It was out of character, but I watched television for four hours last night as the results of the Iowa Caucus, the first in the nation (and proud of it), came in. Until then, I’d been hiding under a rock trying to avoid all things political. And here is what I learned that wasn’t noted by the talking heads on MSNBC.
Four of the five top contestants gave victory speeches: Rubio, Cruz, Clinton, and Sanders. But “victory” seemed to mean different things. Rubio came in third but was sure he is headed for the White House because of momentum. Cruz came in first and was also sure he would be his party’s nominee this summer. Clinton and Sanders were both less strident, but equally sure their time had arrived.
Donald Trump, who hoped to win Iowa, gave the most humble speech I’ve ever heard him give. Don’t get me wrong; it wasn’t that humble; but it did show how he handles losing. I expected a tantrum and a tirade; I got neither.
When I headed to bed at 12:15 AM, MSNBC had yet to declare a winner in the Democratic contest even though both lead candidates had given speeches. I was pleased, because in the past there’s been a tendency by the various networks to push to be first to declare winners. Perhaps the media are going to be more cautious as center stage heads to New Hampshire.
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