I woke up this morning wondering if there was anything new in the political world worth commenting on in this space.
Donald Trump is poised to win another primary. Ted Cruz is vowing to fight on to the convention. Blah, blah blah.
But when I turned on my computer I learned that Cruz had blessed me with a bounty of gifts that turned my dreary May Tuesday into a joyous Christmas morning.
April had proven to be a horrible month for the Cruz campaign. Cruz had lost the last six primaries to Trump by huge margins. Former House Speaker John Boehner, one of the most prominent people in Cruz’ own party, had publically referred to Cruz as “Lucifer in the flesh” adding “I have never worked with a more miserable son of a bitch in my life.”
The next primary would be held in Indiana…and it wasn’t looking good for Cruz. Cruz was trailing Trump in every poll by 7-15 points. He had received the tepid endorsement of Indiana Governor Mike Pence. But Trump rolled out an army of Indiana’s beloved sports icons to sing his praises. Bobby Knight, Lou Holtz, Gene Keedy and Digger Phelps all enthusiastically supporting Trump’s nomination.
Cruz continued to put on a brave front. Undeterred by the gloomy forecast he declared that he would win the nomination and Indiana would hold the key to victory. He would win Indiana, stop Trump’s momentum, turn the campaign on its head, and defeat Trump in a contested convention.
Cruz was clearly desperate and feeling the pressure. When under pressure desperate people often resort to desperate measures.
In a half-witted attempt to orchestrate a one on one contest with Trump in Indiana, Cruz announced that he had formed an “alliance” with John Kasich that would have Kasich pull out of the state. The alliance lasted less than 24 hours when Kasich said he had no intention of telling his Indiana supporters to vote for Cruz.
Then Cruz tried to shock the political world by suddenly announcing that Carli Fiorina would serve as his running mate. Fiorina brought nothing to the table except for two 7th place finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire. What sizzle there was lasted less than 24 hours. Trump rolled out Knight and Knight’s full throated endorsement doused any spark that Cruz might have hoped for.
Which brings us to this weekend where a desperate Cruz showed that he was succumbing to the pressure.
Cruz was speaking at an event when a 10 year old boy began to heckle him from the crowd. Cruz turned toward the boy and said: “Apparently there is a young boy who is having some problems.” To which the young boy replied: “Yeah, you suck.” News cameras covering the event followed as Cruz security team escorted the young boy from the room.
Cruz then decided to make political hay out of the moment. “Thank you son.” He said. “You know I appreciate you sharing your views. One of the things that hopefully someone has told you is that children should actually speak with respect. Imagine what a different world it would be if someone had told Donald Trump that years ago. You know in my household when a child behaves that way, they get a spanking.”
Campaign rule #32…Never criticize anyone’s child in public.
Campaign rule #33…Never use a child as a political prop.
As Cruz was leaving another event he noticed a gaggle of Trump supporters who were there to protest against Cruz. Cruz broke away from the security of his entourage and went over to engage the protestors. Cruz, in his customary halting, melodramatic Shakespearian tone, began to lecture the protestors on the false promises of made by one Donald Trump. The protestors were having none of it. Each time Cruz took one of his poignant pauses they weighed in with insults. “We don’t want you here!” ‘You’re Canadian!” “You told Kasich to get out now follow your own words!” It was embarrassing. I actually felt a little sorry for the guy.
Campaign rule #43…Never pause. Say what you have to say. Period.
Campaign rule #44…Walk away.
Cruz’ final event of the evening provided fuel for the narrative that Ted Cruz is all about Ted Cruz.
Cruz had just been introduced to the crowd by Fiorina. As Cruz made his way to the microphone he stopped to shake a few hands. As Fiorina stepped aside to allow Cruz to reach the podium she accidently fell off of the stage. She literally disappeared from view. Cruz’ wife Heidi, clearly concerned, reached down to help Fiorina as did several of people standing nearby. As for Ted Cruz…he gave a quick look over his shoulder and then went right on shaking hands.
Campaign rule #51…You may think it is all about you but it is never all about you.
This is how Ted Cruz responds under pressure.
Ted Cruz…the guy the desperate Party elites have dubbed the standard bearer for the “Dump Trump” movement.
Meanwhile, according to the last 17 polls taken by RealClearPolicitics.com; the only Republican candidate who consistently beats Hillary Clinton in a general election is the guy Republican elites and voters have relegated to third place…John Kasich.
Desperate people resorting to desperate measures.
Under pressure.
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