She is confident her strategy will work.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Former President Donald Trump, and Vivek Ramaswamy each express confidence in their performance in Iowa, with varying expectations. Nikki Haley, however, remains less explicit about her prospects just days before the caucuses. Haley emphasizes the importance of showing strength in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, focusing on gaining momentum as the results unfold.
Haley’s strategy involves keeping expectations vague to avoid the potential impact of an expectations game that could sway momentum out of Iowa. This approach provides her with flexibility, allowing room for a less-than-optimal performance in Iowa while maintaining an air of momentum heading into New Hampshire, where her polling is stronger. Haley underscores her electability, presenting herself as the candidate best positioned to face Trump one on one.
While DeSantis set high expectations, some argue that Team Haley doesn’t necessarily need a second-place finish in Iowa, as third place seems reasonably assured. Polls indicate a narrow lead for DeSantis in Iowa, with Haley closely trailing within the margin of error, both trailing Trump. Haley’s ground operation in Iowa gained momentum after support from Americans for Prosperity in late November, albeit after DeSantis-aligned groups had already invested heavily in a massive ground organization.
The expectations game intensifies as DeSantis challenges Trump’s predicted wide margin of victory, questioning whether Trump’s team is attempting to lower expectations. Experts caution against setting specific expectations, emphasizing the risk of looking foolish if those expectations aren’t met.
Haley’s spokesperson notes that the campaign’s strategy doesn’t heavily align with any specific early state, aiming to force a showdown between Haley and Trump. The Stand for America PAC launches an ad criticizing Trump, focusing on New Hampshire. DeSantis’s strategist suggests Haley might struggle in New Hampshire if she finishes third in Iowa, particularly given her recent comment about New Hampshire “correcting” Iowa’s result.
Beyond Iowa, MAGA world anticipates Haley’s performance in New Hampshire, with significant donor support flowing her way. Steve Bannon acknowledges Haley’s toughness despite ideological differences, emphasizing that she emerged from the challenging landscape of South Carolina Republican politics. With Christie’s departure from the race, experts believe Haley gains momentum in both Iowa and New Hampshire, positioning her well for subsequent primaries, including South Carolina and Super Tuesday. Haley’s long-term commitment to the race is underscored by her ability to secure substantial fundraising support, extending her candidacy beyond individual state outcomes.
