Haley and Trump get a poll bounce before New Hampshire

Momentum for Trump could seal Haley and DeSantis' fate

People love a horse race, but the reality of the Republican presidential primary today is much less exciting. I’ll put things plainly: Although most states haven’t voted, if the polls hold, Donald Trump is already almost certain to be the party’s nominee.

On Monday, Trump won the Republican presidential caucus in Iowa handily (as expected), beating his closest competitor, Ron DeSantis, by 30 points. DeSantis had an opportunity to turn his surprisingly healthy second-place finish into some momentum heading into next month’s primaries, but nothing has materialized for him yet.

Meanwhile, the candidates will compete next in New Hampshire — in what’s likely to be Nikki Haley’s last stand. New Hampshire is really the only state where any of the candidates are within striking distance of Trump. As of Monday, Haley had the momentum in the Granite State — at least if you trust the polls. But, oh, the difference a week can make. Trump has gained eight points in 538’s average over the last 4 da…