Posted on 07/14/2015 4:43:50 PM PDT by SoConPubbie
Sen. Ted Cruz (Tex.) and real-estate mogul Donald Trump -- each running for the Republican presidential nomination as anti-establishment outsiders -- are cultivating an already chummy relationship at this early stage of the 2016 race and will huddle Wednesday in New York.
The meeting was confirmed by Republicans familiar with both campaigns who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations. Aides to Cruz declined to comment, as did Trump representatives.
The meeting will take place at Trump Tower, the gleaming Manhattan skyscraper where Trump has for decades managed his business endeavors, according to knowledgeable Republicans. The building now serves as the headquarters for Trump’s national political operation.
The conclave is the latest sign of budding solidarity between the contenders, who have been friendly for several years and who have put forceful critiques of illegal immigration and their party’s establishment at the center of their bids.
In recent weeks, Cruz has defended remarks Trump made on immigrants over the past month that have drawn rebukes from leading Democrats and Republicans. Trump said in his announcement speech that when "Mexico sends its people," it sends people who are "bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists."
While other Republicans called Trump’s words "offensive and inaccurate" (Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida) or "extraordinarily ugly" (former Florida governor Jeb Bush), Cruz praised Trump as someone who is "terrific" and "speaks the truth."
Asked about Cruz in an interview over the weekend, Trump told The Washington Post, "I really respect him for saying what he did."
Earlier this month on CNN, Trump said, "I shouldn't say this because, I assume, he's an opponent, but the fact is he was very brave in coming out."
Cruz has previously met with the mogul at Trump Tower, mostly during fundraising swings through New York.
Republicans close to Cruz said the first-term senator is intent on staying cozy with Trump
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Brains/Bucks 2016
Can someone who is really following this stuff correct me if I am wrong here, but didn’t they meet in private quite a while back?
Awesome is the word. This is exciting news.
I agree. Great news.
Either way:
Cruz/Trump
Trump/Cruz
is fine with me.
Why should it. I’ve been here once before. In 2011 I saw the same thing in 2011. The same type of people told me Trump was running and would beat Obama. There needs to be some conservatives manning the ship for when Trump drops out. Some people need to stick with their core beliefs and not flirt with this Democrat Trojan Horse.
LOL!
I just had this image of the conversation:
“Tell me Ted, what do conservatives think about this issue...?”
It’s humor!!!!
Is it time for a third party?
I’d pay big bucks to be a fly on the wall during that meeting.
Which ones? I've said that Cruz, Jindal, and Walker were the most interesting, but I have my reservations about all of them. But I am not going to support a Democrat anti-conservative just because he learned how to get attention on trashy reality TV.
We had this same Trumpmania in 2011, and I got told all the same things. It will be over sooner than you realize.
There’s NO WAY Trump would play second fiddle to Cruz. Trump is #1 in the polls so I guess he has the leverage here. With Trump it’s all about LEVERAGE.
This has potential for greatness; please God.......
Oh, naps, for the love of Pete, quit the whining about Cruz.
Your guy just announced...I would think you’d be over the moon.
Could they be planning their debate strategy?
Me thinks so.
1 Cruz and 1 Trump = 8 Other Clowns or more.
Yes!!
The reverse is also true...and rightfully so.
These are two great men. I expect the meeting to be like two genrals in the field of battle. God bless them both. I can support either for president but never bush.
I’d like to be a fly on the wall during that meeting.
― H.L. Mencken
OH to be a fly
I hope they agree to support each other and tag team it against the GOP-E and the Rats.
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