“I’ve voted in every election since 1976, but if Trump is the nominee, I’ll likely sit this one out.”
That reaction was predicted months ago.
One of the historic truisms in the past several election cycles is the Cruz Coalition, as currently assembled, is the first to stay home when their candidate does not win. The socially-minded voter will never vote for a populist fiscal conservative/socially moderate candidate. Cruz voters, and their advocates, are emotionally driven by social issues. Hence they yell a lot (See Mark Levin) and only respond well to others who are inside their echo-chamber.
Consequently neither Rubio nor Trump will try to gain/court Cruz voters. Why should they; the narrow-minded group will never vote for them, if they vote at all.
This non-voting truism is why the GOPe ignore the Cruz-like factions completely; because rarely will the GOPe be influenced by them. When Cruz Clan get angry and do not get their way they do not vote.
The modern way to deal with that faction is to make them angry, and they leave. Example: Questioning eligibility sets them off easily and they lose control. They might even invite another sketchy character, Glenn Beck, to help showcase their entrenched ideological moonbattery. See how easy that is? More exposure to the crazy = less votes in crazy camp.
Both Trump and Rubio will most likely ignore Cruz, as neither stands to benefit much.
The Last Refuge/Conservative Treehouse | February 21, 2016 | sundance
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3400031/posts
Well, that’s all well and good in theory but I have always voted for the Republican nominee in the past,regardless.
Trump is a good deal more liberal in many ways though most realize or are willing to admit/accept....
Trump however, has a 2 decade history of taking liberal positions
1.He thinks affirmative action is okay.
2.He would fund Planned Parenthood except for abortion. (This is current federal policy)
3.He supports a progressive income tax. He does not favor a flat tax.
4.He doesn’t want to cut Social Security or Medicare.
5.He’s in favor of a ban on assault weapons.
6.He supports Universal Healthcare coverage for every American and the “govt. will pay for it”.
7.He doesn’t “fully believe in supply-side economics”.
8.He wants to lead “from behind” on Ukraine. Trump believes that Germany should take the lead on Ukraine.
9.He hates the Iran deal, but he wouldn’t abrogate it after taking office.
10. A short 5 years ago he termed the Republican approach to immigration enforcement “mean spirited”.
11.He supports “touchback amnesty.
12.He has supported/supports such liberal sacred cows as ethanol subsidies, Kelo and govt. bailouts.
And one more thing, I simply don’t trust the man.