FIRST READ: Ramaswamy steals the debate spotlight -- plus other takeaways Political newcomer Ramaswamy seized the mantle as Donald Trump's defender -- but also bore the brunt of attacks from rivals on his inexperience and foreign-policy positions. www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-pre...

FIRST READ: Majority of Republicans are less likely to vote for a candidate who attacks Trump, poll finds A new Iowa poll finds Republican voters don’t want the candidates attacking former President Donald Trump over his indictments and other investigations. www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-pre...

Majority of Republicans are less likely to vote for a candidate who attacks Trump, poll finds

First Read is your briefing from “Meet the Press” and the NBC Political Unit on the day’s most important political stories and why they matter.

New Iowa poll — Former President Donald Trump starts out with more than a 20-point lead over nearest rival Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) among likely Iowa Republican caucusgoers, according to the first 2024 @NBCNews/@dmregister/Mediacom poll conducted by Iowa pollster J. Ann Selzer.