|
 |
Posted on 07/03/2015 4:21:09 PM PDT by SoConPubbie
Speaking to a room full of Republicans, Ted Cruz told them his presidential campaign would target Democrats — Reagan Democrats.
"We're going to rebuild the old Reagan coalition," the Texas senator said Wednesday during an appearance in Howell.
But Cruz also served up plenty of modern day red meat for Republicans during his appearance during the Livingston County GOP's Lincoln Day dinner.
He vowed to "repeal every word" of both Obamacare and Common Core and pledged to "always, always, always" defend religious freedom.
Drawing two clear targets, Cruz also criticized what he called the "failed Obama/Clinton foreign policy."
Those positions aren't much different from many others in the crowded Republican field.
What sets him apart, Cruz said, was that he has acted on his beliefs.
The core issue for Republican primary voters, was said was trust.
"If you're for religious freedom - great - but where were you in Indiana," Cruz said, referring to the recent controversy surrounding a since-altered law in that state.
The sold out audience responded enthusiastically to many of Cruz' comments, with portions of the crowd taking to their feet in applause on several occasions.
But members also appeared to be keeping their presidential options open, at least for the time being.
"I think he was fantastic but, now, he has to bring it home," said Delores Brauer, a relative newcomer to party politics. "He has to win the election."
Cruz is a tea party favorite and Wes Nakagiri, of tea party-affiliated RetakeOurGov said he likes of lot of the senator has to say.
"He's definitely on my short list, but it's early," Nakagiri said. "Four years ago, I was for Herman Cain, then he dropped out, and then for Michele Bachmann, but she dropped out. So, I'm not supporting any candidate just yet."
Livingston County Commission Vice Chairman Steve Williams agreed that many voters, like himself, would take their time to make up their minds with the large, and growing, Republican field.
"It is early and it's a big field," Williams said.
Thus far, Cruz is one of nine declared candidates with others, including Wisconsin Gov, Scott Walker and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush expected to soon join the race.
Of potential GOP contenders, Cruz placed fifth in a CNN/ORC poll conducted May 26-31. That poll was led by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, though candidate polled at more than 14 percent underscoring the early race's volatility.
Michigan will hold its presidential primary March 8, 2016.
No Republican presidential candidate has carried Michigan since the heyday of Reagan Democrats in the 1980s.
Contact Livingston Daily reporter Wayne Peal at 517-548-7081 or wpeal@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @wpeal.
|
|
Ted Cruz Ping! I think Cruz can do it.
I have heard 2 Republicans in the last 10 years that I thought could pull a Reagan.
Cruz is one, and Palin was the other. Both have the ability to communicate to the American public in spite of the media.
Before the anti-Palin people jump in, she was choke-collared by the McCain campaign. Look at the work she’s done since.
Cruz is way better candidate.
I think they moved.
Will they be coated with Cheetos crumbs?
No question. I think she’ll do some campaigning, but her days of running for office are over.
Thanks for explaining. Stay safe tonight.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.