Donald Trump wins the first phase of the Republican primary in Iowa in a landslide, less than half an hour after the start of the primaries, with just over 50% of the vote and a record margin of around 30 points, more than twice as much as Bob Rekord Dole in Year 1988.
The tycoon has made breakthroughs in all areas of society, starting with the evangelicals, with the only weakness in the suburbs. An astonishing result, considering that he came second here in 2016 and has since sowed chaos, suffering two impeachment trials and awaiting four criminal trials, two of them for attempted falsification of the voting results. However, the night saw a long neck-and-neck race between his main rivals for second place, which, contrary to Ron DeSantis' predictions, was won against Nikky Haley. But the margin is so small (21.2% to 19%, with 94% of votes counted) that it doesn't make a significant difference, leaving the race open as to which of the two can try to present themselves as a voter's alternative to The Donald: The former UN ambassador is in a better position at the next stop on January 23rd in more liberal New Hampshire. On the other hand, Indian-born tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy (fourth with 7.7%) is retreating and supporting former President Trump, increasing his vote count. “I feel honored and empowered by this victory,” was the tycoon's first comment to Fox before his official speech. It began on a conciliatory tone with hopes of uniting the country in a bipartisan way, with congratulations to DeSantis-Haley and praise from her family, including her recently deceased mother-in-law. But he immediately turned to attacks on Joe Biden, “the worst president in US history” and the leader of his lawsuits (“election interference”). Or in the threatening promise to “seal the border with Mexico against invasion by criminals and terrorists” and “to introduce a system of deportations not seen in this country since the days of Eisenhower.” Biden acknowledged that Trump “is the favorite for the Republican nomination” after Iowa and warned his campaign that there would be “vile attacks, endless lies and enormous spending” if he won.
Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA