Donald Trump is taking this Ted Cruz controversy and spinning it in such a way that he is now claiming victory in Iowa. If anyone can rewrite history, it’s Trump.
“A lot of people told me not to even go to Iowa and actually, I probably came in first if you think about it,” Trump said on Boston Herald Radio.
Ben Carson cried foul against the Cruz campaign for telling caucus-goers that the retired neurosurgeon was dropping out of the race and going home and they should vote for the Texas senator instead. Carson was going home, but not to give up his presidential aspirations, just to recharge his batteries before the New Hampshire primary.
Carson thinks this dirty political trick cost him votes. Trump is now saying it cost him the caucus win that was supposed to be his — according to polls. He might even sue Cruz.
Asked if he will file a complaint with the Secretary of State’s office in Iowa, Trump told Herald Radio, “I probably will. What he did is unthinkable. He said the man has just left the race and he said it during the caucus ... the problem with politics is that we have all these dishonest politicians.”
Donald Trump tweeted in 2013, “No one remembers second place.” And he doesn’t want you to remember he got silver in Iowa.
Tuesday was Trump’s worst media day since he entered the race. Not only did he lose the caucus, but somehow Florida U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio won the news cycle as the rising star — despite finishing third.
Trump doesn’t like to share the spotlight and the Cruz flap has helped him figure out a way to get back on the front page.
“I think I did very well in Iowa,” Trump said, “especially considering how Ted Cruz got some votes.”
While Carson relaxes in Florida, Trump is taking the baton away from the retired neurosurgeon and playing the victim card.
“It is total voter fraud,” Trump said. “This guy is really fraudulent.”
This is why you can’t take a day off during the presidential playoffs. People like Donald Trump will take advantage of a situation and make it their own.
Jaclyn Cashman co-hosts “Morning Meeting” from 9 a.m. to noon on Boston Herald Radio. Follow her on Twitter at @JaclynCashman.
Copyright © 2024 Jaclyn Cashman.
