It appears to me in retrospect, and from a distance, that he was misled by anti-Trump faction into thinking he could derail Trump and take the nom for himself. AntiTrump donors ponied up millions, which would always be persuasive.
“Consultants” from the Bush camp beguiled him with glib but catastrophic advice. Maybe his own heart really wasn’t in it until malicious people convinced him that “this is your time.” Too bad but won’t be the first politician who believed in the wrong people and ended up in a ditch.
I have been reading his recent comments and trying to be objective about it.
I don’t think he understands the national Republican base at all.
His consultants are somewhat to blame—but he should have the intellectual curiosity to try to understand why his campaign has been failing.
I stick to my claim that the number one issue is “courage” this year.
I think he just totally missed it—and still does not get it.