In an uncharacteristically short speech in Iowa Monday night, Republican Donald Trump said he was “really honored” after his second place caucus finish to rival Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX).
Trump set his sights on upcoming primaries in New Hampshire and South Carolina in his concession speech, saying when he launched his campaign in June, naysayers said he wouldn’t finish in the top 10 in Iowa.
“When we started this journey, there were 17 candidates. I was told by everybody, ‘do not go to Iowa. You couldn’t finish in the top 10.’ They said, ‘don’t do it.’ I said, ‘I have to do it,’” a subdued Trump told supporters. “We finished second, and I want to tell you something, I’m just honored.”
About upcoming primaries in New Hampshire and South Carolina, the billionaire said: “I think we’re going to be proclaiming victory, I hope.”
Trump also said he’s seen “so many different indications and polls” that show he would still go on to secure the Republican nominations and go on to defeat “Hillary Clinton or Bernie or whoever the hell they throw up there.”
After just a few minutes, Trump closed his address by thanking his supporters, campaign staffer, and family.
“Iowa, we love you, we thank you, you’re special, we will be back many, many times,” the Republican said. “In fact, I think I might come here and buy a farm. I love it. OK?”
Watch the speech via CSPAN:
WATCH: Donald Trump complete #IowaCaucus night speech. #IAcaucus #IowaTodayhttps://t.co/HMKw21FfK6
— CSPAN (@cspan) February 2, 2016
