Early in last night's Republican presidential debate, Texas Governor Rick Perry said he hoped to be the "Tim Tebow of the Iowa caucuses." That pop culture shorthand for an underestimated person of strong faith who comes from behind with no time to spare and snatches victory from the jaws of almost certain defeat was definitely corny, brilliantly memorable and possibly a glimpse into the very near future.

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While the mainstream media and the party establishment bicker over whether the go-along-to-get-along elitist or the self-serving serial adulterer will be the GOP nominee, the people of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina are actually deciding who will get their votes. And while former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich spent their time in last night's debate defending their less than conservative records and big government ideas, Governor Perry was effectively highlighting his conservative record and smaller government policies.

He showcased his experience as chief executive of a border state, debunking President Barack Obama's assertions that the US/Mexico border was secure by saying, "I've been dealing with this issue for 11 years. I've sent Texas Ranger recon teams there. Our law enforcement men and women face fire from across the border or in the US side from these drug cartels. It is not safe there. Our country is at jeopardy."

He was asked about his call for Attorney General Eric Holder's resignation over the Fast and Furious operation; specifically how he could make that call without proof that Mr. Holder knew of the botched gun-tracking scheme. Bringing both common sense and the true meaning of leadership back to the discussion Governor Perry said, "If I'm the president of the United States and I find out that there's an operation like Fast and Furious, and my Attorney General didn't know about it, I would ask for his resignation immediately."

He was equally presidential when expressing his opinions on a part-time Congress, a balanced budget amendment to the US Constitution and states' rights. All this prompted even the mainstream media outlet CNN to call Governor Perry's performance "forceful" and acknowledge his "rapid improvement as a debater".

Hoping to build on last night's success, Team Perry is increasing its staff in Iowa before the January 3 caucuses as the candidate continues his bus tour throughout the Hawkeye State. And it all just might result in a Tebow-esque comeback victory.