Last updated on October 16th, 2023 at 05:10 am
Former President Donald Trump is making his way to Ottumwa, Iowa today, as part of a fall campaign effort focused on engaging supporters through large organizing events.
The Team Trump Iowa Commit to Caucus Event is scheduled for 2:30 PM CDT, with doors opening at 11:30 AM for a Commitment Kick-Off. The broadcast is set to begin at 12:30 PM ET.
Trump’s visit to Ottumwa: Team Trump Iowa Commit to Caucus
Event Details: Team Trump Iowa Commit to Caucus in Ottumwa, IA
When: 3:30 PM ET (2:30 PM CT)
Where: Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, Iowa – Directions
Live Stream: Watch Below
Ottumwa, a small city in eastern Iowa, is the seat of Wapello County—a county that Trump won in 2016 after it had supported Barack Obama four years earlier.
“Trump is the first Republican to capture Wapello County since the Eisenhower administration,” noted Gentry Collins, who managed Mitt Romney’s campaign for the 2008 caucuses. “That’s a significant shift in the political landscape.”
This visit marks Trump’s third stop in Iowa, a state whose caucus is slated for January 15. Trump’s strategy in Iowa appears to be focused on fewer, but larger, events. “What’s crystal clear to me is that until there is a winnowing event, you’re never going to get to the head-to-head that it would require somebody other than Trump to win the nomination,” Collins added.
While Trump opts for larger gatherings, his rivals are taking a different approach, attending the state’s traditional candidate forums and meet-and-greets. They are searching for ways to cut into Trump’s lead or secure a strong second place, hoping that a close runner-up could start consolidating support and force others to drop out.
Trump’s previous visits to Iowa have been met with enthusiasm. He attended the Iowa vs. Iowa State football game earlier this month, where he made a grand entrance, flipping burgers and signing footballs. In contrast, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who was also at the game, found little support for his “tailgate” event.
With the January 15 caucuses approaching, campaigns are recalibrating their expectations. Some are hoping that a strong second-place finish could change the dynamics of the race. However, Trump’s strategy of holding large events seems to be solidifying his grip on GOP base voters in Iowa.
In summary, Trump’s visit to Team Trump’s Iowa Commit to Caucus Ottumwa today is more than just another campaign stop; it’s a strategic move aimed at consolidating his base in a state that has shown strong support for him. Whether this strategy will pay off in the long run remains to be seen, but for now, Trump is leaving nothing to chance.