Donald Trump's stroll to victory in Iowa was a foregone conclusion. This doesn't make it any less shocking
In Iowa over the weekend, blizzards described as “life-threatening” by the National Weather Service brought with them temperatures well below freezing, up to 25 centimetres of snow and ferocious winds.
- In Iowa over the weekend, blizzards described as “life-threatening” by the National Weather Service brought with them temperatures well below freezing, up to 25 centimetres of snow and ferocious winds.
- In these terrible conditions on Monday night, Republicans in the Hawkeye state gathered to choose their preferred candidate for president of the United States.
- Iowa holds a caucus vote in presidential nominating contests, as opposed to most other states, which hold primary votes.
Iowa was always Trump’s for the taking
- Even when he was not physically present in the state – which was a lot of the time – this contest was already all about Trump.
- As bitter as the campaigning between these candidates has been, it has been almost entirely aimed at each other.
- Just as predicted, Trump won Iowa by an overwhelming margin, with DeSantis and Haley neck and neck for second place.
The extent of Trump’s power over the party
- To an extent that is almost impossible to fathom, Trump continues to dominate the Republican Party.
- But the size and extent of Trump’s victory in Iowa does not tell the whole story.
- Each of his challengers has defined their pitch for power largely in deference to Trump and have studiously avoided taking him on directly.
- Ramaswamy, meanwhile, has sought to present himself (with little success) as a sleeker, next-generation Trump.
What does Iowa portend for democracy itself?
- The positioning around Iowa, and the result, consolidate dynamics that have been underway for some time.
- Every single Republican candidate who polled in Iowa is seeking to be the standard bearer of this movement.
- The current trajectory is clear, and it is dangerous: dangerous for American democracy, and as a result, dangerous for the world.
Emma Shortis is senior researcher in international and security affairs at The Australia Institute, an independent think tank. Liam Byrne does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.