The Donald Backs Off

Today, Donald Trump says he's moved on from Iowa.  He's no longer claiming to actually have won.  He's no longer talking about Cruz "misdeed" or "misdemeanors".  In short, Trump has realized that his temper tantrum about losing in Iowa was making him look childish and small.  He changed his story line because he realized that the tantrum was hurting him big time with the New Hampshire (and other) voters.

My guess is that there were poll results or at least some focus groups that dumped on the Donald for his hissy fit.  The change in his tune may have come too late, however.  The big issue about Trump has always been whether or not he is just a narcissist who cares more about himself than about the country.  The issue was raised in Iowa in several TV commercials.  Ted Cruz, however, raised the level of the attack about as far as one can by pointing out that we cannot have a president who may decide to "nuke Denmark" one night because of some perceived personal insult.  Trump's immature behavior played right into this story line.

We will have to see how many people in New Hampshire and elsewhere were focused on all this.  If Trump is lucky, few people noticed besides the political junkies.  Otherwise, this could be another major Trump mistake (like boycotting the last debate).