It doesn't work that way anymore. One reason is that we know longer trust the DC elite and their controllers. We do care what they say behind close doors because we've learned how extreme their disdain for us "little folks" is.
Another reason is that it's just plain dumb to say something at a fundraiser that a candidate wouldn't say at a rally for all to hear. In the age of everyone's a spy, it will get out. That 47% comment by Romney pretty much was the beginning of his loss of viability as a candidate.
Cruz is thought by many to be the smartest guy in the room. He should know not to say things in private he won't say in public.
He was in a room full of people donating money to his campaign. They went to his fundraiser to hear him tell them how he is going to win, and why they should continue to support him with their donations.
They didn't pay money to hear him sing the praises of Trump, or Carson, or say he didn't have any idea how he could win the race.
Sheeesh..This whole thing is over nothing.( He made no Romney 47% comment.)
He talked about his strategy to win, and why he is the better candidate. I donate my hard earned money to his campaign, whenever I can. I want him to have a plan to win. I want him to win. (He is as close to Ronald Reagan as we are ever going to get in a presidential candidate.)
I have absolutely no problem with what Cruz said, or how he said it, or where. However, it would be most interesting to know which campaign paid for the spies to attend the fundraiser.
The desperation to make this into a controversy makes me think it's GOPe -most likely Jeb's people , but it could be one of the others too.
Maybe we'll find out soon.