You are resting your credibility on CNN.
This would be because Cruz is trying to use CNN as his crutch, his excuse, and they are having none of it.
Think about it. Why would a major new org allow itself to be dragged into actual interference in an election, by claiming a candidate dropped out — when they didn’t? NO NEWS ORGANIZATION that expects to survive does such a dumb thing.
Only a political opponent, who hopes it won’t be caught in the act, tries such a stunt.