Posted on 07/14/2015 4:43:50 PM PDT by SoConPubbie
Sen. Ted Cruz (Tex.) and real-estate mogul Donald Trump -- each running for the Republican presidential nomination as anti-establishment outsiders -- are cultivating an already chummy relationship at this early stage of the 2016 race and will huddle Wednesday in New York.
The meeting was confirmed by Republicans familiar with both campaigns who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations. Aides to Cruz declined to comment, as did Trump representatives.
The meeting will take place at Trump Tower, the gleaming Manhattan skyscraper where Trump has for decades managed his business endeavors, according to knowledgeable Republicans. The building now serves as the headquarters for Trump’s national political operation.
The conclave is the latest sign of budding solidarity between the contenders, who have been friendly for several years and who have put forceful critiques of illegal immigration and their party’s establishment at the center of their bids.
In recent weeks, Cruz has defended remarks Trump made on immigrants over the past month that have drawn rebukes from leading Democrats and Republicans. Trump said in his announcement speech that when "Mexico sends its people," it sends people who are "bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists."
While other Republicans called Trump’s words "offensive and inaccurate" (Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida) or "extraordinarily ugly" (former Florida governor Jeb Bush), Cruz praised Trump as someone who is "terrific" and "speaks the truth."
Asked about Cruz in an interview over the weekend, Trump told The Washington Post, "I really respect him for saying what he did."
Earlier this month on CNN, Trump said, "I shouldn't say this because, I assume, he's an opponent, but the fact is he was very brave in coming out."
Cruz has previously met with the mogul at Trump Tower, mostly during fundraising swings through New York.
Republicans close to Cruz said the first-term senator is intent on staying cozy with Trump
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Trump has already admitted he will not enforce the laws: TRUMP: Undocumented Workers Can Stay ... BUT ONLY IF THEY WORK HARD
Good point. Thanks for the tip too; I’ll be watching.
While I also have reservations about Trump (I have them for EVERYONE these days), here’s what I see:
I see a very successful American businessman who’s played both sides of the political fence over the years (as all businesses do to survive), who appears to be completely fed up and disgusted with the way his country is going. So he put his “life, fortune, and sacred honor” on the line to try and change it.
He’s many things to different people. But one thing he is NOT, to anyone, is “bought and paid for”.
And that fact gives him a free hand in the arena. He’s got enough “F-You” money that he can - and WILL - be blunt and brash. As I see it, he’s got more to lose than ANYONE in the race.
I’m for Ted Cruz, have been from the start. I want to see Cruz rise to the top. But - if Donald is the one that gets it done, so be it. So far, he’s the only one that’s really freaking out the Uniparty, and that’s not a bad thing. Sunlight shining on cockroaches, you know...
No worship, no fawning, no illusions on my part. We have a Country to save. And sometimes, God puts the right people in the right place at the right time - even though it may not be apparent to the rest of us.
Who knows? It’s early. Things change. It’ll play out the way it’ll play out.
Precisely
Shrewd of Sen. Cruz. If the Donald is sucking up all the media coverage overshadowing all other candidates, then go to where the spotlight is shining and steal the show. Only Ted Cruz can out-troll Trump. ;)
Cruz has praised Trump as a candidate who is ‘terrific’ and ‘speaks the truth.’.....Trump has responded with mutual admiration, telling The Washington Post: ‘I really respect him for saying what he did.’.....
....An informal Cruz-Trump alliance could prove to be an important moving piece in the GOP primary season if one endorses the other when he drops out of the race. They are both playing their hands well....
Also Cruz is good for Trump and Trump knows he needs more than he has to stay the course...Cruz certainly is the smartest of all candidates to advise Trump..which no doubt he will gladly accept from Cruz.
Trump did say he knows who the smart guys are!
Trump said he knows who the smart guys are....aligning with Cruz was just good business as Trump does look to the smart individuals...he knows his weaknesses even if he'll not reveal them.
Good move for .both Imo...
I disagree. In fact it strengthens my hypothesis.
Trump doesn’t care about political ideology. He cares about the issues that concern him immediately. He knows right now all democrats are moving left, and only a few republican candidates want to do what’s right.
Trump and Cruz are meeting today in NY. If they met in a straight up debate, Cruz destroys Trump. Not going to happen. They are going to work in tandem to knock Bush out of the race. Keep in mind Bush may be second in the national polls, but he getting beaten right now in IA, NH, SC, and probably going to lose FL. If he doesn’t win at least one of the first 3 he’s history.
Here’s the scenario I see. Walker wins IA, Trump wins NH, and Cruz wins SC. Rubio wins FL. We have a brokered convention, and Cruz or Walker get the nomination, after Trump backs out due to a “business commitment”.
I know it’s looking deep into the crystal ball, but it’s a scenario that I see taking shape.
I agree...
You don’t get to be a billionaire (and keeping it) by being a dumbass.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.