On Tuesday, Sarah Palin endorsed Donald Trump turning the battle for the evangelical vote in Iowa into a pitch battle for the party itself.
The vice presidential nominee in 2008 and the former governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin endorsed Donald Trump in Iowa on Tuesday. The popular grass roots conservative and tea party sensation has thus provided Trump with an important boost only a few days before the state’s Caucuses.
After Sarah Palin endorsed Donald Trump, they were seen side by side at a rally organized by the Iowa State University where Palin said: “Are you ready for the leader to make America great again. Are you ready to stump for Trump? I’m here to support the next president of the United States — Donald Trump.”
It became the most high profile backing for the Republican candidate so far. Sarah Palin endorsed Donald Trump on the same day Terry Branstad revealed that he hopes Ted Cruz to lose in Iowa. Senator Ted Cruz from Texas needs to win the caucuses on 1st February. He and Donald Trump are very close contenders in the state polls.
The endorsement became a boon for Mr. Trump since he is concentrating on the state of Iowa, holding several events and striving to show high performance in the first nominating contest in America.
When Sarah Palin endorsed Donald Trump and announced it, he had a very satisfied smile on his face. Ms. Palin, on her part, rebuked the Republicans for selling out. She also admired the way Donald Trump had rejuvenated the party. She said using one of her popular phrases: “He’s been going rogue left and right. That’s why he’s doing so well. He’s been able to tear the veil off this idea of the system.”
It is still unclear whether the endorsement will have an important impact on the prospects of Donald Trump. However, within the state of Iowa, Ms. Plain has spent a lot of time and energy building an enduring supporter base. It will be very helpful for Mr. Trump who has been facing questions whether his campaign can draw actual voters on the caucus night.
“Over the years Palin has actually cultivated a number of relationships in Iowa,” opined Craig Robinson who publishes the website The Iowa Republican. He is also the former political director of the Iowa state’s Republican Party. Craig further added:
There are the Tea Party activists who still think she’s great and a breath of fresh air, but she also did a good job of courting Republican donors in the state.”
Other experts are also saying that Ms. Plain will serve as a useful shield against Senator Cruz who has been vehemently courting the evangelical voters in Iowa State.
It is obvious that the endorsement alone would not turn the tide in favor of Donald Trump but Sarah Palin’s support will render the contest over the evangelical vote into battle for the very soul of the party.
