Donald Trump won the first leg of the Republican primary in Iowa by a landslide, in less than half an hour after the caucuses opened, with just over 50% of the vote and a record gap of about 30 points, more than double Bob Dole's record in 1988.
The tycoon has broken through in all social areas, starting with the evangelicals, with the only weakness being suburban areas. An astonishing result considering that in 2016 he came second here and that since then he has sown chaos, suffered two impeachments and is awaiting four criminal trials, including two for trying to subvert the outcome of the vote. On the night, however, it was a long head-to-head between his main challengers for second place, won by Ron DeSantis against Nikky Haley, contrary to expectations. But the gap is so small (21.2% to 19%, with 94% of the votes counted) that it does not make a substantial difference, leaving open the race on which of the two will try to propose themselves as an alternative to The Donald: in the next stop on January 23 in the more liberal New Hampshire the former ambassador to the UN is better positioned. On the other hand, the tech entrepreneur of Indian origin Vivek Ramaswamy withdrew (fourth with 7.7%), who gives his endorsement to former President Trump, increasing his reservoir of votes. "I am honored and invigorated by this victory," the tycoon said on Fox before his official speech. It began in a conciliatory tone with a desire to unite the country in a bipartisan way, congratulations to DeSantis-Haley and praise from his family, including his recently deceased mother-in-law. But he immediately turned to attacks on Joe Biden, "the worst president in U.S. history" and the director of his trials ("an election interference"). Oin in the ominous promise to "seal the border with Mexico against the invasion of criminals and terrorists," implementing "a system of deportations not seen in this country since the time of Eisenhower." Biden acknowledged that after IowaTrump "is the favorite for the Republican nomination" and his campaign has warned that if he wins there will be "vile attacks, endless lies and massive spending."
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