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 ...
Fine with me too :)
Same here. An alliance is the best thing that could happen.
I know Trump has met with Cruz and other candidates in the past, but for two declared candidates to have a meeting like this may be unprecedented. :)
Ted Cruz: “Joe, I mean, Donald. Believe me, this is an effing big deal for you.”
1. I bet Grandmaster Cruz called the meeting- it’s brilliant.
2. Trump’s accomplishment is that he’s been forcing all the ostensible “I’m really a conservative” candidates, to reveal their loyalty to the Rino regime.
3. So, even if Cruz and Trump are only meeting to discuss hair styles, the meeting in and of itself promulgates the message of that political divide.
4. They are the 3rd party running in the republican primary. Shock-waves.
I hadn’t thought of it that way, but you are correct. Informally, they are a Third Party!
In a PERFECT WORLD where the First Amendment was actually respected, Trump would simply give Cruz a billion dollars and tell him kick some butt against the Dems.
But he cannot quite do that (but thankfully can spend his own money on himself, something only possible due to a Supreme Court ruling).
So they are a tag-team. Trump clears the field (Rubio is nearly gone, Bush is struggling, etc.), and Cruz takes it from there.
Nice!
Ha ha.
The wrecking crew planning their strategy.
I wonder if Trump lurks here?
Trump mentioned last week that several of the candidate had or were coming to see him.
My take is Trump is planning on forming a coalition between several against the gopee. He understands its Rove and company who the group will have to defeat
He will fund what they need and provide the secure skipe or conference call if there in on the deal.
expect more than one in a coalition for the FOX debate
Relax. Hitler wasn't a German either.
Is there any level to which you won’t sink or slither?
Interesting developments.
LoL. ;^)
Its become public knowledge because someone wants someone to know they are meeting privately at TT.
I’d say that they both are targeting another candidate or two.
Who is still on the list? Who besides YET might they be playing mind games with?
Limited analysis but well worth the read.
I’ve seen a few use the comparison to Mitch and Boehner to defend Trump and I must say that is a VERY low bar and it’s counterproductive to his interests to use it IMO.
His remarks on illegal immigration are most welcome of course.
I would definitely want to be on the Cruz-Trump team.
There is no way either one of these dudes will accept the VP slot. IMO, Cruz needs to hold his cards close to his chest and let Trump do most of the talking here — be very careful, as Trump can be a vindictive sort of fellow and, would not hesitate to use something Cruz might say against him in the future.
Well, well, well.
“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.”
Way to mis-characterize what was said. The Compost selectively said Trump said this, and Cruz said that, and Trump said this. They didn't represent what was said by either properly and made it sound like something different. I know, it's the Compost.
I know several of the candidates have already met with Trump. I just can’t think of an instance where two declared candidates have met.
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