No they weren't. Breaking news should be verified by at least two reliable sources. If possible, anyone using it should go directly to the most knowledgeable. They DEFINITELY should've verified with Dr. Carson's campaign. A smart lawyer with an experienced and well-managed campaign staff knows that.
I think that you are well within your rights to criticize the Cruz campaign as an expression of free speech even if your criticisms are wacky and off base, as they most often are. As far as the Cruz campaign is concerned they have the same right of free speech as you have and unless they lie, it's fair, especially if they have a good faith basis for the speech, which they did.
As far as verification of news, that's the journalist's job. Your ire ought to be directed at CNN. I know why it's not, though: it doesn't suit your anti-Cruz political agenda.
It's no more complicated than that.
I wish that standard was applied on FR.