Republican presidential candidates Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley are gearing up for back-to-back CNN town halls scheduled for January 4 at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. With just 11 days to go before the Iowa caucuses, both candidates will field questions from moderators and the audience, comprised of Iowa voters intending to participate in the Republican caucuses. This event marks the second CNN town hall appearance for both candidates since declaring their candidacy.
Iowa Spotlight
The choice of Iowa for this series of town halls is strategic, given the state’s crucial role in the presidential primary season. With voters in Iowa traditionally being early indicators of candidate viability, these town halls offer DeSantis and Haley an opportunity to directly engage with the electorate and make their case ahead of the caucuses.
Previous CNN Town Hall Participation
Ron DeSantis had previously participated in a CNN town hall earlier this month in Iowa, while Nikki Haley took part in one back in June. These events allow candidates to connect with voters, present their policy positions, and address key issues in a more extended format than traditional debates.
Battling for Second Place
The latest NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll reveals that former President Donald Trump maintains a substantial lead in the GOP presidential race in Iowa. However, the race for second place appears to be competitive, with DeSantis securing 19 percent and Haley at 16 percent. As the primary season heats up, these town halls serve as crucial platforms for candidates to differentiate themselves and gain momentum.
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