Despite the snowstorm and the polar cold that hit the region, Iowa voters are meeting this Monday for the first caucuses to decide between the candidates in the running.
Iowa voters will meet Monday evening for the launch of the American presidential campaign (the election will take place on November 5, 2024). Caucuses (election meetings) will bring together candidates and supporters in schools, pubs or even churches.
The opportunity for voters to choose their preferred candidate for the nomination.
On the Democratic side, little suspense. Joe Biden should be widely reinvested.
Among the Republicans, Donald Trump remains the big favorite despite his numerous ongoing trials. He is competing against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley who are vying for second place.
But the very bad weather conditions could have an impact on participation to these caucuses. Analysts are far from saying that snowfall could determine the outcome of the presidential campaign, but concerns have been expressed.
Tim Hagle, professor of political science at the University of Iowa: “Of course, with caucuses, the main thing is that you show up at 7 p.m. on Monday night. And if the weather is really bad, that probably means it’s going to affect turnout. Now, that’s a little difficult . to say which campaign might be more affected than another and who might actually decide not to participate. There are a number of variables there.”
It’s not particularly uncommon to have snowfall in winter, but this year started with some pretty strong storms across the entire northern United States, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, particularly dangerous in the Northeast .
Friday night, the governor of New York declared a state of emergency, in anticipation of a potentially deadly blizzard. Chicago had already had to cancel and delay hundreds of flights at its airport, one of the busiest in the world.