2020 election: 40% of Iowa Republicans 'would like Trump to face primary challenger', says new poll

Bill Weld is the only Republican to have to far raised his hand

At least 40 per cent of Republicans in Iowa - the crucial state which holds the nation’s first presidential caucus ten months from now - would like to see Donald Trump face a challenger from within own his party.

A new poll suggests more than 81 per cent of Republicans in the state where so many presidential dreams have either been broken or else given flight, think the president is doing a good job.

And yet in place where people pride themselves on the benefits of debate and conversation, and where they take very seriously their role as the nation’s first “vetters” of potentially more than 20 Democratic and Republican candidates, 40 per cent think it would be good for Mr Trump to face a challenge from within.

The same poll, by CNN/Des Moines Register/Mediacom, found 41 per cent of Republicans said they hoped he did not face a primary challenger, while 19 per cent were unsure.

There has been a lot of talk from critics of Mr Trump that he should face a primary challenger. Among the names being bandied about are former Iowa governor John Kasich, a presidential candidate in 2016, and Maryland governor Larry Hogan.

So far, only one recognised Republican has said they are exploring a primary challenger. Former Massachusetts governor Bill Weld last month told an audience in New Hampshire he was exploring running on a traditional Republican agenda of fiscal responsibility. He also said he would stand in contrast to the style of Mr Trump, who he said acted “like a schoolyard bully”.

Sitting presidents rarely face a challenge from within their own party. When they do, even if they emerge successful, they can appear weakened in the subsequent general election.

Democrat Jimmy Carter never forgave Ted Kennedy for his bruising challenge in the 1980 cycle, which he won but went on to be defeated later that year by Ronald Reagan.

George HW Bush believed he was weakened by the 1992 challenge from Republican Pat Buchanan. He went on to lose his reelection bid to Bill Clinton.