You help illustrate why I believe the only effort that can defeat the RINO in this election is an agreement by all wings of the conservative movement to coalesce around Cruz. It is too far a bridge to bring a Carson supporter to Trump or vice versa. But either a Carson or a Trump supporter is likely to be reasonably happy with Cruz. And unless we find a candidate who can unite most of the different wings of the party, evangelical/religious, libertarian, national security, and fiscal conservatives, the establishment will be able to divide and conquer us easily as they have done for decades.
You are also not taking into account the winner take all states.
Trump could win them with the numbers he has now.
The GOPe set it up that way counting on the vote being split but thought Jeb could come out on top.
They didn’t take Trump into consideration or their plan might have worked.
You make a good point about Cruz’ ability to appeal across conservative voter demographics.
“But either a Carson or a Trump supporter is likely to be reasonably happy with Cruz.”
Do you know any Carson or Trump supporters? I can guarantee this Trump supporter would not be the least bit happy with Cruz and would not vote for him under any circumstances.