[GodOfReader: Extra chapters, so i have a 23 translated chapters waiting to be upload on patreon. Should i still do it? Would any of you support it and you, the pirate readers on a pirate website like freewebnovel/etc... Would you guys support it? Nah? ok.]

February 1, 2016.

The "opening battle" of the US election kicked off in Iowa.

This wasn't a "war" between Trump and Hillary but rather their respective battles against opponents within their own parties.

Although both currently led in polls across traditional and online media—

According to previously released US media polls, Republican Trump and Democrat Hillary led their party's candidates in support rates. However, this didn't guarantee they would both win Iowa.

The final results were indeed surprising.

Trump lost.

His Republican counterpart—Tea Party representative Ted Cruz—won the Iowa Republican primary.

Hillary won by a narrow margin.

She was neck and neck with Bernie Sanders, whom the media called a "socialist" who vowed to cut ties with Wall Street.

According to the UK's Guardian, Hillary received 49.89% support, while Sanders got 49.54%, a mere 0.3% difference for a narrow victory.

Iowa, seen as the "testing ground" and "trendsetter" for US elections, had its primary results decided.

In reality, regardless of who won or lost, the road to the White House was long—this was just the beginning.

Trump once again made a bold statement: "Congratulations to everyone, but the Republican nomination will ultimately be mine."

Meanwhile, Cruz, who had defeated Trump, proclaimed: "The Iowa results show that the Republican candidate, the next US president, will not be chosen by the media, nor by Washington elites. Tonight is a victory for Iowa and the brave conservatives of this great nation!"

The next day, Martin received a call from Ivanka.

"Don't panic, darling, this is just the beginning. Based on my analysis, Mr. Cruz's victory in Iowa is largely related to his 'conservatism.' Cruz is the incumbent US Senator from Texas. In 2010, he was one of the key figures in the Tea Party movement. In 2012, he secured the Republican conservative nomination and was first elected Senator. This guy is a 'candidate who knows how to argue for conservative values,' such as his stance on gun control and religion." Follow current novels on novel⁂fire.net

"And Iowa is a very small, conservative state. The white population is the majority; most voters are farmers with strong religious beliefs, devoutly faithful to God. Cruz's 'conservative style' clearly targets the tastes of voters there. In contrast, your father's 'fool' persona isn't welcomed in such places."

"Elections are a long war. Losing one state doesn't mean anything."

Martin's words calmed Ivanka down a bit.

Then she began to pour out her frustrations to Martin: "Yes, I know it's just a persona he created for himself, but I'm starting to worry he might be enjoying it too much and could actually become like that..."

"Oh god, sometimes when I hear him being mocked, I get so angry. And then there are those eccentric remarks and actions of his. Even though I know they're fake, I always feel embarrassed."

"Haha, you'll get used to it. To be a qualified politician, having thick skin is one of the essential qualities," Martin said with a laugh. "You should learn from your father in this aspect. Look at him—last October, during a campaign speech, he said, 'If I lose in Iowa, I won't talk to you guys anymore.' But now he's completely forgotten that statement. Not only does he still chatter away, he even declared victory on the same day he lost."

"Haha, 'I will secure the Republican presidential nomination and easily defeat Hillary or Sanders, no matter who the opponent is.' How confident is that? That's why ordinary Americans like him."

"Uh, isn't that just 'shameless'?" Ivanka's view of her father contrasted with Martin's. "Don't you think my father has been talking a bit too much lately? And a lot of it makes him sound like a bragging fool. Would voters really want someone like that to become the US leader?"

"Heh, Ivanka, sometimes portraying yourself as a 'clown' can also win you many fans. People have seen too many of those 'noble and exalted' politicians. The public's eyes are saturated with those perfectly packaged politicians, and over time, it breeds a sense of disgust. Suddenly, a character like your father appears, which can actually make everyone's eyes light up."

"First, they'll find it novel. Second, they'll feel your father is very relatable. People need some spiritual sustenance; they need psychological and physiological satisfaction. Most people in China are vulgar. The best way for a vulgar person to find satisfaction is to find something even lower than themselves to comfort their soul..." [TL/N: Kekeke]

Ivanka listened intently.

In Martin's memory, the future global internet trend of "appreciating ugliness" followed the same logic.

Mockery, playing the fool, bizarre behavior—these "internet clowns" could gain popularity because it was the trend of the times.

It had to be said that Trump's campaign strategy was quite in tune with the pulse of this era.

After finishing her conversation with Martin.

Ivanka entered her father's office. "Dad, I just discussed a plan with Martin..."

"What is it?" Trump looked up and asked.

"You might need to make a series of unconventional statements online to reinforce a certain image in the public's mind—like 'unreliable' or 'big-mouthed.' Then suddenly express some reasonable opinions. This sudden contrast can enhance your appeal..."

"Martin and I think that a series of exaggerated statements first can lower the public's expectations of you—uh, don't be angry when I say this—it can actually increase your tolerance value. And once you say something that satisfies them, it will enhance their surprise and admiration..."

Trump's eyes lit up.