Ben is not, nor has he ever been, a partier.
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Hilarious.
These gatherings are for the candidate to pump up his supporters, showing them he is still all in the race.
Leaves Iowa.
Leaves NH.
Because he’s not a partier. Right.
I think it’s quite possible that Ben intended to quit last week, but the Cruz imbroglio required he stay in the race for a bit longer.
I got the impression he intended to go home and evaluate whether he should continue.
Either way, your conclusion seems correct.