Feb. 3 (Bloomberg) -- Bloomberg View columnist Megan McArdle presents a commentary arguing that expectations were defied. Insurgencies surged -- or receded. Marginal candidates quietly slipped away into the gathering darkness. And Iowans enjoyed their brief quadrennial turn in the limelight. This commentary aired on Bloomberg Radio.\u0010\u0010(Megan McArdle is a Bloomberg View columnist. The opinions expressed are her own.)