If they really did not think he could win, they would not waste as much ink on Cruz as they have.
As long as they are giving him print and air time, I figure it’s a good thing. He can more than weather their criticism. It may actually catch the interest of people who haven’t been paying attention. Never underestimate the “rebel factor”. These pundits underestimate the degree of disgust with the status quo in Washington.
The way I sees it-—Cruz has already won. 1. He gets the nod and runs as the GOP pick or 2. he goes to the debates and forces the party to the right and maybe gets in as VP or 3. He’s knocked out but becomes well know for his views so he can run again in the next cycle—He can’t lose. He becomes a force within the right wing of the Party. He is still a young man—he could be Governor of Texas, or serve in the cabinate of a Republican President. He is the future of the party—like it or not.