Some Iowa caucus-goers remain undecided before the first presidential primary in the nation.

Iowans hear final pitches from candidates

Some Iowa caucus-goers remain undecided before the first presidential primary in the nation.
Some Iowa caucus-goers remain undecided before the first presidential primary in the nation.

In the Hawkeye State, the final events of the Republican presidential candidates are being held with only one day remaining to sway voters.

During a December event in Atlantic, Iowa, Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy stated that he has likely visited more pizza ranches than gyms in the past six months.

Candidates have been hosting events in Iowa for the past year, including former Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley's pictures with the Iowa State Fair Butter Cow and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' visit to the Field of Dreams in Dyersville.

At an event in Ankeny, IA last week, DeSantis stated that he would utilize every available minute to increase his chances of winning votes.

Despite attending town halls and dining at diners, some voters remain undecided on their candidate support.

Retired U.S. Army Reserves Col. Mike Treinen stated that he has narrowed his options to Haley and DeSantis.

He says veterans' issues are important to him because he served during the Vietnam War.

"Those are heavy-duty issues with Iran and Israel," Treinen stated. "Many people believe we're already at war with Iran."

DeSantis and Haley
Former ambassador to the United Nations and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, right, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, left, appearing at a Republican presidential nomination debate at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

He is concerned about national defense and the crisis at the southern border and wants a candidate who can defeat President Joe Biden.

"Treinen stated that he would never vote for Biden due to his leadership failures, including ducking issues, blaming others, and promoting poor ideas such as the Afghanistan withdrawal, inflation, and border issues."

Four years ago, when Fox first interviewed Brian Smith, he was torn between Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren for president, with healthcare being the key factor in his choice.

Four years ago, Smith stated that while everyone provided good answers, he couldn't find the perfect one.

He has been married since 2020 and works as a dietitian. Although he ultimately decided to caucus for President Biden and plans to support him again in the general election, he is currently considering participating in the caucuses with the Republicans.

Smith pondered whether it was worth his time to examine the landscape, identify the runners, and determine if it was beneficial to use his voice to support the Republican Party in changing the current direction.

Smith intends to use his caucus decision to convey his opposition to former President Donald Trump's rhetoric and change his party affiliation on the day of the caucus in Iowa.

Former President Donald Trump at Dem Moines, Iowa Town Hall on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.
Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump participates in a Planet Chronicle Town Hall on January 10, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa.

"Smith stated, "I understand that he has some great ideas, but the chaos he has left behind is truly disappointing." He added, "We require someone who prioritizes the common good, and unfortunately, Donald Trump does not seem to have that in mind.""

Cody Stoos wants to see President Trump elected once again.

Stoos stated that when he thinks about what and who matters to him, he ignores the outside noise and concentrates solely on things that could impact him.

He initially backed Barack Obama but later switched his allegiance to the Republican party to support President Trump.

Stoos stated that he has moved away from his previous ideologies as an Obama supporter, observing the negative effects of that presidency compared to the positive effects he experienced with his family under the Trump administration.

Stoos supports President Trump's America First platform and believes he can strengthen domestic supply chains and tackle the border crisis.

Stoos stated that his top priorities are ensuring our safety and security, and focusing on matters that impact our daily finances.

Stoos' spouse is a school instructor, and they have two offspring. He maintains that President Trump's policies will benefit future generations.

"Stoos stated that his role as a father is to prioritize the well-being of his family above all else, and he believes President Trump is doing the same for the country."

Trump in Iowa
Donald Trump arrives on stage during a campaign event at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, US, on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Rachel Geilenfeld, the Iowa State chair of the Women for Nikki campaign, is set to caucus for the former Ambassador to the U.N. on Monday and is ready for the anticipated cold weather.

Geilenfeld stated, "I grew up in Iowa. It's okay. It's simply another Monday."

Haley is the best option to address issues like the national debt, in her opinion.

"While many people may be familiar with Nikki's background as a U.N. ambassador and former governor, what I find particularly admirable about her is her background as an accountant. I believe she is a skilled problem solver and someone who can effectively address the national debt crisis."

Haley is the most electable candidate and will move the country forward, according to Geilenfeld's belief.

"Geilenfeld stated that he believes voters are weary of the political dysfunction and animosity. He believes that Nikki embodies the idea of turning a new page. Geilenfeld emphasized the need for someone who can surpass the pettiness and sit down with adults to address the issues."

If Haley is not the nominee, Geilenfeld says she's uncertain who she will vote for in the general election. She believes the former South Carolina governor has done enough to win over Iowa caucus-goers.

"Nikki's supporters are very dedicated in Iowa, where there are still some undecided voters," Geilenfeld said. "We'll see if the weather impacts a candidate who has a huge lead in this race. But I would say Nikki's supporters are very dedicated."

by Bret Baier,Amy Munneke

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