She also praises Nikki Haley.
Senator Joni Ernst from Iowa chose not to endorse a particular Republican presidential candidate ahead of the Iowa caucuses, keeping her options open. However, she made it clear that she wouldn’t rule out supporting former President Donald Trump if he emerged victorious in the state.
In an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Ernst was questioned about the favorable polling of former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley in a potential general election matchup against President Joe Biden. Ernst acknowledged Haley as a “strong candidate” with valuable experience on key issues that could resonate with Iowa Republicans.
The final NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll indicated a significant lead for Trump, almost 30 points ahead, just before the caucuses. The poll also showed Haley narrowly ahead of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, securing 20% compared to his 16%.
When asked about the recent polling results, moderator Kristen Welker highlighted Haley’s strong performance against President Biden. Ernst responded by emphasizing the top concerns for Iowa Republicans, including the economy, the southern border, and national security. She noted that Haley’s experience in these areas could be a decisive factor for many voters.
Ernst was questioned about a potential endorsement after the Iowa caucuses and whether Nikki Haley was the best choice for Republicans in a general election against President Biden. She expressed that the decision would depend on various factors and acknowledged Trump’s front-runner status but emphasized that it wasn’t a guaranteed conclusion.
Pressed on endorsing Trump if he emerged victorious in the caucuses, Ernst refrained from giving a definitive answer but hinted that she had made a decision on whom she would caucus for. She stressed the private nature of the ballot and the importance of letting Iowans make their decision.
Ernst revealed that most candidates had sought her endorsement, but she didn’t rule out endorsing Trump if he secured the nomination. The NBC News/Des Moines Register poll highlighted that a majority of likely Republican caucusgoers would support Trump in the general election if he won the GOP nomination. However, nearly half of Haley’s supporters in Iowa indicated they would vote for Biden over Trump in a general election, suggesting she was consolidating the anti-Trump vote.
In summary, Senator Ernst maintained a cautious stance on endorsements, leaving the door open for various candidates while recognizing the strengths of Nikki Haley and acknowledging Trump’s significant lead in the polls. The final decision, she emphasized, would depend on the outcome of the Iowa caucuses.
