

# GOP Presidential Candidates Clash Over Immigration and Voter Sentiments

The 2024 GOP presidential race is heating up, with **Nikki Haley** and **Ron DeSantis** facing off as potential contenders. The Trump campaign has launched its first attack ad targeting Haley, linking her immigration stance to President Biden's. Meanwhile, DeSantis is facing voter frustration in Iowa over his perceived "soft" approach towards Trump (1).

## Trump's Campaign Targets Haley

The Trump campaign's ad against Haley, a former United Nations ambassador and South Carolina governor, accuses her of opposing Trump's visitor ban from terrorist nations and putting the country in danger. This move is seen as an attempt to undermine Haley's growing popularity in New Hampshire polls, where she is currently polling at an average of 24.8% support (2, 3).

> "GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley surpassed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in FiveThirtyEight’s national polling average on Tuesday for the first time in the 2024 campaign." (4)

## DeSantis Faces Voter Frustration in Iowa

In Iowa, DeSantis is facing criticism from some voters for his perceived "soft" approach towards Trump. A voter in a focus group expressed strong support for Trump, stating that it would take a significant event like Trump's death or involvement in a murder to change their vote (1, 3). 

> "I think it was incredibly disrespectful to Iowans to say somehow their votes need to be 'corrected.' I think she's trying to provide an excuse for her not doing well." - Ron DeSantis (5)

## Haley's Rising Popularity

Despite the attack ad, Haley's popularity has been rising over the last few months, with strong primary debate performances. She has surpassed DeSantis in FiveThirtyEight's national polling average for the first time in the 2024 campaign, highlighting her rising popularity (4).

> "Tuesday’s polling numbers marked the first time in the 2024 election that Haley has come in second in 538’s average." - Nathaniel Rakich, senior editor and senior elections analyst for FiveThirtyEight (4)

## Potential Impact of the Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire Primary

The Iowa caucuses are scheduled for January 15, followed by the New Hampshire primary on January 23. The results of these early voting events could significantly impact the momentum of the GOP presidential race. Haley's campaign has defended her stance on the border and accused Trump of being afraid of her momentum (2). 

> "I trust Iowans to make their own decisions. No 'corrections' needed!" - Kim Reynolds, Iowa Republican Gov. (5)

The 2024 GOP presidential race continues to evolve, with the candidates' positions on immigration and their relationships with Trump playing a significant role. As the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary approach, the candidates will continue to vie for voter support, shaping the future of the GOP and the 2024 presidential election.

<h1>GOP Presidential Candidates Clash Over Immigration and Voter Sentiments</h1>
<p>The 2024 GOP presidential race is heating up, with <strong>Nikki Haley</strong> and <strong>Ron DeSantis</strong> facing off as potential contenders. The Trump campaign has launched its first attack ad targeting Haley, linking her immigration stance to President Biden's. Meanwhile, DeSantis is facing voter frustration in Iowa over his perceived "soft" approach towards Trump (1).</p>
<h2>Trump's Campaign Targets Haley</h2>
<p>The Trump campaign's ad against Haley, a former United Nations ambassador and South Carolina governor, accuses her of opposing Trump's visitor ban from terrorist nations and putting the country in danger. This move is seen as an attempt to undermine Haley's growing popularity in New Hampshire polls, where she is currently polling at an average of 24.8% support (2, 3).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley surpassed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in FiveThirtyEight’s national polling average on Tuesday for the first time in the 2024 campaign." (4)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>DeSantis Faces Voter Frustration in Iowa</h2>
<p>In Iowa, DeSantis is facing criticism from some voters for his perceived "soft" approach towards Trump. A voter in a focus group expressed strong support for Trump, stating that it would take a significant event like Trump's death or involvement in a murder to change their vote (1, 3).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I think it was incredibly disrespectful to Iowans to say somehow their votes need to be 'corrected.' I think she's trying to provide an excuse for her not doing well." - Ron DeSantis (5)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Haley's Rising Popularity</h2>
<p>Despite the attack ad, Haley's popularity has been rising over the last few months, with strong primary debate performances. She has surpassed DeSantis in FiveThirtyEight's national polling average for the first time in the 2024 campaign, highlighting her rising popularity (4).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Tuesday’s polling numbers marked the first time in the 2024 election that Haley has come in second in 538’s average." - Nathaniel Rakich, senior editor and senior elections analyst for FiveThirtyEight (4)</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>Potential Impact of the Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire Primary</h2>
<p>The Iowa caucuses are scheduled for January 15, followed by the New Hampshire primary on January 23. The results of these early voting events could significantly impact the momentum of the GOP presidential race. Haley's campaign has defended her stance on the border and accused Trump of being afraid of her momentum (2).</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I trust Iowans to make their own decisions. No 'corrections' needed!" - Kim Reynolds, Iowa Republican Gov. (5)</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The 2024 GOP presidential race continues to evolve, with the candidates' positions on immigration and their relationships with Trump playing a significant role. As the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary approach, the candidates will continue to vie for voter support, shaping the future of the GOP and the 2024 presidential election.</p>


MSNBC

Trump campaign launches first attack ad against GOP rival Nikki Haley

Voter calls out Ron DeSantis for 'going soft' on Trump

Forbes

GOP Strategist Tells CNN Republicans In Iowa Will Only Break With Trump If He ‘Died Or Murdered Somebody’

NewsNation

Haley briefly surpasses DeSantis in national GOP polling average

Daily Mail

Trump and DeSantis zone in on Haley with just 11 days until Iowa

New York Post

Nikki Haley slammed after saying NH voters ‘correct’ Iowa results

Nikki Haley

Ron DeSantis

Donald Trump

2024 Presidential Election

Iowa Caucuses

New Hampshire Primary

Immigration

Voter Sentiments

Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis face off in the 2024 GOP presidential race, with Trump's campaign launching an attack ad against Haley and DeSantis facing voter frustration in Iowa.

GOP Presidential Candidates Clash Over Immigration and Voter Sentiments

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