I am just stating facts.
Donald Trump has sometimes acted like a petulant child and IMO it has hurt his campaign, however I have to respect someone who puts up his own treasure to do what he feels is good for his country. Even if I disagree with some of his substance.
Given that, DJT knew the rules had been changed in CO. He knew he had no chance of securing any delegates. He has run as an “outside” candidate. This “whining” fits his narrative and plays to his base
Ted Cruz is an ideolog who has considered himself the “superior” candidate. This plays to his base.
Who’s base is larger? I would say, based on voter turnout, DJT.
It also appears the DJT has crossover appeal. He captures a larger portion of the independent and minority vote.
Ted Cruz cannot say this, because his scope of voters is too narrow. A sliver of Midwestern states are his base and only when small numbers of people vote or the state’Senate convention has arcane rules in place. His ideology is alienating voters. He base is not expanding.
This isn’t bashing. It’s observing.
I think your observations are essentially correct. If I could get a candidate that’s a little of Trump, minus some of the bombast, and a little of Cruz’s devotion to the constitution, minus the Elmer Gantry, I’d be a happy camper.