As for where "X's" voters will go, it's anyone's guess. You can bet that there is more than a little "who I hate most" going on in determining who to vote for. It's sort of like Rush's "Operation Chaos" a couple of years ago.
But if Trump continues to have these very stately, statesmanlike debates where he looks presidential while everyone else quibbles, he will quickly attract a lot of people who have concerns about his braggadocio.
I think Trump did himself a lot of good with this statement
- December 17, 2015 -
DONALD J. TRUMP STATEMENT ON BUDGET DEAL
(New York, NY) December 17, 2015 “If anyone needed more evidence of why the American people are suffering at the hands of their own government, look no further than the budget deal announced by Speaker Ryan. In order to avoid a government shutdown, a cowardly threat from an incompetent President, the elected Republicans in Congress threw in the towel and showed absolutely no budget discipline.
The American people will have to absorb higher deficits, greater debt, less economic liberty and more corporate welfare. Congress cannot seem to help itself in bending to every whim of special interests. How can they face their constituents when they continue to burden our children and grandchildren with debts they will never be able to repay? Our government is failing us, so we must do something about it. Who knows how bad things will be when the next administration comes in and has to pick up the pieces?
The only special interest not being served by our government is the American people. It is time we imposed budget discipline by holding the line on spending, getting rid of waste, fraud and abuse, and by taking on our debt. To do these things, we need a President who can lead the fight to hold Congress and the rest of government accountable. Together, we can Make America Great Again.
I don't think we watched the same debate. Trump stood there with his nose tilted toward the ceiling, mugging, making faces and smacking his mouth. Cruz was solid and strong.
I don't think it did Trump any favors to stand next to Cruz. According to what I heard, folks on social media were making the comparison--or rather, contrast---and deciding for Ted.