I know there are people who are mystified by Senator Ted Cruz’s recent surge in Iowa. Donald Trump certainly is.

Is it Cruz’ special connection with evangelicals? Is it his apocalyptic approach to terrorism?

No, I don’t think so. I think it’s Cruz’s ability to quote “The Princess Bride.”

Related: Republican debate shows how terrorism is changing definition of collateral damage

“So, what you got here that’s worth living for? (he presses on Westley’s chest as he says) ‘true love,'” Cruz says.

Cruz has memorized the movie “The Princess Bride,” and he comes pretty close to imitating Billy Crystal.

Cruz will sit with small groups of voters and talk a little economic policy &#8211 maybe talk a little terrorism &#8211 then he’ll just launch into the scene where Billy Crystal as Miracle Max and Mandy Patinkin as Spanish Fencer Inigo Montoya, try to bring the mostly dead Westley back to life.

He’s pretty good. I know that Mandy Patinkin, the actor, isn’t pleased. But the polls are clear. In Iowa this stuff kills!