Republican Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz stops in Richmond (VA)

WWBT ^ | Nov 15, 2015 | Mike Valerio

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Republican Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz stopped by Richmond Saturday for a conservative fundraiser with the Family Foundation. 

Fresh off the campaign trail in South Carolina, Senator Ted Cruz wasted no time in speaking to our allies from Richmond.

"I want to express solidarity with the people of France. With the people of Paris," said Senator Ted Cruz.

Terrorism is now a topic climbing to the top of the political conversation, with Cruz saying America needs to better arm Kurdish Peshmerga troops fighting ISIS in Iraq.

"They are risking their lives, but they're using out-moded military equipment. ISIS has American military equipment they've captured in Iraq," said Senator Ted Cruz.

Cruz's view, is in direct contrast to Dr. Ben Carson's. Carson visited Midlothian this week, where we asked him to clarify how he wants America to take back ISIS territory, and a key oil field.

NBC12's Mike Valerio asked "Does that mean boots on the ground in your view?"

Dr. Ben Carson, Republican Presidential Candidate replied, "I think it would require boots on the ground yes."

We asked Cruz to respond.

"Listen I'm a big fan of Ben Carson. He's a friend of mine. I do think too many politicians are eager to send in boots on the ground rather than waiting to when it's military necessary," said Senator Cruz.

The Republican senator from Texas suggests greatly increasing the number of airstrikes up to more than a thousand a day. But stops short at sending a ground combat force into enemy territory.

"I do not believe at this time it is required to send in a significant US ground presence. Would you be hesitant to have a third Iraq war in 25 years? I think Americans have always been hesitant to use military power. It's always been the last step we use," said Senator Cruz.

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Watch the video of the news clip at the link.

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Went to a conservative gathering a local radio station sponsored on Saturday. KT McFarland spoke as did, Hugh Hewitt, Katie Pavlick, Ann Coulter & Sean Hannity. At one point Hannity asked the crowd who they supported and when asked for those that supported Cruz it was by far the loudest cheer. The boos were given for Bush & Rubio.

I know it's not scientific polling, but among the base I think Cruz is doing a lot better than the media lets on. Maybe this is the year we nominate someone who believes what we believe and not someone whom we're told is the most electable.