Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis try to knock each other out in last debate before Iowa caucuses
NY Post
Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley went head-to-head Wednesday night for the votes of Iowa Republicans in the final debate before the Hawkeye State’s first-in-the-nation caucuses next week — with each seeking a come-from-behind victory over former President Donald Trump.
With five days to go before voting, the candidates spent two hours on CNN rehashing their differences on Ukraine aid, raising the retirement age and pressuring corporations such as Disney on social issues — when not making cutting personal attacks.
DeSantis, the governor of Florida, accused Haley of being a “corporatist” beholden to big-money donors who was likely to “cave” on pledges, while the ex-South Carolina governor and ambassador to the United Nations mocked him as a “desperate” liar who had ran an incompetent spendthrift campaign.
Trump leads among Iowa voters by a massive margin according to public polling and stayed above the fray by skipping the forum in favor of his own Fox News town hall nearby.
The 45th president is supported by 52.2% of Iowa Republicans, according to the RealClearPolitics average of recent polls — trailed by Haley at 16.6% and DeSantis at 16.4%.
The identity of the runner-up could be significant even if Trump wins, however, since candidates who defy expectations can gain momentum heading into New Hampshire’s Jan. 23 primary, where recent polls show Haley within striking distance of Trump.
