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“As for Cruz, I started out supporting Cruz and switched to Trump. Does that make me an idiot or playing politics?”

Pence endorsed Cruz shortly before the important Indiana primary. By this time, Cruz had more than exposed himself as a liar and charlatan - thumping the Bible as he planned his next dirty trick. If Pence didn’t see Cruz for what he was by that time, he’s not very perceptive. If he DID see and endorsed Cruz for political reasons I don’t have much respect for him, either.

I’m certainly not calling people idiots who started out supporting Cruz and switched over to Trump - it took a while for the guy’s true (lack of) character to show through. In the beginning, I cheered Cruz and thought he would make a great running mate. That, of course, changed as time went on.

I understand what you are saying, but I disagree with your conclusions. I argued strongly against Cruz here in FR for some of the reasons you state here, but I tried never to argue against Cruz supporters. Pointing out Cruz’ flaws, without personally attacking Cruz supporters. That’s what I tried to do.

And I believe that Cruz’ flaws didn’t really show up until the campaign, that he lost it in the campaign, and that before that he really was a good fighter for good causes. Cruz came apart during the campaign, came apart at the seams. But he was and is a conservative and I believe that is what many Cruz supporters were looking at, even to the bitter end.

Anyway, that’s all in the past.

Another way to look at Pence’ support of Cruz is that it gives him more credibility in the Republican Establishment. Pence’ slow conversion to Trump can be seen as the thoughtful consideration it probably was. And before everyone starts screaming at me for mentioning the Republican Establishment in a tone of voice not dripping with hatred, let me remind you, Trump himself wants their support.