DES MOINES, Iowa – The blizzard conditions that disrupted campaign events across Iowa days before the state’s caucuses are now followed by frigid below zero temperatures. These extreme weather conditions pose a potential threat to the turnout at Monday night’s caucuses, which mark the beginning of the Republican presidential nominating calendar. Despite the challenges, candidates like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley remain committed to engaging with voters. However, several campaign events have been postponed or canceled due to the dangerous weather. Despite concerns, DeSantis and his supporters express confidence that their dedicated base will turn out to caucus. Meanwhile, experts and party officials believe that Iowans, known for their resilience, will brave the cold and participate in record numbers.
Supporters gathered in suburban Des Moines on Friday morning to hear Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speak at an event organized by the Northside Conservatives Club. DeSantis expressed his appreciation for the attendees who braved the weather, saying, I’m really impressed that so many people came out, given the weather. The governor reassured his supporters that he would continue campaigning fervently, despite the challenging conditions, stating, I’m going to use every minute I can to be able to win votes.
While DeSantis carried on with his schedule, other candidates, like Nikki Haley, adjusted their plans due to the weather. Haley’s campaign canceled in-person events and instead held well-attended tele-town halls. Addressing her supporters during one of these events, Haley acknowledged the difficulty but emphasized the importance of turning out to caucus, saying, I know it’s asking a lot of you to go out and caucus, but I also know we have a country to save. And I will be out there in the cold.
Notably, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy proceeded with his in-person campaign schedule despite the wintry conditions. However, former President Donald Trump’s campaign canceled three out of four scheduled rallies over the weekend. Despite the disruptions, all campaigns are implementing plans to assist supporters in reaching caucus sites on Monday evening.
As the below zero temperatures loom, the big question remains whether the weather will dampen turnout. DeSantis, who is competing with Haley for second place behind front-runner Trump in Iowa, expressed confidence in his supporters’ dedication, stating, We have a lot of people that we have signed up to commit to for us over many months. I think they’re motivated, they’re passionate, and they’re going to show up.
Party officials and experts share this optimism and believe that Iowans will brave the cold. Jeff Kaufmann, the former Iowa GOP chair, commented on the situation, stating, Out of everything – snow, ice, and the cold temperatures – the cold temperatures worry me the least. He added, Iowans can handle the cold. And they know exactly what to do to keep themselves safe. Similarly, Will Rogers, the former Polk County GOP chair, expressed confidence in the resilience of Iowans, saying, We’re Iowans. It’s January in the Midwest, winter. We expect it to be cold.
While uncertainties remain, candidates and supporters alike are determined to participate in the caucuses, highlighting the significance of Iowa’s role in the presidential nomination process. As Iowans prepare to brave the cold, the nation eagerly awaits the outcomes of Monday night’s caucuses.
Note: Edited to remove news agency names.
