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Front-runner Donald Trump shies away from predicting Iowa win: 'Everybody's a threat'

Republican front-runner Donald Trump declined to predict a victory in Monday's Iowa caucuses, saying "everybody is a threat.'
/ Source: TODAY

Heading into Monday's Iowa caucuses, front-runner Donald Trump toned down his usual fiery approach to offer an uncharacteristically humble response when asked on TODAY if he was predicting a win over his Republican rivals.

"No, I can’t do that,'' Trump told Savannah Guthrie and Matt Lauer. "We’ve had the biggest crowds, bigger than anybody. I just don't know. I can't tell you that I think so."

"I will tell you, it's been an amazing journey,'' he continued. "There's been a lot of love in those rooms, so I would think that they would show up to vote. I hope so."

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This weekend, the Des Moines Register/Bloomberg Politics poll released its final numbers ahead of the caucus, showing Trump with a five-point lead, 28 percent to 23, over Senator Ted Cruz of Texas.

The poll, conducted from Jan. 26-29, has Sen. Marco Rubio in third at 15 percent and Dr. Ben Carson as the only other candidate polling in double digits at 10 percent.

Again, Trump eschewed his usual attacks for an understated approach when asked about his rivals.

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"Everybody's a threat,'' Trump said. "I think everybody in the race is a threat. You never know what's gonna happen, it's politics."

However, Trump did continue his consistent attack on Cruz's legal claim to running for president, claiming his birth in Canada may disqualify him.

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"I said he was born in Canada, which is true, and a lot of people have a question as to whether or not he's even able to serve as president,'' Trump said. "And that's come out loud and strong.

"That's a big cloud over his head, and I say he should try and remove that cloud by asking for a declaratory judgement to the courts. Numerous lawyers have come out saying that he's not allowed to run, he's not allowed to serve as president. That's a tough thing, and I think that's affected him quite a bit by a lot of people, frankly."

Follow TODAY.com writer Scott Stump on Twitter.