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In a surprising turn of events, Iowa’s political landscape was blanketed in snow, bringing the bustling GOP campaign to a standstill just days before the caucuses. Even high-profile figures like Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis found themselves stranded in the political deep freeze. As the snow piled up, the usual pre-caucus excitement was replaced by an unexpected and challenging scenario.

Iowa, known for its vibrant pre-caucus atmosphere, experienced an unusual twist in the political narrative as a massive blizzard swept through the state, disrupting campaign events and leaving political operatives and journalists stranded. In this unexpected turn of events, the snowstorm became the defining factor, overshadowing the intensity of the GOP campaign.

Nikki Haley, a prominent Arizona Republican, had her campaign event canceled upon landing in Iowa. Seated at the Hotel Fort Des Moines, she engaged with reporters, inadvertently becoming a campaign surrogate while the snow wreaked havoc outside. The blizzard affected not only Haley but also other contenders like Ron DeSantis, leading to event cancellations and a palpable sense of frustration among the political circles.

Traditionally buzzing with activity, downtown hotels, usually fully booked during the weekend before the caucuses, remained surprisingly open for reservations. Campaign plans were disrupted, and even top advisers like Chris LaCivita found themselves adapting to the weather, sporting newly purchased jackets to brave the cold.

As the blizzard hit, national reporters found themselves with unexpected downtime, contemplating matinees and seeking sources for stories. The state auditor, Rob Sand, showcased the Iowan spirit, navigating the snow-covered streets in his four-wheel drive and assisting stranded motorists.

The chaos extended to door-knockers and campaigners, who faced the challenge of reaching voters amidst the snow-covered landscape. With plans scrambled and the weather creating unprecedented obstacles, this last weekend before the Iowa caucuses became a unique and challenging experience for all involved.

The weather forecast hinted at worsening conditions, with blizzard warnings and plummeting wind chills threatening to affect Monday’s voter turnout. Despite the impending challenges, campaigns and press corps had to contend with non-political elements, emphasizing the unpredictability of the Iowa caucuses.

Supporters and campaigners, like those backing Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley, faced travel disruptions, with in-person meetings moved to virtual platforms. South Carolina state senator Tom Davis embarked on an 818-mile drive from Charlotte to Des Moines after his flight got canceled, illustrating the determination to navigate the storm.

The National Weather Service’s caution to stay off the roads underscored the seriousness of the situation, reminding everyone of the tragic incident in 2016 when a volunteer on Ben Carson’s campaign lost their life in a car accident on icy Iowa roads.

Beyond the weather, a prevailing sentiment among politicos was the perception that this year’s caucuses lacked the drama and significance of previous contests. The subdued atmosphere led veteran campaign reporter David Weigel to note the diminished frenzy compared to past years.

In conclusion, the Iowa blizzard created an unexpected and challenging backdrop for the GOP campaign, reshaping the narrative just days before the caucuses. The political landscape was not only dominated by candidates’ strategies but also by the whims of nature, adding an unprecedented layer of complexity to the race for second place.

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Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/12/winter-weather-iowa-caucus-00135420