Cruz' problem is that he is not connecting with the voters. He comes across as too preachy and zealous. He lacks the charisma and presence of a Trump or Fiorina and the likability of a Carson. The MSM has effectively painted him as "far right" and an extremist. I don't know how he gets out of that box.
If it ever came down to Cruz versus Rubio, Rubio would win and next to Bush, he is the last person I want to see as the nominee.
I put the noncon blowhard Trump down in the nether regions of Patakistan, as someone I definitely do not support.