DES MOINES, Iowa — The Donald Trump who appeared onstage at Drake University Thursday night — just two miles from the Republican presidential debate he was boycotting — was a different Donald Trump from the man who stars in rowdy rallies on the campaign trail.

The Trump at Drake’s Sheslow Auditorium said not a word about the polls that are his ongoing obsession. (Actually, that’s not entirely true — he mentioned the polls, but without the sheer numerical intensity he usually displays.)