Unless one is a bridge player, the word “Trump” generally engenders reactions ranging from disgust, to mild nausea, to severe skin color changes in both the visible (red) and infrared spectrum.
Well, prepare for an exciting change. In fact, I’m about to become a Trump fan (OK, on a limited basis), for the first time in my life.
Prepare for TRUMP vs CRUZ!
OK, what’s the back story here?
Firstly, let’s recall that Cruz’ strategy from the beginning, has been to give Trump and Carson a “big bear hug” through the fall vetting process and allow “gravity” to bring them both down, with the predictable result of their supporters flocking to him. (Cruz’ own words in quotes)
Except that Ted Cruz recently made what I consider an unforced error while talking to a bunch of prospective sugar-dads. In an audio tape obtained by CNN, he stated , specifically referencing Carson and Trump:
"You look at Paris, you look at San Bernardino, it's given a seriousness to this race," Cruz said. "People are looking for who is prepared to be a commander in chief. Who understands the threats we face. 'Who am I comfortable having their finger on the button?' Now that's a question of strength, but it's also a question of judgment. And I think that is a question that is a challenging question for both of them."
Well, you can just imagine The Donald just licking his chops, as this gave him a double-wide opening to go after Cruz, Trump-Trump style.
@tedcruz should not make statements behind closed doors to his bosses, he should bring them out into the open - more fun that way!
Looks like @tedcruz is getting ready to attack. I am leading by so much he must. I hope so, he will fall like all others. Will be easy!
The tale of the tape
IN THE NEAR CORNER...
As much as I despise Trump, I’ve always seen him as the ultimate brand strategist and opportunist. His entire campaign is about...well, Donald Trump of course…it’s about creating an even HUGER brand ID for the already HUGE Trump. He doesn’t care much about what’s required to bring that about, even if it help ISIS/D’aesh recruitment soar or endangers our diplomats abroad. He sees some embers of hate and stokes them by blowing on them directly, where the other clown car occupants kind of fan it surreptitiously with their hands, feet, or other handy proboscis.
AND, IN THE FAR FAR RIGHT CORNER, wearing a red, white and blue satin cape and the smarmiest smile you can imagine...
Ted Fucking Cruz, the Calgary Flamer, on the other hand, is a true-believer dominionist, End-times guy, which is nothing new, but he happens to be the ONE (maybe the only one) with an IQ of over 80. He’s smart, cagey, and well-spoken/great debater—he lies with complete conviction, and he’s got the whole Republican “blame the media” thing down. He’s been drafting Trump ever since the latter emerged from the pack, fully expecting to pass him on the last lap, as the Donald implodes. His beliefs and message are pure unadulterated evil in every bite. His MO has been to smarm the hell out of Trump, embracing him (and, far more importantly) his fans (no, I don’t call them voters, he’s an entertainer). He’s armed and dangerous and is on a mission from God.
Now, I’m not promoting any one candidate over the other as an election strategy here; however, whenever the Donald locks horns with another Republican and the shit starts to fly it damages that candidate and ultimately damages the Republican brand— and that’s certainly worth cheering. And if Cruz wins by drafting Trump, and disparaging him behind his back, you know---playing him, Trump won’t just take it lying down, making the chance of an independent candidacy higher.
So, yeah…buy your popcorn and enjoy the show :)