Manafort didn't do Trump any service either by stating he has two personalities and the first one is for show..... But I wasn't surprised Trump sent Manafort to the Florida meeting....he's avoiding any political leadership gatherings that requires his coming clean on just exactly what political platform he's standing on........he cannot say he's Representing the Republican Platform without defining to those he's accountable to just what that is......so he's dodging this as well as any further debates.
His mask is beginning to fall off because you cannot maintain that persona indefinitely without cover....thus Manafort and others are speaking for him and he's sending surrogates like Carson in his place. I suspect the next move he makes before long will be refusing altogether to meet with the RNC....with the excuse everything is rigged to his supporters. He'd be a fool to do that but I honestly wouldn't put that past him in order to continue his "performance".
I know you think the Cruz talking points are from above, but kindly listen to this video of the original “Transgender” conversation. The one that all cruzers claim as proof that Trump endorsed them, and wants dirty old men to invade little girls on the potty. I’m sorry, if you believe that after listening to the original conversation (start at 16:50 or thereabouts), then I have a Nigerian account for you to deposit a small amount of money that will get you meeelions in return: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em5o7udaDig