PLYMOUTH, N.H. — Donald Trump felt “a tinge” of disappointment after finishing second in the Iowa caucuses, but if the same happens in New Hampshire, the billionaire-turned-Republican hopeful says he’ll be very unhappy.
“I could say to you if I came in second and third I’d be thrilled, okay? I know all about expectations,” Trump told CNN minutes before taking the stage Sunday for his rally at Plymouth State University.
“If I came in second, I wouldn’t be happy, okay?” he said.
Trump currently leads his Republican rivals by double digits in the Granite State. He performs particularly well in surveys of independent voters. But with the strong performance in Saturday’s debate by the GOP’s three governors and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio’s recent rise in New Hampshire, the Feb. 9 primary could deliver surprises.
While admitting he would be disappointed if he doesn’t come out on top in New Hampshire, Trump said a first-place finish isn’t necessary to the overall success of his campaign.
“I want to win New Hampshire, but I don’t think I have to win it, no,” he said.
In the final CNN/WMUR poll before the primary, released Sunday, Trump drew 30 percent support among GOP voters. Sens. Cruz, Texas, and Rubio, Fla., followed closely behind at 14 percent and 12 percent, respectively.
