"Trump's Absence and GOP Contenders: The Battle for Iowa's Support"

Tucker Carlson, despite leaving Fox News, still has the power to influence the 2024 Republican primary. He is hosting a presidential forum in Iowa, featuring prominent contenders such as Ron DeSantis, Tim Scott, Mike Pence, Nikki Haley, Asa Hutchinson, and Vivek Ramaswamy. The candidates' past relationships with Carlson will shape their approach to the event. DeSantis and Ramaswamy have had positive interactions with Carlson, while Scott and Pence have had limited or contentious interactions. Haley and Hutchinson have faced criticism from Carlson in the past. Carlson's influence in the primary remains uncertain, as his viewership has declined since leaving Fox News. Former President Donald Trump, the frontrunner in the polls, will not attend the forum but will hold a town hall with Sean Hannity.