Trump only has a chance of turning out the social con base in the general election if he has Cruz as his V.P. It’s doubtful he would pick Cruz as his V.P. after trashing him so much. But if Cruz wins enough delegates to keep both him and Trump under the threshold, then they would have to cut a deal to be on the same ticket. And that might be a powerful combination to win the general election, and at least satisfy Cruzites that he can advise Donald on Supreme Court justices and set himself up for a presidency later.
So the best thing might be for Cruz to continue strong through the primaries even if he can’t beat Trump in the end, because his second-place position could produce that “dream ticket.”
I agree with you 100%... My concern is that the bait and switch is on. Cruz winning was step one. Rubio strong in NH is step 2. SC now will be a fight.
Here is where I differ from most Trumpsters on FR. I think Cruz can barely beat Cankles in the general, but unlike Trump, I think he would be helpless in office-—isolated, boxed in by his own narrow view of what is constitutional.
Agree it is doubtful Trump would ever pick Cruz for VP unless forced like this but do you really think Trump would partner or listen to Cruz on anything if VP? I think Trump has proven over and over he is a one man show.
[So the best thing might be for Cruz to continue strong through the primaries even if he can’t beat Trump in the end, because his second-place position could produce that “dream ticket.â€]
Good analysis. I like Cruz intellectually, Trump for his ability to bull ahead. But Cruz might still be a bit young. Trump’s SCOTUS picks might be a disaster. Trump/Cruz may be the best we can do, despite any bad blood.
Well thought out post and I agree completely