Iowans Consider Trump's Legal Troubles in Selecting Caucus Candidates
Teresa Garman, a seasoned Iowa caucus-goer, believes that Monday's gathering holds immense significance as Iowans evaluate Trump's legal troubles while determining their preferred candidate
Teresa Garman has been attending Iowa caucuses for decades, but she considers Monday's meeting to be the most important. Despite predictions of negative temperatures, the 86-year-old resident of Ames said that the cold wouldn't stop her from showing up to support Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis - even though she doesn't believe he will surpass former President Donald Trump.
"I believe that Trump will likely win the Iowa caucus and we are hoping that DeSantis will be the follow-up," said Garman, a former Iowa state representative, ahead of a DeSantis event in the area. She expressed her desire for the Florida governor to come in second "just in case Trump is unable to run."
Trump, and his numerous legal issues, have cast a large shadow over the GOP presidential primary, particularly as Republicans in Iowa make their final decision on who to support in the upcoming caucuses. Polls have indicated that the former President holds a significant lead both in Iowa and nationally, despite facing four indictments and awaiting a Supreme Court decision regarding efforts to remove him from the ballot in Colorado.
Iowans have varied opinions on Trump's legal issues, ranging from anger over what they see as a "witch hunt" to a desire to focus on pressing national issues. Trump's political rivals have also responded in different ways. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has referred to the "chaos" that follows the former president, while DeSantis has argued that Trump's legal challenges could be a distraction in a general election, emphasizing the importance of focusing on voters' issues.
Vivek Ramaswamy has taken a different approach by actively defending Trump. This week, the biotech entrepreneur filed a court brief in support of the former president's efforts to appear on the Colorado ballot. He has also been telling voters that casting a ballot for him is the best way to show support for Trump.
According to a YouGov/CBS News poll conducted last month, 58% of likely GOP caucus voters expressed support for Trump, while 22% favored DeSantis, 13% favored Haley, and 4% favored Ramaswamy. Among those considering voting for Trump, 54% stated that one of the reasons for their support was to show solidarity during his legal challenges. On the other hand, among those not considering the former president, 57% cited Trump's controversial nature and 48% expressed concerns about his legal issues.
The legal battles have become a crucial aspect of the former president and his supporters' campaign efforts. This week, Trump had two court appearances, one in a federal court of appeals to determine his presidential immunity, and another for the closing arguments in his New York civil fraud case. Meanwhile, his associates and opponents were campaigning in Iowa.
At the Machine Shed restaurant in Urbandale, Donald Trump Jr. vehemently criticized the prosecutors and the cases against his father, baselessly labeling them as part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by President Joe Biden.
Trump Jr. expressed, "As awful as it is to deal with daily, the nice thing is that they're revealing their strategies. You understand the game they're playing."
Marian Webster, a 69-year-old from Urbandale who was in attendance, has been a supporter of Trump since he announced his 2016 bid at Trump Tower. She anticipated a swift victory for him in the primaries and agreed with the former president, labeling the charges against him as a "political witch hunt" and placing blame on Biden.
Asked if shes concerned about "chaos" following Trump - Haleys common refrain - Webster said she wasnt.
"I know the chaos has nothing to do with Trump," she said. "Its all the Democrats."
Trump's opponents are under mounting pressure to differentiate themselves from the leading candidate, as recent polls have not indicated a close competition for the nomination. In terms of his legal troubles, the candidates have honed in on Trump's suitability for election.
"If Trump becomes the nominee, the focus will be on January 6, legal matters, and criminal proceedings," remarked DeSantis during a CNN debate on Wednesday.
Ames resident Sandy Wigdahl, in her 50s, expressed her preference for Florida Governor DeSantis to prioritize voters' issues over political theatrics during an event at Jethros BBQ. "I believe the treatment of Trump is unfair. It's not productive," she stated. "However, we must elect a president, so we need to understand how the candidate will address our concerns."
Dan Boyle, an Iowa voter who attended a Haley event in Ankeny, outside Des Moines, expressed his support for the former UN ambassador, acknowledging that she needs to be more careful with her words. When asked if he would vote for Trump in the general election if he becomes the nominee, Boyle admitted uncertainty.
"He's dealing with a lot of chaos at the moment. He has a heavy workload," Boyle commented. "I believe he's a decent person. He's done many commendable things... but, I'm not sure if I'll support him in the election."
Even a few of Trump's most unwavering backers have concerns about his chances of being elected.
During a house party in Clive for Ramaswamy on Thursday night, Pat Goodman, a 57-year-old from West Des Moines, inquired about Trump's biggest mistake. Expressing appreciation for Trump's policies, Goodman mentioned that he is undecided between caucusing for Ramaswamy or DeSantis due to concerns about Trump's ability to attract independents and moderates in a general election.
"I support all of the policies that he enacted as president, but I believe his tweets were sometimes unbecoming of a president," Goodman stated. "I think that this turns away other voters, even though I recognize his accomplishments as an excellent president."
Ramaswamy, the most outspoken supporter of Trump in the race, has chosen a distinct strategy in running against the former president by suggesting that it would benefit Trump if Ramaswamy wins.
Loren Sherman, a 41-year-old from Waukee, showed up at the Ramaswamy house party wearing a "Save Trump Vote Vivek” shirt, featuring a black and white image of Trump's mugshot outlined by the shape of Iowa. Sherman explained that the shirt was part of a swag bag he received from the campaign as a precinct captain.
Sherman stated that he believes Vivek is ultimately more beneficial to Trump than Trump being in office. "Vivek will pardon him, and he has eight years ahead of him, instead of just four," Sherman explained. This report includes contributions from CNN's Ebony Davis, Kit Maher, and Veronica Stracqualursi.
