How Donald Trump made the birther attack on Ted Cruz stick

The Washington Post ^ | 01/13/2016 | Chris Cillizza

[ScottWalkerForPresident2016]

Eight days ago, Donald Trump floated the idea that Ted Cruz might cause Republicans some legal headaches if he won the GOP presidential nomination because he was born in Canada -- albeit to a mother who was and is a U.S. citizen.

Today, Cruz's citizenship -- and the questions surrounding it -- is the single most dominant issue in the Republican race and has, without question, slowed Cruz's momentum in Iowa and nationally.

It's a perfect case study in both how Trump attacks and how he's able to so effectively sidetrack his opponents.

[BenLurkin]

Did he?

[Political Junkie Too]

Maybe it's as simple as people wanting our leaders to keep to the boundaries of the Constitution, and won't tolerate any more Nancy Pelosi "Are you kidding me?" disregard for our founding documents.

-PJ

[mylife]

Um... how?

[Fungi]

This rabid liberal named Chris Crapalizza does not deserve the time of day. He is in a fantasy land, one more concerned with reciting the liberal attack code than the truth. As I have said before, never let the truth get in the way of the agenda.

[oldbrowser]

Or maybe it’s the leftist media gratefully walking through the door that someone conveniently opened for them.

[TornadoAlley3]

That Cruz handlers did not anticipate this attack and preempt it is frustrating. Never be on defense in a campaign. Always the offensive.

[plain talk]

Today, Cruz's citizenship -- and the questions surrounding it -- is the single most dominant issue in the Republican race and has, without question, slowed Cruz's momentum in Iowa and nationally.

Cruz's citizenship is the single most dominant issue without question? Cruz was born a US citizen so why is his citizenship an issue?

P.s. Scott Walker for President? That's your screen name. ha ha ha. I would get rid of that moniker in a Donald Trump minute.

[caww]

Yes indeed they did anticipate this attack...why wouldn't they?...aside from the fact it's been raised long before Trump was even running, Trump himself said he'd use it if the race got tight.

The issue is not about his citizenship....it's about Trumps credibility which he has none regarding this matter...he's just carrying the Demorats water who indeed intend to make it an issue.......Trumps stepped into his own crap!.....

[ScottWalkerForPresident2016]

P.s. Scott Walker for President? That's your screen name.

Your ability to read is very impressive.

[Kenny]

That Cruz handlers did not anticipate this attack and preempt it is frustrating. Never be on defense in a campaign. Always the offensive.

That's what I think. Dems started their threats to sue back in November. Wouldn't that be a red flag that they needed to be ready?

[mylife]

Ted has never denied being born in Canada, nor serving our Constitution as a full blown American.

He did renounce dual citizenship in 2014 as he saw that as a potential problem for the potus race.

but If I was born into dual citizenship I would have exercised that right too

[caww]

[TornadoAlley3]

What? If they anticipated the attack why is it a problem? No matter Dems or Repubs raise it, Cruz campaign manager not prepared. Ted has a great life story to tell. Why not add that he was born in Canada, then everyone knows and no one cares.

[caww]

Cruz doesn't want to give fan 'the Demorats flame' on this matter, which he well knew and knows will come....it isn't about not being prepared, they knew long ago this would come...it's Cruz isn't responding the way people think or want him to....especially coming from Trump...he'll save his ammo when it counts more than the feather in the wind.

[mylife]

When will Trump call Cruz a Maple Syrup sucking Canuck and start the Terrance and Phillip jokes?

[plain talk]

Hey newbie - you can get another FReeper name. It is not really all that hard that hard. Heck you have only been here six months. :-)

Rule #1 - give some thought before picking a FReeper name.

[caww]

It's a problem for “the people” for it creates doubt...which is how the Donald operates.....doesn't matter if true or not, especially to Trump, Cruz will save his ammunition for the general election when the real cannons come out....why dance to the Trump piper?

[TornadoAlley3]

Save your ammunition and you get shot before the general. Cruz needs to come out shooting first.

[mkjessup]

Hey newbie - you can get another FReeper name. It is not really all that hard that hard. Heck you have only been here six months. :-)

Rule #1 - give some thought before picking a FReeper name.

Hey c'mon, cut SW4P2016 some slack, I KNOW he's got to have at least one avid fan here on FR. ;)