GOP front-runner Donald Trump arrived at the Iowa State Fair today in style, making good on his promise to take kids on free rides in his $7 million Sikorsky helicopter.
Raw video posted online shows Trump ushering a crowd of children who stood behind the candidate during his media availability onto the 12-seat aircraft – which is one of three the billionaire owns (skip to about 7:20 to see takeoff).
Trump opted to skip out on addressing the crowd at the Des Moines Register Soapbox – a State Fair tradition for visiting candidates, known for its difficulty – and nixed an obligatory visit to the event’s famous “butter cow” sculpture.
Here are some of the best dispatches on the ground as the scene unfolds in Iowa:
Trump helicopter flies by again. Causing everyone around us to stop, point skyward and say his name – it’s beautiful.
— Jackie Kucinich (@JFKucinich) August 15, 2015
Donald Trump is needlessly circling Iowa State Fair at low level in a helicopter with TRUMP on the side. AM… https://t.co/bJEkaG4XEg
— Jim Waterson (@jimwaterson) August 15, 2015
Donald Trump: “We’ve done so well because people have heard my message.” pic.twitter.com/dmsDAcNhdf
— Jenna Johnson (@wpjenna) August 15, 2015
Trump to Iowa children: “Does anyone want to take a ride?” pic.twitter.com/S52BrFb7W1
— Jenna Johnson (@wpjenna) August 15, 2015
“Where are your parents?” — Donald Trump to kids as he leads them to his helicopter.
— John Dickerson (@jdickerson) August 15, 2015
And Donald Trump is off with a few kids on board. pic.twitter.com/TjznfSv3S1
— Jenna Johnson (@wpjenna) August 15, 2015
Full blown scrum as people scream “President Trump”, chant “save our country”, and a Trump helicopter circles above. pic.twitter.com/zFam8hK013
— Jim Waterson (@jimwaterson) August 15, 2015
130p, Trump is at Pork Chop on a Stick
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) August 15, 2015
A man walking behind Trump removed his shirt …unclear why
— Jackie Kucinich (@JFKucinich) August 15, 2015
Trump leads in the polls, despite skipping the butter cow. pic.twitter.com/3hts2jV1vu
— Philip Bump (@pbump) August 15, 2015
See kids, just work hard, stay in school, and inherit tens of millions of dollars from Daddy, and someday you too can be a billionaire blowhard with presidential ambitions, internationally recognized hair and your very own helicopter!
Please reassure me that this country has not descended to the level of superficiality that this guy could be nominated or even elected president.
I guess that will be his slogan “I will take you for a ride”.
There will be hell toupee! (mustn’t let the meme die, lol)
“This guy” has made a lot of progress.