If we are, Trump is definitely out of the running.
No, we are not picking them based on looks. If we were, I would definitely have to go with Trump over Cruz--because Cruz looks so much like Bill Murray, and I cannot envision Bill Murray as a serious candidate for anything.
If voting strictly on policy, I have to go with Cruz. On the other hand, Trump is very charismatic and shows a strong backbone. So, in the choice between a candidate who nearly exactly shares my views (Cruz), or a candidate who only shares about 70% of my views but has the strength and charisma to enact policies against the tidewaters of the Washington establishment--it's a tough call.
I don't even see the resemblance to Murray, myself. Personally, I've always found Trump physically repulsive.
"If voting strictly on policy, I have to go with Cruz. On the other hand, Trump is very charismatic and shows a strong backbone. So, in the choice between a candidate who nearly exactly shares my views (Cruz), or a candidate who only shares about 70% of my views but has the strength and charisma to enact policies against the tidewaters of the Washington establishment--it's a tough call."
Not at all. Voting for charismatic people has led to problems more than once.
Cruz is strong, but he is also secure; he doesn't need to flail around and yell and brag about how wonderful he is. That kind of thing is a turnoff to me in general; I sure don't want it in the White House.
Cruz's life has been all about standing up to the Washington cartel, but it seems some conservatives are more interested in flash than substance right now.
The bottom line for me is that Trump is too liberal. Just tonight he defended eminent domain seizure. I won't vote for the man under any circumstances.
Charisma does not win battles in the trenches.... Pure grit does...