The problem is Donald Trump’s record up until six months ago strongly suggest he is nothing more than a campaign conservative, and we conervatives are the ones who are supposed see through the shtick and point it out.
In a crowded field, Trump has gotten his message out in short, simple, frequently repeated terms. I call them "brands" that people recognize and relate to.
Cruz HAD to have known this issue needed to be settled once and for all. I actually think he's in the right on this issue, but he has been terrible at communicating that.
The vast majority of the country, probably the majority of Republican primary voters, don't even know who Jeff Sessions is.