‘Low Energy’ Donald Trump ignores Ivanka Trump in Iowa speech

Trump seemed unusually nice, for a change.

By Sujeet Rajan

NEW YORK: For all the unabashed ridicule and unsavory comments he has piled relentlessly on his opponents in the course of his larger-than-life campaign so far, it was businessman Donald Trump who looked crestfallen and flabbergasted by his crushing defeat in the Iowa Caucuses Monday night, which kicked off the voting for the November presidential polls.

Trump seemed so woebegone and out of sorts when he came on stage Monday night to talk to his supporters after the vote count was done and the only point of contention was whether Florida Sen. Marco Rubio might upstage him for the second spot, that he even forgot to acknowledge his daughter Ivanka Trump’s contribution to his campaign. This despite the fact that she has stumped for him, including releasing a video explaining the Iowa Caucus process.

Ivanka was present on stage with him when Trump started to acknowledge the contributions of his campaign and volunteers. He turned to his left, where some of his family members stood, including wife Meliana. Here is what he said:

“…I have to thank my wife and Laura, and Eric, and Vanessa, and Don. They went out and they were doing speeches and, in fact, I think Don and Erica — you did about six speeches today. I want to thank my family. They have been so amazing and so supportive.”  

Ivanka was standing to Donald Trump’s right, but unusually, he didn’t even turn to look at her, or acknowledge her. Trump instead seemed to seek solace in past polls which indicate to his supposed invincibility – which may all change with his heavy defeat in Iowa – as he sallied forth:

“And we’ve had every indication, we’re going … we have a poll: We’re 28 points ahead, New Hampshire. We love New Hampshire; we love South Carolina; and we’re leaving tonight and tomorrow afternoon. We’ll be in New Hampshire and that will be something special. It’s going to be a great week, and we’re going to be up here next week.”

Trump, who was visible on television for much of the evening sitting amongst voters at a Caucus in Iowa, with Melania by his side – probably expecting a thumping victory – even congratulated his nemesis of the night: Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

“I want to congratulate Ted and all the incredible candidates, including Mike Huckabee, who’s become a really good friend of mine, “ said Trump, adding, “Congratulations to everybody. Congratulations. I want to thank all of the folks that worked with us. We had a great team, and we’ll continue to have a great team. We’re so happy with the way everything worked out.”

Even after he finished his shocking, unusually nice speech with the absence of malice a stark contrast to his usual mannerisms, there was no customary hugs for family members, including for Ivanka, who has been at the side of her father for much of the campaign.

Trump, who for long has termed the former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush as a ‘low energy guy,’ seemed to be the one with the least energy in the room last night.

(Sujeet Rajan is Editor-in-Chief, The American Bazaar. Follow him on twitter: @SujeetRajan1)