In the run-up to the Iowa caucuses, former President Donald Trump remains a strong frontrunner in the state crucial for the Republican presidential nomination. However, influential Iowa social conservative leader Bob Vander Plaats believes Trump is still vulnerable.
Vander Plaats, the CEO of The Family Leader, noted the narrowing GOP presidential field and Trump’s sub-50% polling in Iowa. He sees a realistic chance of Trump being defeated in the upcoming caucuses. With a significant evangelical voter base in Iowa, Vander Plaats’ perspective carries weight in state politics.
The Family Leader will soon host a presidential forum, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy participating. Trump, who also skipped the group’s July summit, will not attend. Vander Plaats views Trump’s absence as telling, indicating a missed opportunity to reconnect with their base.
Vander Plaats plans to endorse a candidate after the forum, likely on a personal basis rather than through The Family Leader. He intends to actively support his chosen candidate to ensure the endorsement’s impact.
DeSantis recently gained a significant endorsement from popular Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. While Vander Plaats appreciates Reynolds’ support for DeSantis, it will not solely determine his endorsement.
Trump’s campaign and allies, including pollster Tony Fabrizio, downplay Vander Plaats’ potential endorsement. Fabrizio argues that the endorsement won’t significantly impact the caucuses, and Trump’s team questions financial ties between The Family Leader and the DeSantis campaign.
In a recent development, Nikki Haley received an endorsement from Marlys Popma, a notable social conservative figure in Iowa. This, along with Reynolds’ backing of DeSantis and Vander Plaats’ impending endorsement, raises questions about their ability to challenge Trump’s strong lead.
Nicole Schlinger, an Iowa-based strategist, emphasizes the importance of personal interactions with candidates over endorsements in influencing Iowa caucus-goers. While high-profile endorsements can spotlight a campaign, ultimately, the candidates’ policies and personal connections will be pivotal in winning over voters.