WASHINGTON — After enduring more than six months of chest-thumping bravado, Americans are finally learning what brings Donald Trump back down to earth: losing.
Trump placed second Monday night in Iowa to Sen. Ted Cruz, failing to live up to the polling lead the billionaire businessman held for a large period of the race.
And what's emerged in the hours since his loss is the most toned-down version of Trump we've seen since he infamously rode down the Trump Tower escalator in June to announce his bid.
In a series of tweets Tuesday morning following his disappointing finish, Trump used a more mellow tone than his usual bluster.
Instead of calling Iowans "losers" for choosing Cruz over himself, Trump called his time in the Hawkeye State "great," and claimed he exceeded expectations that had been set for him.
My experience in Iowa was a great one. I started out with all of the experts saying I couldn't do well there and ended up in 2nd place. Nice— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2016
In another tweet, Trump sought to frame his performance as a story of overcoming odds as a political outsider who spent less time in Iowa than his two top competitors, Cruz and Sen. Marco Rubio.
Because I was told I could not do well in Iowa, I spent very little there - a fraction of Cruz & Rubio. Came in a strong second. Great honor— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2016
The tone mirrored his shockingly gracious and subdued speech to supporters in Iowa on Monday night, after the race was called for Cruz.
"We finished second and I have to tell you something, I’m honored, just honored," Trump said to the crowd. "And I want to congratulate Ted. ... We’re just so happy with the way everything worked out."
This is subdued and humbled (possible?) Trump. Not angry Trump.— Chris Cillizza (@TheFix) February 2, 2016
That speech was so boring and normal. I feel robbed. #Trump— Thomas C. Bowen (@thomascbowen) February 2, 2016
Still, lurking under Trump's toned-down rhetoric are signs that the old Donald is just waiting for the right time to re-emerge.
And it appears the media will take the brunt of that heat once he returns.
The media has not covered my long-shot great finish in Iowa fairly. Brought in record voters and got second highest vote total in history!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2016
I will be talking about my wonderful experience in Iowa and the simultaneous unfair treatment by the media-later in New Hampshire. Big crowd— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2016
And lest you think Trump would be looking for an exit after his loss, he vowed to press on.
I don't believe I have been given any credit by the voters for self-funding my campaign, the only one. I will keep doing, but not worth it!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2016