1. Carson tanked irrevocably, that 10-12% is now mostly Cruz's vote.
2. Rubio was evicted from the tea party/conservative vote
3. Bush and Christie did well enough to remain in the race, further dividing Rubio's vote.
4. Cruz is now Wall and no legalization.
5. He got trump's imprimatur ("wonderful temperament").
Not a bad night going into Iowa.
Cruz is going to get a nice bump from the debate performance he totally created a clear difference in his understanding of the issues from the others, and from Rubio who I think was his biggest threat. Rubio will sink.
Part of his strategy to give Trump a yuge bear hug and then inherit his supporters down the line.
Kinda pushing on those last two but you’re right.
And #3 is a very good point I missed.
Cruz’s statement on legalization was interesting.
I have not supported legalization in the past and I do not intend to in the future.
Past and future. What about the present?
Intend to is pretty weasely.
The question is if a debate happens in a forest and no one watches it, is there a winner?
Good analysis! I thought Paul helped himself last night...might keep him around a bit longer...through Iowa.
If the MSM can somehow manage to take out Trump, they will make short work of Cruz, and will utterly try to destroy him, solely to set an example.
Last night was the moment Cruz needed to stick an ice pick through Rubio’s heart.
Did it work?
Last night cemented the fact that Trump is driving the GOP agenda for 2016, he’s the likely nominee and Cruz will probably wrap up the second spot.
The uniparty is praising Amnesty Ted. Why am I not surprised.
Truz and Crump will make up the ticket. JMHO! /snicker
Cruz is still dicey on legalization and lost the debate here.
Ted Cruz on immigration: 'I do not intend to support legalization'
You forgot - Cruz is going to get Trump to pay for the Wall...
Seriously, my best outcome would be Trump President, Cruz Supreme Court...
I’m giving it to Cruz and I think he’s the best candidate. Trump will just divide the GOP and ensure that Hillary is elected.
Cruz is an authentic conservative by anyone’s measure. Trump was a Hillary supporter and Democrat just a few years ago. Even now he attacks Cruz for doing nothing more than standing up to the GOP establishment. His economic policy is not based on a free market but rather on the idea that he will do a better job of running the economy from Washington. That’s what the Democrats have been saying for years and they’ve never been able to beat the market.
Cruz will definitely give us better judicial picks than any of the other candidates. His experience arguing in front of and clerking on the Supreme Court means that he will be as sharp as a tack when it comes to choosing judicial nominees. No more John Roberts or Justice Kennedys.
Outstanding!
Something went wrong. He was seduced by the establishment/one-worlder/leftist dark side of the Force.
Cruz and yes even Paul could not save him and indeed whacked him good up around the head and neck. And Marco deserved it. He sold out. It shows. And he got caught.
It is a shame the three of them can't have a sit down and pull Marco back to where he was.
And for that f@# f*@& Crispy to lay into them in that classless attack on their constant fighting for the people who elected them was outrageous. They are not mere legislators...they were fighting for us as they promised and did not deserve to be slammed by that Rino HO!
I'd better stop there.
.....crispy.... I don't want that lard ass within 500 miles of the White House when we win. NOT 500 MILES.
.....whew... :-)
As much as it’s possible, I hope Cruz and Trump can somehow work together. I know some things were said, but hopefully they can forgive each other.
These are two great men that the nation needs at this time!