The majority of likely Iowa GOP caucusgoers would rather have a candidate they agree with on issues than one that can beat Biden: poll
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- A recent New York Times survey found that the majority of likely Iowa GOP caucusgoers prefer a candidate they agree with on issues over one who can beat Biden in 2024.
- This could be good news for DeSantis, who's trailing in the polls, as it means he doesn't have to be the strongest candidate to win the nomination.
- It could also be good news for Trump, who has lost to Biden before and could be poised to do so again.
The majority of likely Iowa GOP caucusgoers appear to be more focused on finding a candidate they agree with than one who can win the presidential election, according to a recent New York Times survey.
The poll, which was taken between July 28 and August 1, found that 52 percent of likely Iowa GOP caucusgoers were more likely to support a candidate they "agree with most on the issues" compared to the 44 percent who'd prefer one who has the "best chance to beat Joe Biden" in the 2024 election.
The survey also asked participants if the phrase "able to beat Joe Biden" better described former President Donald Trump or DeSantis. Precisely half of likely Iowa GOP caucusgoers said it described Trump "a lot" or "somewhat better" compared to 40 percent who said DeSantis. This could still be good news for DeSantis in the short-term, as it means that prospective caucusgoers don't necessarily have to see him as capable of beating Biden to win over their vote.
Results from the New York Times poll also showcase a potential strategy DeSantis can use to win over likely GOP caucusgoers: move even more to the right.
The survey found that 61 percent of likely Republican caucusgoers said they were more likely to support a candidate in the primary "who is more conservative than most Republicans," compared to the 34 percent who said they'd prefer one who's more "moderate."
While his campaign recently beefed with a national anti-abortion organization, the abortion policies enacted by DeSantis and the Florida legislature banning abortions after six weeks of gestation are some of the most restrictive in the entire country.
DeSantis can also potentially improve his standing within the Republican Party with a dominant performance at the first GOP presidential debate on August 23, which Trump isn't expected to attend.
If DeSantis plays his cards right, he could use the opportunity with Trump not in attendance to begin chipping away supporters from other Republican candidates.