Sarah Palin Endorses Donald Trump Before Iowa Primary


Palin’s endorsement of Donald Trump couldn’t come at a more handy time. Iowans are set to vote in their state’s primary in 13 days, meaning GOP candidates have a short amount of time to make their cases before voters. Fortunately for Trump, support from a strong, conservative voice like Palin will increase his credibility among Iowans.

As Mrs. Palin announced her backing, Mr. Trump stood wearing a satisfied smile as she scolded mainstream Republicans as sellouts and praised how Mr. Trump had shaken up the party. ‘He’s been going rogue left and right,’ Mrs. Palin said of Mr. Trump, using one of her signature phrases. ‘That’s why he’s doing so well. He’s been able to tear the veil off this idea of the system.’

It is not clear that Mrs. Palin’s blessing will have a major impact on Mr. Trump’s long-term prospects. But in Iowa, where Mrs. Palin spent years developing a network of supporters, it could be helpful. Mr. Trump has faced questions about whether his campaign’s organizing muscle can draw the voters to match his poll numbers come caucus night.

‘Over the years Palin has actually cultivated a number of relationships in Iowa,’ said Craig Robinson, the former political director of the Republican Party of Iowa and publisher of the website The Iowa Republican. ‘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,’ he added.

Other conservatives said that Mrs. Palin serves as a particularly effective shield against Mr. Cruz, who has assiduously courted Iowa’s evangelical voters.

‘Palin’s brand among evangelicals is as gold as the faucets in Trump Tower,’ said Ralph Reed, the chairman of the Faith and Freedom Coalition.

Source: The New York Times



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