Donald Trump, the former US president, acknowledges concerns about the severe winter weather potentially affecting his support in Monday's Iowa caucuses, marking the first contest to determine the Republican nominee for the White House.
Despite maintaining a significant lead, Trump admits worries about the icy conditions, with a near 30-point advantage over Nikki Haley in a recent NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa poll. Ron DeSantis trails in third, and Vivek Ramaswamy holds fourth place.
A video on social media captures a windblown Trump entering a hotel in Des Moines, where he adjusts his hair and comments on the harsh weather. He emphasizes having numerous meetings and expresses confidence in the tremendous support received despite the challenging conditions.
Trump, compelled to cancel three in-person rallies due to heavy snow and fierce winds, engages in a hastily arranged virtual campaign event. During the virtual rally, he is interviewed by Iowa attorney general Brenna Bird, while the audience sports white caps reading "Trump caucus captain" in gold lettering.
Acknowledging the tough weather conditions, Trump says, "I worry about that, but at the same time, I'm watching even the newscast today, they're saying the Trump voter has so much more spirit, dedication. They say they'll walk over glass, that the Trump voter's coming to vote."
The extreme cold anticipated on caucus day, potentially the coldest in history, raises concerns that some voters might take Trump's lead for granted and stay home. Trump's diehard supporters, known for their dedication, may face challenges due to the deep freeze, especially older or rural voters who favor him.
In response to the challenging weather conditions, Trump's campaign reportedly organizes drivers with four-wheel-drive cars to assist supporters in reaching caucus sites. Meanwhile, competitors Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley maintain in-person events across the state, with DeSantis emphasizing the importance of supporters fighting for him despite the unfavorable weather.
Political analysts, including Frank Luntz, anticipate the weather's impact, noting potential challenges for the youngest and oldest voters. Luntz suggests that while the extreme cold may pose difficulties, it might not ultimately change the election outcome, as Trump's dedicated supporters remain committed regardless of adverse conditions.