[dowcaet]

A South Carolina loss is more devastating to Cruz than either Trump or Rubio. You can’t be the most conservative candidate in the race and lose in a state like this to a northeastern liberal. The fact that it’s an open primary doesn’t matter. This state shouldn’t be such a struggle for Cruz, and it doesn’t bode well for him going forward.

[Dr. Sivana]

A South Carolina loss is more devastating to Cruz than either Trump or Rubio.

I wouldn't quite call it devastating. A Trump sweep of the SEC primary would be devastating. Cruz wants the win, but a clear second place keeps the Establishment from anointing Rubio, John Ellis Bush or Kasich. Rubio doesn't have all that much to devastate. A third place in Iowa, a fifth place in New Hampshire, a guy with name recognition and a pile of money who might be satisfied at this pointy of just taking him out of the picture, and no consensus in the "Establishment" lane is what he has working against him.

[jdsteel]

“The fact that it’s an open primary doesn’t matter”

I heartily disagree.

[PapaBear3625]

A South Carolina loss is more devastating to Cruz than either Trump or Rubio. You can’t be the most conservative candidate in the race and lose in a state like this to a northeastern liberal. The fact that it’s an open primary doesn’t matter. This state shouldn’t be such a struggle for Cruz, and it doesn’t bode well for him going forward.

South Carolina is in two days, Nevada is the following Tuesday, and Super Tuesday is in 12 days. By March 2, we will have a pretty good idea of which candidates are still viable.

If Cruz comes out of Super Tuesday with less than 25% of the delegates that Trump gets, then Cruz is likely done. If Trump only gets twice as many delegates as Cruz, then Cruz is still viable, and should stay in the race hoping for a Trump implosion.