I’m not “new to politics” (note my 1998 sign up date). LOL!
That pledge was actually created out of fear that Trump might run as a 3rd party candidate if he didn’t win as a Republican.
It was strictly an anti-Trump move, and it just blew up in Cruz’s face!
Remember that when the pledges were signed, it was intended as a way to keep Trump from running 3rd party and to force him to get behind the eventual nominee. All the smarty-pants in the media and Republican establishment were smug in their assurance that Trump had no chance of winning the nomination. They wanted to keep Trump from taking his followers third party.
In more ways than one.
By saying 'VOTE YOUR CONSCIENCE' , Cruz has inspired people to use their minds and think for themselves, instead of just accepting what the media throws at them.
Those who think for themselves usually make better decisions.
So, even though he said it to imply people should not vote for Trump, it will and has backfired on him.