WINNERS:
Ted Cruz: Went all-in on Iowa, and it paid off handsomely. The new front-runner can now write off New Hampshire. Does he connect the same way in South Carolina?
Marco Rubio: Management of expectations and a solid performance showed long-term viability. Does his steadfast fandom of the Miami Dolphins earn respect or scorn in Tom Brady country?
MIXED BAG:
Ben Carson: Had a solid night, soiled by his campaign’s statement he was taking a break from the campaign trail to go home to get fresh clothes.
Chris Christie, John Kasich: Surrendering Iowa ups the ante in New Hampshire. Go big, or go home.
SEE ALSO: Live Results: Iowa Caucus Map
LOSERS:
Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders: Both sides are smarting. The two bloodied Democrats left in a race to succeed President Obama have no surer footing than they had a week ago
Donald Trump: It’s all about expectations, and that thorough thumping was #huuuuge.
THE-FORGET-ITS:
Martin O’Malley and Mike Huckabee threw in the towel last night. The other also-rans should consider making the same decision. Jeb Bush dumped a ton of cash with little to show for it. Rand Paul trotted out his iconic dad for a distant fourth. Everyone else should strongly consider going home.
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