Posted on 03/05/2016 4:39:02 PM PST by SeekAndFind
Pretty much every speaker at CPAC this year has caused some sort of a stir, which seems to define the nature of the presidential race which framed it. Ted Cruz was no exception, with plenty of fans clogging the path to the ballroom where he spoke as the Secret Service labored to get everyone scanned and checked through metal detectors at the door. Things got a bit spicy when he went after Donal Trump and a number of Trump supporters got up and left the hall, but for the most part Cruz received a very warm reception.
In a separate set of comments, however, Cruz was asked about the now endless speculation over a brokered convention. He wasn’t having any of it.
Ted Cruz flatly rejected the idea of a contested convention on Friday at CPAC, warning that it would lead to a “manifest revolt” against Republican establishment figures who have floated the idea as a last-ditch vehicle to stop front-runner Donald Trump.
At a question-and-answer session with Fox News host Sean Hannity, the Texas senator said Trump must be defeated at the ballot box.
“Any time you hear someone talking about a brokered convention it is the Washington establishment in a fevered frenzy. They’re really frustrated because all of their chosen candidates, all of their golden children, the voters keep rejecting. And so they seized on this master plan,” Cruz said mockingly. “We go to a brokered convention and the DC power brokers will drop someone in who is exactly to the liking of the Washington establishment. If that happens we will have a manifest revolt on our hands. That's not how you win. ”
[…]
“If you want to beat Donald Trump here’s how you do it: You beat Donald Trump with the voters,” he said.
This is pretty much the opposite of what keeps coming from the Rubio camp. (As well as the hopeful dreams of nearly everyone in the media who would just love the ensuing mayhem.) While it makes for excellent parlor discussions, Cruz is absolutely correct. An outcome such as that will splinter the party, perhaps irreparably. The way to beat any leading candidate is simply to beat them. Get out there and make the sale, close the deal, or however else you wish to describe it. Thus far nobody (including Ted Cruz) seems to have managed the task.
But even if Cruz changes his mind later, let’s not forget rule 40. You need to secure the majority of delegates in at least 8 states in order to be eligible to have your name entered on the floor of the convention this year. Thus far nobody but Trump has managed it or is even close. (Cruz has three.) The Texas senator had a very good appearance at CPAC and clearly he has a lot of fans. This weekend and over the next ten days we’ll find out if he can translate that into some wins.
But Cruz is part of the establishment. Sarcasm intended!!
It didn’t seem to bother him until today, noe it does.
He knows if he or Trump don’t get the required amount of delegates, the elitists will make their move.
A contested convention is how Rubio wins. Or even Yeb!
No way Trump or Cruz wins a contested convention.
In that pic it looks like Cruz is crying. Is he pointing to Beck?
He is OK with his buddy Beck talking about assassination Trump, which would help Cruz, but a brokered convention, which would hurt Cruz is not good... I sense a pattern.
I guess you didn’t get Jims memo today?
RE; It didn’t seem to bother him until today
How did you know this?
I wish that damn Trump would start in on Muslims + DEPORT again-grab a couple headlines from Europe. A no Brainer!
Cruz is establishment. Analyst on FBN slipped up tonight and said that since GOP is now backing Cruz, that explains his numbers.
She also said Rubio should worry.
Establishment will sue Cruz for eligibility as soon as they get to their brokered convention and put Romney/Ryan back in. They’re both all over today bashing Tump.
Jim doesn’t tell people who to vote for. He’s not gopE.
“Ted Cruz: Just say no to a contested convention; That’s Not How You Win”
Is he dropping out then?
Yep, he could get the train rolling again if he talk about muslims and Mexicans....the M&Ms.
Cruz is right.
Went to CPAC this afternoon... was pretty disappointed that even during the lectures, many of the speakers made swipes at Trump. It was unnecessary and took away from the points they were making that had nothing at all to do with Trump.
It reminded me of the Dixie Chicks... and all I wanted to do was yell:Shut up and Sing.
Full disclosure: I am not a Trumpster, and will vote for whomever is the nominee.. but this behavior is what catapulted me away from the left in the 90’s.
Jim Robinson
Every Cruz supporter needs to understand this. The GOPe openly hates Trump, but they hate Cruz just as much. The GOPe believes it can't control either so it wants to block both from being nominated, voters notwithstanding.
Question on the application of Rule 40. Does the requirement for 8 states live beyond the first round of voting? In other words, assume both Trump and Cruz have 8 or more states but not enough delegates to break the 1,237 threshold for the first round.
Does that mean then that only Trump and Cruz are eligible for subsequent rounds?
Does that mean the rule goes away entirely after the first round?
Some other mix?
Was that an order?
It’s obvious to me that very few will cross over for the other candidate. There’s too much hatred. And everyone believes they have good reason. The vitriol is how it’s displayed.
But if it’s true, it’s not vitriol or hatred. I accept most of what people say about Trump. But I don’t care. I’ll still vote for him or I won’t vote.
The Cruz supporters act like he’s the face of God. In fact, that’s what his wife said and Beck thinks Cruz is God’s choice. Personally I don’t think God cares.
No one checking IDs in Kansas. Multiple reports of Cruz vans encouraging people to double and triple vote. #voterfraud— Trump for America! (@TrumpforAmeric1) March 5, 2016
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