Nonsense, both Carson and Cruz did, and a lot earlier than Trump did. In fact they pretty much all did, save Jeb. Taking a popular stance doesn't require bravery though, bravery is what is required when you have to take an unpopular stance. Anyone can take the popular route without suffering repercussions. It's easy. Nor does its popularity imply it is right. Something is either right or it is not, regardless of whether or not people like it. In fact, the right thing is usually the least popular option. But in this Trump is by no means unique.
Nope. Trump stood up and said I'll ban Muslims from coming this country. Ted Cruz replied wimpy, that's not my policy. He never got on board any of Trump's taboo breaking policies until after Trump had made it safe to do so.
Nope.
Cruz and Carson, if they HAD taken any kind of a position against illegal immigration, would be basking in some kind of popularity, which they are NOT precisely BECAUSE they had not nor have not taken any such kind of a position Anyone, including a woman, who has, have or would take any kind of a position with any credibility in the eyes of the electorate who, by the way, have the only normal level of testosterone, generally speaking, compared with politicians and the other groups, corporate leaders, press, lobbyists and hollywoodians, that portrayed any real, constitutionally based position against illegal immigration anywhere close to condemning it, would be enjoying the well deserved popularity Trump is showing and for that very reason
So, in fact, Cruz and Carson most certainly and most definitely did NOT advocate against illegal immigration.
But you can dream on.
Cruz was for legalization of illegals (amnesty) until Trump jumped in.