Interesting hypothesis, can you elaborate?
I think it was a set-up, poorly conceived and poorly executed, designed to make Cruz look like a misogynistic fool.
First, I don’t believe these two gentlemen had “no idea” about Cruz’s beliefs before hosting him.
Now they are able to run around saying “If I had had any idea what a monster he was I would never...”
Second, I’m sure they expected Cruz to say something they could use against him. He didn’t.
Lastly, the NYT gets to write snooty editorials, like this.
It’s all about making Cruz look out of touch with “mainstream” voters. They don’t care how it plays with his base. It’s a long game for them, wearing down his image with the general electorate.
Cruz played it right and came out looking good.