GOP Strategists Look to a Strong Second-Place Finish in Iowa Caucuses to Upend Trump’s 2024 Re-Election Bid

As the Iowa caucuses approach, Republican donors and strategists are beginning to consider a new strategy to upend President Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election bid. Insiders are now putting more stock in a strong second-place finish, believing that should Trump’s legal woes or age catch up to him, the next best finisher would have the most legitimate claim to be the nominee at next year’s convention.

The Republican National Committee has no current plans for a fifth debate, which means former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie may never get the chance to confront Trump about his January 6th coup attempt, his failure to build a wall along the southern border, or other issues.

Despite skipping all four of the primary debates without suffering in the polls, Trump may have notched one key victory by avoiding a potential filleting onstage by Christie.

GOP donors and strategists are now looking to a strong second-place finish as a way to upend Trump’s re-election bid. While it is still unclear who will be the last person standing should Trump have to exit the race, the Iowa caucuses will be a key indicator of the strength of the challengers.

The Republican National Committee has yet to announce plans for a fifth debate, which means Christie may not get the chance to confront Trump on the issues. As the Iowa caucuses approach, Republican donors and strategists will be watching the results closely to determine the best strategy for a successful 2024 election.