[hinckley buzzard]

My plan is to inspire and mobilize the conservative base and the church," Cruz proclaimed.

If Cruz actually wants to be elected he should talk about " Americans" instead of "the conservative base." The base isn't enough to win an election without help from other Americans.

[laplata]

If Cruz actually wants to be elected he should talk about “ Americans” instead of “the conservative base.” The base isn’t enough to win an election without help from other Americans.
—

Exactly! I don’t think Ronald Reagan ever mentioned such things as “the conservative base”. He always used “Americans”.

[matthew fuller]

"The base isn't enough to win an election without help from other Americans. "

I have heard reports that Democrats are 31% and Republicans are about 25%, and a large group somewhat in the middle that can be called Independents are about 42%. (Gallup) It is my opinion that Conservatives are composed of part of this Independent group(42%), and they are also are a large part of the Republican(25%) group. I estimate that at a minimum 35-40% of the electorate belongs to the Conservative Tribe, which is part of Ted Cruz's base. I expect Cruz to also attract whatever "Reagan Democrats" that remain, as well as much of the Evangelical vote.

[ansel12]

during a closed-door meeting with New York City Christian leaders

If you think that Reagan always used the same exact words to all audiences, then you are wrong.

[Russ]

Right now his goal is to win the nomination. In order to do that he needs the votes of the conservative base. That vote is being split between Cruz, Walker, Paul and even Huckabee. I don’t blame him for targeting the conservative base. When he wins the nomination then go “American”.