Iowa has delivered a result that will keep analysts busy for days

Well, it's close. Exceptionally so. A fantastic night of politics in Iowa, that will help narrow the Presidential field in the coming weeks.

For the Republicans, it's a three way race.

Ted Cruz out in front by a few percentage points.

Donald Trump underperforming slightly. And Marco Rubio, the young Senator from Florida, doing surprisingly well.

The winner from the point of view of perceptions may well be Rubio. Iowa is about beating expectations.

Ted Cruz pictured during a campaign event. Credit: Reuters
Marco Rubio has enjoyed a good night in Iowa. Credit: Reuters
Donald Trump has not enjoyed a good night. Credit: Reuters

Also, the next few states could look promising for Rubio. For there are people - Establishment Republicans - who loathe both Cruz and Trump. Those voters might now coalesce around Rubio.

For the Democrats, Hillary Clinton is just ahead of Bernie Sanders by a few points. If she maintains that, it breaks her jinx here. She was humiliated in 2008 in Iowa, coming in third place.

Hillary sought redemption this time round in this state.

She may have found that, but it's still thrillingly close.

Iowa has delivered a result that will keep the analysts busy for days.