This is different because longer time for Reagan between debate and voting. This is 3 or 4 days. Trump stands to lose votes if he debates. He hopes things stay same and he is in lead. He leaves Cruz alone to take the hits on stage. Will it work for Trump? I have no idea.
Blaming Fox and not attending a debate in which Cruz can train 100% of his fire is strategically smart.
Trump could only lose a debate with Cruz, not win one.
So, Trump has exited beautifully.
I’m a Cruz guy, but I know fantastic strategy when I see it.
Cruz gets to take his shots, but Donald can respond in time with his Tweets.
Fascinating play. Gentlemen, your A Game is appreciated.
Reagan skipped the debate and actually lost Iowa to GHW Bush. I recall he was stunned a bit. He was able to regroup in time for New Hampshire. At a subsequent New Hampshire debate, GHW Bush insisted that the next debate be limited to he and Reagan. Reagan objected and invited the other participants to join (Dole, Baker, etc.). While Reagan was attempting to explain his action, the moderator attempted to turn off Reagan’s microphone, leading to Reagan’s legendary statement “I am paying for this microphone, Mr. Breen!” GHW Bush never recovered as Reagan went on to bury the field.