For the Record: We're Cruzin' together

Happy Wednesday, For the Record peeps! Just a reminder that you now only have, including today, 13 days to mentally prepare yourself for the next GOP debate, 23 shopping days left before Christmas (for which we put together a gift guide for your political junkie loved ones) and 30 days to figure out your New Year's resolution. We would like to give up debates.

While we figure out how we could possibly get away with that given our day jobs, give us a follow on Twitter (@jmestepa, @joannaallhands, @RGJBrettMcG) and spread the holiday cheer by getting your friends to subscribe to For the Record.

Now, onto the headlines.

CRUZIN'

Ted Cruz didn't top the Paste BN GOP rankings this week (the Donald rules supreme), but he did claim No. 2 (which he probably considers the top, since he doesn't think Trump is going to be the nominee). The man is gaining in Iowa. We recommend that this is the time he starts channeling his inner crooner to serenade the voters away: "Don't be confused, the way is clear. If you want it, you got it forever." The caucuses are a comin' (please see the More from the Campaign Trail section for further proof).

HILL, JEB(!) HAS A SUGGESTION FOR YOU

America might be sick and tired of hearing about her damn emails, but we have confirmation that someone is reading them: Jeb(!) Bush. He told the Des Moines Register that he's read about her calling a certain presidential nominee "Mittens" and another 2012 candidate "the Grinch." Ever a good sport, he wants to participate in the nickname game, too; start calling him "45." Dare to dream, right? We suppose it's better than being called a letter throughout your presidency.

EVEN 'TIME' IS FEELING THE BERN

Looks like everyone's favorite/most hated democratic socialist has a good shot at winning one vote: Time's Person of the Year poll. The magazine reported Monday that Bernie Sanders is at the top, leading fellow candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, as well as Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai (MALALA, you guys). If Bernie triumphs, he'll join an illustrious list that includes: The Protester (2011), President Obama (for each year that he won the presidency) and the Endangered Earth (1988).

MORE FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

• 'Creatures of the extremes' sounds like a terrible movie (Des Moines Register)
• Santorum is planning a yuletide party in Iowa, so we gots to know: will there be eggnog? (Des Moines Register) 
• Basically, everyone is in Iowa right now. Right, Mike Huckabee? (Des Moines Register)

As you take on this hump day, remember what our role model Kid President says: Don't be in a party. Be a party.