Yes—they want to cause a ruckus between D and C. But more the GOP-e, than the media, right?
Graham was all over Ted today to get him to denounce Trump. Gop-e’s been trying for months. But Ted knows that Trump limits all the GOP-e candidates, he wants Trump there.
As for Trump, the media asked if Cruz was now his main competitor- he said “no”— presumably, to avoid a confrontation.
You’re right- it seems there was more Ted might have done today; and you’re also right that Ted has an overall plan. Cruz is incredibly strong minded- Trump is incidental to Cruz’s plan.
It’s all above Iowa for Cruz— that’s the key.
The GOPe and the media is the same thing. Same financing, same goals.
It would be a big deal for Cruz *in the media* to ‘beat Trump!’ in Iowa but winning Iowa isn’t a big deal in itself.
Always better to win of course, but Iowa winners in the past haven’t had much to show for it in the end.