Blizzard derails Iowa campaign events; well below zero temps depress caucus turnout

Fox News - Paul Steinhauser

The blizzard that hammered Iowa on the eve of the first election of the 2024 campaign season was only the beginning; now come the subzero temperatures and freezing winds. 

However, the hostile environment didn’t stop Republican candidates as they bundled up and hit the trail. Governor Ron DeSantis held early morning events Friday in Des Moines but his events across Iowa were postponed as the weather worsened. 

Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley canceled her in-person events on Friday and held tele-town halls, which they claimed were well attended.

Of the three major candidates in Iowa on Friday, only multi-millionaire biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy kept to his in-person campaign schedule despite the dangerous weather.

The big question going into Monday is whether the below zero temperatures will take a bite out of turnout or not. DeSantis, who polls indicate is battling Haley for a distant second place in Iowa behind commanding front-runner Trump, was confident the frigid temperatures wouldn't deter his supporters.

"A little bit of cold can’t keep you away," said Brian Miller of Ankeny, who brought his two young sons with him to see DeSantis.