Trump Humbled, Paul Bows Out

Happy Hump Day Friends,

We woke up this morning to the news that Senator Rand Paul has dropped out of the Republican presidential race, even after his campaign showed some signs of life in Iowa. So much for a Libertarian voice in the field.

Paul family politics are apparently not in vogue this election cycle. A more fear-driven xenophobic anger has taken hold of the Grand Old Party.

Paul's out, Marco's catching up, and Cruz is still from Canada

The co-head coaches of this team are Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, with Cruz pulling out the win in Iowa on the strength of his skillfully-built Iowa organization. This is much to his credit.

Donald Trump's second-place Iowa finish would have been considered a good one under normal circumstances. He, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio all received a record number of votes in the GOP Caucus. But The Donald set the bar so high for himself, the loss had to really sting.

Personally, I'd like to win so much I get tired of winning, as he promised I would be. But Trump couldn't deliver the first time out, thereby breaking a big campaign promise early on. No real surprise there.

What is surprising is how humbled Trump was yesterday morning when he talked to the media. I thought it was actually the most presidential he's looked to date. That may turn out to be a really good look for him, since it seems his double-digit lead is holding in New Hampshire.

In the meantime, it could get testy between contenders Cruz and Rubio to a point where the nastiness causes lasting damage to both candidates.

We'll be watching to see which way the momentum swings between now and Tuesday's primary. It still looks very good for the real estate mogul with those New York values.