With the Iowa caucuses just over a week away, two potential 2024 Republican presidential candidates, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, are making a concerted effort to convince voters that former President Donald Trump is not the inevitable nominee. They also aim to demonstrate their own electability.
On Thursday night, DeSantis and Haley cautioned Iowa Republican voters that re-nominating Trump could jeopardize their party’s chances of reclaiming the White House in November. DeSantis showcased a more personable side, presenting CNN moderator Kaitlan Collins with a jersey from University of Iowa women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark, in a playful jab at Haley who had previously confused their names. He also proposed new policy initiatives, including his support for a “flat tax” and the abolition of the Internal Revenue Service.
Haley, on the other hand, sought to prove her readiness and resilience in dealing with tough issues. She emphasized fiscal responsibility, advocated for unconditional US support for Israel against Hamas, and recounted her decision to remove the Confederate flag from the South Carolina statehouse during her governorship.
Both candidates also argued that Trump’s legal battles could potentially undermine the party’s efforts to defeat President Joe Biden in the general election. Here are six key takeaways from their CNN town halls:
The Candidates Set Expectations
Despite polls showing Trump with a clear lead in Iowa, both DeSantis and Haley insisted they will compete to win the state until the last possible moment. DeSantis encouraged voters to make their own decisions, independent of media or pundits, while Haley, whose chances of winning the GOP nomination are widely seen as more dependent on the New Hampshire primary, assured voters that she was committed to fighting in every state.
DeSantis and Haley Take on Trump
Both DeSantis and Haley argued that nominating Trump for a third consecutive time is a risk Republican voters should not take. They carefully avoided criticizing Trump over the specifics of his indictments, but portrayed him as a candidate whose personal drama could spell disaster for the GOP.
DeSantis’ Evolution
DeSantis presented a more relatable persona at the town hall, using colloquial language and focusing on issues that resonate with the average voter. He also warned about the potential risks of nominating Trump.
Candidates Discuss Guns Hours After Iowa Shooting
In light of a recent school shooting in Perry, Iowa, both candidates were asked about their approach to addressing gun violence at schools without infringing on gun rights. DeSantis referred to gun reforms passed by his predecessor, while Haley focused on mental health and security.
Haley Revisits Her Civil War Answer
After failing to mention slavery when asked about the cause of the Civil War, Haley reiterated that she should have mentioned slavery immediately. She also shared her experiences dealing with racism growing up in South Carolina.
DeSantis Uses Softer Tone on Abortion
DeSantis faced persistent questions about his positions on abortion. While he stood by his anti-abortion record, he adopted a softer tone when discussing the government’s role in enforcing the bans.