They are sucking up to the strong horse. Wouldn’t you, if you were Machiavellian?
I think Trump is right about Cruz, right NOW. With Cruz it is also his way or the highway, through both wisdom and folly. It would take a humbling before Cruz would support Trump; but there are many months left for this.
Have you studied "The Prince"?
I have.
Trump is the Prince if Machiavelli was successful at convincing The Prince of the merit of all of his suggestions and he proceeded to implement them.
Don't give the impression that you need one side or the other. Keep your options open just in case someone comes along with a better deal.