Later in the interview, after discussing ISIS policy, Buchanan stated that while “a conservative can win” and moderate candidates don’t get “the fire and the energy” behind them, “a significant slice of the Republican Party would take a walk” on Donald Trump “and you could have a Goldwater situation.” And “the same thing, to a lesser degree might happen with Ted Cruz.”I've read that the only reason Ronald Reagan's nomination didn't turn into a "Goldwater situation" is because the Reagan campaign agreed to accept the Establishment candidate George Bush as his running mate. Along with many of the GOP insiders as support staff.
The Republican Party expects the base to fall in line for their chosen ones but have never returned the favor when the occasional conservative wins the nomination.
Hypocrites.
On sheer electability, Rubio would be the best V.P. for Cruz. He helps get the women’s vote by being a pretty boy, a la Quayle. He would completely shore up Florida. A double hispanic ticket may have benefit. He also would campaign on emotion to make up for Cruz’ logic-heavy campaign. He would satiate the GOPe the way Bush Sr. did. So a powerless semi-RINO for 8 years would be a decent trade-off to keep Hillary out.