I don’t think it’s planned. Trump has a real good chance of winning over law-abiding hispanics, who are as disgusted with the breakdown of law and order as is everyone else. The most that should’ve been pointed out is that Trump spoke incompletely, and the issue was previous decisions by this judge and his affiliation with LaRaza. If Gingrich had been tag-teaming with Trump on this one, his response would’ve furthered Trump’s agenda.
And Gingrich did further Trump's agenda...he fanned the flames of this issue and brought it much wider coverage.
This is how Trump gets earned media. He creates controversy. Gingrich, Ryan, and McConnell helped enormously by giving the false appearance of disarray within the party.
That confuses the Democrats and Hillary. They will now make a false assessment of Trump/RNC strengths and weaknesses.
Trump acts according to Sun Tzu's Art of War. This is just another example of confusing your enemy.
If Trump had a real legal issue with the judge, his legal team would handle it.
Trump is using the issue to make political hay and to stay in the media spotlight.
That said, I have no idea if Kasich was in on the plot. Actually, I doubt it.
That is SOP with Trump. He does it to be outrageous and that brings the media spotlight. After he gets full media attention, he completes/clarifies his position.
Think back on the campaign.
Trump operates in a precise, almost predictable pattern, but it keeps getting better and better.
In the General Election, Trump will be using the RNC and Republicans who express loyalty to him to keep the Democrats off balance.
It will be masterful...and Hillary will lose.