I think his thinking is quite rational. Cruz campaign is like the draft space behind a trump 18 wheeler that just sucks him along.
Cruz was widely disliked and disparaged almost daily before the campaign began. that disparagement stain of too right wing has not worn off. That view was held by many conservatives unwilling to place a bet on the extreme.
not true...in the most forward looking polls...those where the most informed and concerned voters are - the right wing internet sites....Cruz was always loved. Always. It was a fait accompli that as others became similarly informed, that Cruz would rise.
Now those audiences always liked Trump too, and it was a fait accompli that Trump would remain strong as well.
NOW: as to the “drafting “effect - which I understand - must be countered by the “same space” effect - and they clearly are splitting a lot of the same space. Neither of you mention that, which is one of the major dynamics of the entire Trump phenonemon.
Folks, this stuff should not be tried at home...it’s not as easy as you think.