Posted on 07/14/2015 4:43:50 PM PDT by SoConPubbie
Sen. Ted Cruz (Tex.) and real-estate mogul Donald Trump -- each running for the Republican presidential nomination as anti-establishment outsiders -- are cultivating an already chummy relationship at this early stage of the 2016 race and will huddle Wednesday in New York.
The meeting was confirmed by Republicans familiar with both campaigns who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations. Aides to Cruz declined to comment, as did Trump representatives.
The meeting will take place at Trump Tower, the gleaming Manhattan skyscraper where Trump has for decades managed his business endeavors, according to knowledgeable Republicans. The building now serves as the headquarters for Trump’s national political operation.
The conclave is the latest sign of budding solidarity between the contenders, who have been friendly for several years and who have put forceful critiques of illegal immigration and their party’s establishment at the center of their bids.
In recent weeks, Cruz has defended remarks Trump made on immigrants over the past month that have drawn rebukes from leading Democrats and Republicans. Trump said in his announcement speech that when "Mexico sends its people," it sends people who are "bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists."
While other Republicans called Trump’s words "offensive and inaccurate" (Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida) or "extraordinarily ugly" (former Florida governor Jeb Bush), Cruz praised Trump as someone who is "terrific" and "speaks the truth."
Asked about Cruz in an interview over the weekend, Trump told The Washington Post, "I really respect him for saying what he did."
Earlier this month on CNN, Trump said, "I shouldn't say this because, I assume, he's an opponent, but the fact is he was very brave in coming out."
Cruz has previously met with the mogul at Trump Tower, mostly during fundraising swings through New York.
Republicans close to Cruz said the first-term senator is intent on staying cozy with Trump
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
ALL ABOARD...THE TRUMP TRAIN.
HOW’D that soul train song go?
They are both smart and focused, they will discussing how to dismantle Jeb and lords of the Republican party. Oh how I hope they have a way to give the party back to us and end the reign of the ones currently pulling the strings of the GOPe. Maybe to much to hope for, but I don’t settle for half measures.
I am most relaxed.
There is a difference between running for President and actually being President. It could be that Trump is interested in one but not the other.
If that’s the case, perhaps they’re devising a strategy whereby Trump takes the flack and helps clear the way for Cruz in exchange for some role in the administration or some other future benefit.
So I am not crazy ;-)....
...since neither drinks.
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There was an article on FR a few days ago that mentioned that Cruz drinks beer. Good man!
Yeah, and it's not Trump.
Well said....it's normally the Democrats who want a one man savior (while denying the existence of the real one, but that's another story).
There are a few problems with that theory....a main one being Trumps really really recent conversion to conservatism. (a conversion that’s far from complete I might add).
What would he coach Cruz on first? How to file bankruptcy four time? How to advocate for Canadian style health care? How to donate to the Clinton Foundation? How to fall for Obama until well into 2009? How to be pro choice?
Just sayin.....not sure Cruz is gonna be coachable with all of that....
You're gonna have to be more specific. If you mean on the article and meeting per se? I think it's more of a natural gravitational pull between the only two candidates (well, there's Carly too) fearless enough to take on the hard issues head on.....more than any kind of plotting or planning that is going on here.
hmmm.... trump/cruz and then cruz/? in four years
all in all, not a really bad plan
But then there is governor walker. he needs to be functional at the national level
Yawn, go trash someone else. Do you have 5 Billion?
Thank you for exposing your childish inability to actually answer the questions. I mean, really, that's so infantile and irrelevant as to be nothing but estrogen rants.
Specifically, it's not relevant since I'm not running. Moreover, it exposes you for the phony you are with your screen tagline and faux spirituality. Third, the relevant question would be do you have my net worth? Fourth, I have had to rely on bankruptcy protection four less times than your new god....and fifth, I didn't inherit 27 thousand apartments in NYC,
don't you just love the maturity of the kool aid crowd, when confronted with the truth?
No your not LOL. I just felt something was weird when Donald Trump finally jumped into the ring. Ted Cruz is smart but nice yet you got Donald who is smart but not nice LOL. We need strong strong leaders at this time.
I feel this nation is ready to break down and during this time, a strong leader is needed. We do not need another community organizer man child again nor ever again.
You mean the maturity of claiming my support makes him my god? My God is the God of Isaac, Abraham and Moses. He is Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. How about you? Try another cheap shot.
Tell us why to support your candidate rather than using the trashing method. Remember Reagan’s 11th commandment Mr Conservative?
Which is the reason I find this fervent cult of personality disturbing. I haven't seen conservatives behave like this before.
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