Kamala To Win Iowa?

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum (R) expressed skepticism about the possibility of Vice President Kamala Harris winning the Iowa caucuses, despite a recent poll suggesting she may be gaining ground on former President Donald Trump. The Des Moines Register/Mediacom survey released shortly before the election indicated Harris was leading Trump by a slim margin of 47% to 44% among likely voters. This was a notable shift, as Trump had a solid lead in previous months, winning the state convincingly in both 2016 and 2020.

In contrast, another poll from Emerson College Polling/RealClearDefense showed Trump with a commanding 10-point advantage over Harris, at 53% to 43%. Burgum pointed out these conflicting results during an interview on NBC News’s “Meet the Press,” emphasizing that he believes Trump’s strong historical performance in Iowa will play a critical role.

“I think the Emerson poll demonstrates the reality on the ground,” Burgum said. “Trump’s support in Iowa is robust. I was there when he won 98 out of 99 counties, which speaks volumes about his appeal among Iowa Republicans. Voter sentiment can fluctuate, but his core base remains strong.”

Burgum acknowledged the inherent variability in polls, noting that demographics and voter segments significantly influence the results. “Polls can differ based on who is surveyed—age, urban versus rural populations, and so forth,” he stated. However, he remains optimistic about Trump’s prospects. “When you average the recent polls, it appears that Trump is likely to secure a victory in Iowa. I would be utterly surprised if that were not the case.”

Furthermore, Burgum indicated that a national poll indicating a tight race between Trump and Harris aligns more closely with the sentiments he observes in Iowa. He believes the outcome will hinge on voter turnout and enthusiasm, making Tuesday’s results critical for both campaigns.