Former President Donald Trump has vehemently disputed a recent Iowa poll that indicates Vice President Kamala Harris is leading him 47% to 44%. In a spirited post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized, “No President has done more for FARMERS, and the Great State of Iowa, than Donald J. Trump.” He dismissed the poll as “heavily skewed” and claimed that most polls show him ahead by a significant margin.
The controversial Selzer poll, conducted for the Des Moines Register, has gained attention for its accuracy in the past, notably predicting Barack Obama’s victory in the Iowa caucuses in 2008. If Harris is indeed competitive in a traditionally red state like Iowa—where Trump won decisively in both 2016 and 2020—it could dramatically reshape the electoral landscape.
In response to the Selzer findings, Trump’s campaign released a memo labeling the poll as “a clear outlier.” They highlighted an Emerson College poll conducted on the same day, which showed Trump leading Harris 53% to 43%, suggesting a more favorable outlook for the former president among Iowa voters.
The Trump campaign is hinting at potential legal challenges regarding the poll results, as they claim media outlets are attempting to suppress voter enthusiasm among Trump supporters. In contrast, Harris’s campaign is refuting Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of election fraud, emphasizing the importance of confidence in the electoral process.
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum expressed confidence that Trump would win Iowa, downplaying concerns about his appeal to women voters. However, Maryland Governor Wes Moore indicated that the Des Moines Register poll aligns with grassroots sentiment, particularly among women voters who recognize the stark contrasts between the two candidates.
As Iowa prepares for the upcoming election, both campaigns are gearing up for a close contest. With critical demographics at play, the outcome in Iowa could set the tone for the remainder of the presidential race.