5 Takeaways From Trump’s Runaway Victory in the Iowa Caucuses
The former president crushed Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley and also benefited from their close battle for second, which seems set to prolong a three-way race.
Lisa Lerer, Maggie Haberman and Reporting from Des Moines -
After nearly a year of campaigning, more than $123 million in advertising and an inglorious, frozen-over finish, the Iowa caucuses ended much as the race began: Donald J. Trump, the dominant front-runner, was declared the winner before most of the votes had even been cast.
Mr. Trump’s overwhelming victory again demonstrated his enduring command of the Republican Party. Far behind him, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida narrowly pulled ahead of Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor. Their close finish gave both a rationale for continuing their campaigns, which is likely to help Mr. Trump.
The contest now turns to New Hampshire, a more moderate state both in temperature and temperament, where polls show Ms. Haley with more support. After so many months of attacks between her and Mr. DeSantis, the old political trope held true: In 2024, there are three “tickets” out of Iowa. But Mr. Trump rides away on a bullet train.
Here are five takeaways;