Editorial: El País

Jan. 17, 2024

The possibility of Donald Trump being the Republican nominee for the third time is increasing.
His support in the party's initial meeting in Iowa was 51%, more than all his opponents combined.
Despite the stigma attached to his personality and political past, he seems to enjoy broad support in the Republican base.
Victory in Iowa does not guarantee the Republican nomination, given its relative inconsequence in the overall U.S. political landscape.
There is no credible alternative to Trump at this moment, though figures like Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley are emerging as possible contenders.
Division in the Republican Party may allow Trump to secure the nomination, as it did in 2016.
Trump is seen as a risk to democracy, motivated by revenge and justice evasion.
Half of the Republican Party needs to unite behind an alternative to Trump to challenge his dominance.
Ongoing moderate electoral defeats may lead Republicans into a crisis.

Conclusion: The time to prevent another cycle of Trump as the main presidential nominee is dwindling. The Republican Party needs to unite around an alternative or risk further erosion of their political influence.