Who will be the Republican candidate for the US presidential election in November 2024 against Joe Biden? The American right-wing primary begins this Monday, January 15, in Iowa. On site, the candidates deliver their last meetings, the activists their last arguments.
2 mins
Reporting in Des Moines by David Thomson
At Ron DeSantis’ headquarters in DesMoines, it’s the home stretch. Activists are making phone calls to convince undecided voters in this Republican primary in Iowa. Steve and his wife – both retired – want to believe it. This telephone canvassing can still make the difference: “ My wife has made over 2,000 calls. This is the first vote of the primary. It sets the tone for the entire election and that’s why they’re all trying to win Iowa. But, I hope that it will be DeSantis who leaves with this victory in his bag Monday evening. »
Door-to-door at -20°
The more motivated activists must brave the snow and the cold. They go door to door in minus -20 degrees. This morning, Verna had to stop after making 25 attempts this morning: “ Too cold “, she says. But, after months of campaigning and polls at half mast, some pro DeSantis activists are starting to doubt: “ I don’t believe it anymore but I’d be happy to be wrong “, says Marta.
This retiree still sat in the front row to listen to Ron DeSantis who came to deliver a final speech before Monday’s vote: “ I am the only candidate who fought the left and beat the left on every issue. »
Thirty points
Without much conviction, because Donald Trump is ahead of the governor of Florida by more than thirty points in the polls. The verdict will fall on Monday, January 15 from 7 p.m. (1 a.m. UT Tuesday), when Iowa voters will gather in schools, libraries and fire stations in this Midwestern state to nominate their candidate.
(With AFP)
GeopoliticsAmerican presidential election: democracy, the issue of the election