Matt Strawn

Cruz's comments on (phone call) metadata help him with a significant share of Iowa's libertarian-oriented vote, while Rubio's responses are exactly what traditional national security conservatives in Iowa want to hear, little happened to alter the dynamic of the race as we approach Christmas.

I think that it is still very much an open issue whether Sen. Paul can replicate the success his father had in bringing new participants to the caucus that are more libertarian-oriented.

The good news for Walker is he's demonstrating support across disparate groups of Iowa Republicans, the downside is that means the shots are going to be coming from all sides.

That personal retail nature of Iowa caucus very may well be an antidote to whatever polling a potential candidate may have back home, the fact that especially Gov. Christie and Gov. Walker were able to win multiple elections in states not traditionally hospitable to Republicans says more than any temporary snapshot of approval ratings back home.