The problem is, just like Palin, Cruz doesn't have the media acumen Trump has. He was being blockaded before Trump got in, and in my mind, the only reason he's allowed any airtime at all at this point is to act as a foil against Trump.
Were Trump to go away, you'll never hear anything about Cruz on the MSM, again. And unlike with FReepers, that absence will harm him in the general population.
Absence doesn't make the heart grow fonder...it makes it forget.
Keep in mind the gals Drudge had front and center. The Apprentice reached millions of the lowest of the LIV types. Mostly Democrats. Better they vote for Trump than Hillary.