised $20.1 million in the second quarter of 2023, a significant portion came from donors who have reached their contribution limit. Additionally, $3 million can only be used during a general election, and he has already spent $7.9 million.
DeSantis has been actively campaigning in Iowa, launching his first bus tour organized by his super PAC Never Back Down. He has also expanded his media outreach, including a formal interview with CNN and the release of more policy papers.
DeSantis remains determined to prove his ability to defeat Biden and the Democrats, emphasizing his previous victory in Florida. He understands that there is no room for error in the 2024 election and is committed to getting the job done.
Source: The Washington Examiner
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