While it may seem sudden to someone who knows a person, or thinks they do. However, people do change to conservative thinking when that light bulb finally gets so bright they can no longer ignore it. That time span of course varies from person to person when the epiphany hits, and for some it is literally overnight.
While I haven't yet been swayed from Ted Cruz to Donald, and was really kind of taking Donald as a joke at first, I am happy that he has gotten into the race. He is a catalyst for us who are unhappy with the establishment Republican leadership. He is bringing up salient points that hit home with a lot of Americans, points that establishment Republicans won't bring up. Some think that is because they are afraid to, or they are complicit. Either way the Republicans are having their eyes opened by the normally silent majority who are now emboldened by Trump.
I agree with all of that and have said as much many times. What I don't agree with is the thought that conservatives should be supporting a known liberal for the Republican nomination simply because he is saying things they want to hear.
In spite of his faults, Ted Cruz remains the most conservative candidate in the race, and as such, he deserves conservative support.