You've hit on a good point - Cruz is running a "second ballot" race, and crowing about it. It will take awhile for the general public to recognize the strategy for what it is, playing inside pool in order to overcome popular preference. I don't think it's "wrong" to play inside pool, and being public about that could work in favor of some candidates, in some races. But I don't think it works in favor of Cruz, because a big part of his pitch has been that he is working against the insider game.
I agree.
People keep talking about getting to 1237, but I believe that there are 1235 unbound delegates (which hardly anyone talks about). If Trump doesn’t get to 1237 (I hope and pray he will), I think if he gets close and continues with a momentum, many of the unbound delegates will vote for him. Even though they’re unbound, IMHO, Trump’s campaign should start talking with them now (I suspect Cruz’s campaign is/has been doing so).
Once a candidate is mathematically out, he should be out.
Contested conventions is when the race is close in delegates and ballots to win.
Trump is hundreds ahead and will be hundreds ahead. He is millions ahead in votes and will be millions ahead, so I fail to see what Cruz is doing other than working real hard to PISS everyone off about him.
He would go far to fight until he mathwise out then get behind our guy.
Kasich too.