Cross-Posted from DanCirucci.com
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This cannot be denied: Donald Trump won a resounding victory in the Iowa caucuses last night. Consider the magnitude of what happened:
Trump needed to shatter all records. He did it, winning by the widest margin ever achieved in Iowa. He needed go beyond a plurality and score a clear majority. He did it, winning with more than 50 percent of the vote. He needed to show he could win broadly, not just among his base. He did it, winning across demographics and carrying every age group. In fact, he carried 98 of the 99 counties in Iowa, and in that one county he only lost by only one vote.
On the heels of this overwhelming victory, here are five big questions:
1) What’s Nikki Haley thinkin? Haley came in thirst last night. Simply put, she did not meet expectations. She was supposed to be surging but the surge (such as it was) did not take her where she needed to be. Yet, she’s acting otherwise. She’s going around acting like a winner. Sooner or later, she will have to face reality. If she doesn’t, she may blow any chance she might have had to be on the GOP ticket.
2) What happened to DeSantis? This is a question that will be studied for years. OK, so he came in second last night. But a year ago this guy was seen by everyone as the clear frontrunner. Yet it seems his campaign fizzled right from the start. Too calculating? Too slick? Too many handlers? No human factor? No spontaneity? Not likable? The questions go on and on.
3) What about New Hampshire? In New Hampshire, independents and moderates can vote in the Republican primary That means that so-called “undeclared” voters can become mischief-makers crossing over onto the GOP side to vote for Haley and stop Trump — and Haley and her people are actively courting these voters. They’re not one bit shy about it. Let’s say Haley comes close to Trump or even overtakes him in New Hampshire. But there’s still South Carolina, Super Tuesday and more. So, New Hampshire gets temporary bragging rights, but . . . . Trump has such a massive advantage everywhere that the odds are still against her. Haley’s playing a dangerous game.
4) What will DeSantis do now? His campaign, to put it kindly, is still sputtering and the end game seems near. It seems unlikely he will support Haley. They’re very different. He’s much more conservative and has a whole different style of governing. But will he endorse Trump? Think of it this way: where else can he go?
5) Whither Ramaswamy? Keep an eye on this guy. He’s the future. He’s smart, clever, shrewd, has lots of personality and is entertaining as well. Wisely, he quickly endorsed Trump and will be a real assest to our 45th president. Look for him to take a big role in the Trump campaign and have a place in the Trump Cabinet if Trump wins.
