Trump was never going to win Iowa as the son of the preacher man always does. Second place is strong and NH is a normal primary. Cruz has no chance.
Your own prediction had Trump coming in 1st and Cruz in 3rd. But Trump was never going to win.
the son of the preacher man always does.
What a bunch of rubes those Christians are, huh?
FWIW, Cruz never had much of a chance in NH, and unlike the Trump supporters, I'll freely admit it. NH is a totally different demographic. It's the kind of state where guys like Kasich and Christie will do well before they bow out. NH appeals to moderates. I'm sure Trump will do fine.
Take a look at this map
https://www.iagopcaucuses.com/#/state
Donald Trump can stay in for as long as he wants for all I care! The map shows the REAL story. Trump dings Cruz in the rural areas but not enough to get an overall statewide advantage. It’s almost a tradeoff in the small populated areas. But in the Urban areas such as Des Moines and Davenport where the more moderate Republicans are, Trump underperformed but was clearly getting his votes of Establishment voters that kept Rubio from racking up an Establishment margin in the area of that state. Cruz’s totals in Polk/Scott Counties were the same as the conservative canddiate before. Trump was clearly hurting Rubio much more than Cruz.
If these 3 are still in at SC, Cruz will win the same way. Myrtle Beach and Charleston are the most “moderate” Republican areas in the state. Based on IA, Rubio won’t rack up the Establishment margins in these areas needed to win SC thanks to Trump. But Trump won’t be able to get a big enough advantage over Cruz in the more conservative parts along the I-85 corridor and in the low country.
As for NH, Cruz doesn’t need to win. He just neeeds to finish strong leading into SC. His best chance is to consolidate the liberty/Tea Party voters which is good enough for about 20%. It could be good enough for 2nd if Rubio doesn’t consolidate the Establishment Vote, or 3rd at worst. And if Trump slides AND Rubio fails to consolidate the Establishment vote, then Ted DOES have a chance in NH.