Haven’t read the article, but I’ll make the Trump argument. Cruz has not demonstrated the ability to forge alliances, whereas Trump would theoretically be deal maker extraordinaire and push through legislation.
...Trump would theoretically be deal maker extraordinaire and push through legislation...
As I watch the Trump special now on the History Channel, its amazing how easily he has made the impossible happen throughout his career.
I agree with your statement, and would like to add what I believe in addition:
Cruz has a personality issue. Yes, he’s a clean honest person that truly loves America and I think he’d be a great President.
However he’s lacking charm, charisma or whatever it takes to get people to like him just by watching his body language and facial expressions. Now in the real world, that does not mean squat, but to get elected it does.
Trump has a very vibrant personality and can be very charming at times. He can also be very caustic at times. He has the right mix of a good leader. I think that caustic side of him is needed to keep the left bashed down. The public must agree, for he just keeps getting more popular.
“...Trump would theoretically be deal maker extraordinaire and push through legislation...”
As for pushing legislation through the sausage-grinder — that’s congress’s job. Trump can cheer-lead and negotiate/commit to signing (or vetoing) whatever hits his desk to try and sway congress, but it is ultimately up to congress to put it on his desk. Therein lies the root of the legislative problems we face. Getting a bill out of committee and to the floor for a vote — in both houses. Trump can only try to embarrass them into action if they are recalcitrant.
As for his deal making skills — That is what he is known for. My concern is that (policy wise), when he is in full-on negotiating mode, with his *massive* ego pushing him to be seen as the “deal winner!” at all costs, what (if anything) would be “off the table”? Or would *everything* be on the negotiating table?
For instance... What would he completely refuse to negotiate on, again from a policy perspective, if giving-in on a side-negotiation of “the border wall” deal would result in overall agreement that makes “The Donald” look better than his opponent and gets enough Dems to agree to his border fence/wall?
Would he agree to sign a “Fairness Doctrine”?
Black-Rifle / Large Cap Mag ban?
Require common-core for home-schoolers?
Keep 0bamacare largely intact with cosmetic changes only?
etc, etc, etc...
How much is he controlled by his ego? He needs to put that question to rest.