Anyone who thinks Cruz can't win the general election is a defeatist and knows nothing about the battles that went on in '76 and again in '79. They are also unaware of the fact that the conventional wisdom at that time is identical to what you're saying about Cruz. That conservatives would vote for a candidate with a liberal pedigree, because they believe it offers greater appeal, is one of the saddest commentaries I've seen here in a long time.
Don't misunderstand me here...I'm not voting for Trump because of his liberal pedigree - That very thing is what I don't trust about him, but then again, Reagan was a dummycrat at one point, too, and Trump is in fact the shrewd businessman. I believe many of his liberal dealings were likely due to him doing what was needed to further his own business agenda.
I support Trump for one simple reason: He's absolutely shredding the GOP, and this, above all else, must be done. They have proven nothing more than backstabbing traitors and must be dealt with accordingly. I've spent the last 25 years voting for the "most Conservative", read "Lesser evil", and the one and only thing that has accomplished is to push the party further and further to the left. I'm done with that.
I absolutely support Cruz, because he is absolutely a hardcore, dyed in the wool Conservative. That's also the reason I suggest he can't win in the general - yet. BUT, given 8 years as Trump's Veep, I do believe he will not only gain the status he's going to need to take over the following 8 years, but he'll also work to keep Trump in line, if that is indeed needed.
The truth is, I'm holding out for Trump/Cruz 2016 because I believe this is THE MOST important election in the history of our Country. If it isn't Trump/Cruz, I strongly believe we will likely see a hitlery landslide, unfortunately.