Lets be fair about the Cruz speech.

[Pete]

He did a masterful job with the speech and the only negative most have is his lack of direct commitment to Trump.

Trump was correct in letting him speak and in not trying to edit the speech.

I can live with both decisions, I still think he did himself a dis-service with the failure to directly commit.

But I think that we and the MSM have made more of this than it deserves and that his comments this morning have not helped his case - he should stop digging the hole deeper.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I think it's going to depend on how the election goes. If Trump wins Cruz is toast. If Trump goes down in flames Cruz may be the White Knight in shining armor in 4 years.

[Serk]

In 1976 Ronald Reagan declined to endorse Gerald Ford, which obviously worked out terribly for him...

[Danny McMillin]

Here's hoping that he has committed Harri-Carri this morning, and that Texas will see his true colors, and run him outa' the State. Trump named him correctly with "lying Ted", and he certified it this last night and again this morning. Hope his political career becomes a Has Been!! Stupid is as stupid does!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[solo1]

To me, I find a different slant.  According to Trump, Trump knew Cruz's speech before he did it. He knew that he wasn't going to get an 'attaboy'.    If Cruz was right about Trump insulting his family, Trump could've apologized, and then that would've put Cruz on the spot. A quick change or addition to his speech to endorse Trump and all would be a warm fuzzy 

Somehow Trump doesn't seem like the apologizing kind, tho.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Somehow Trump doesn't seem like the apologizing kind, tho.

That may be the understatement of the entire thread.

[Pete]

I think it's going to depend on how the election goes. If Trump wins Cruz is toast. If Trump goes down in flames Cruz may be the White Knight in shining armor in 4 years.

I really do not think it matters either way although he did damage himself. My concern is that folks will remember the MSM buzz and his after comments rather then his actual speech and content. The speech is more important.

[Pete]

Somehow Trump doesn't seem like the apologizing kind, tho.

That may be the understatement of the entire thread.

Neither are good at apologies, seems to be  trait they have in common. Ego also shared by the two.

[Oss]

I am pretty sure that on an early season of the apprentice Trump apologized.

Cant recall any other times but so what

You make a deal in front of the nation you honor it if at all possible  but if Cruz he felt his family honor was besmirched  he is right to hold back.  Im not a huge cruz fan (better to see him on the court or prosecuting)

 I can understand where he came from not saying GO TRUMP but I didnt hear him say DONT VOTE CLINTON unless I missed it

Nobody called the Democratic party the party of slavery   Why I dont know

[f6john]

In 1976 Ronald Reagan declined to endorse Gerald Ford, which obviously worked out terribly for him...

   I thought Reagan did endorse Ford?????  Alot of back and forth on this when you google it!

[LTD]

Cruz is an egomaniac that couldn't handle that Trump beat him out of the nomination.  He would rather the country go complete communist than endorse Trump.  After what he did I would never vote for him.  Politics is a rough sport Ted grow up . 

[MP]

In 1976 Ronald Reagan declined to endorse Gerald Ford, which obviously worked out terribly for him...

   I thought Reagan did endorse Ford?????  Alot of back and forth on this when you google it!

Not in so many words, I heard.  But, he did support Ford, and gave a supporting speech, not a "sour grapes", IMHO, speech.  I like a lot of Cruz's ideas, but the man turns me off.  He pledged to support the nominee, as did ALL the others.  Now, he, and Kasich are not.  Sour grapes.  Not holding to his word turns me off.  His attitude gets Hillary elected.

[Serk]

I can understand where he came from not saying GO TRUMP but I didnt hear him say DONT VOTE CLINTON unless I missed it

"Obama and Clinton will also tell you that they care about our children's future, and I want to believe them but there is a profound difference about our two party's vision for the future."

"There's is the part that thinks ISIS is a J.V. team, that responds to the death of Americans in Benghazi, "What difference does it make?" And, that thinks it's possible to make a deal with Iran that celebrates its holidays, "Death to America Day," and, "Death to Israel Day."  

My friends, this is madness. President Obama is a man who does everything backwards. He wants to close Guantanamo Bay, and open up our borders. He exports jobs, and imports terrorists. Enough is enough."

"Hillary Clinton believes that government should make virtually every choice in your life. Education, health care, marriage, speech, all dictated out of Washington. But, something powerful is happening, we've seen it in both parties, we've seen it in the United Kingdom's unprecedented Brexit vote to leave the European Union."

"We deserve an immigration system that puts America first, and yes, builds a wall to keep America safe."

"We can do this. Forty-Seven years ago to this day, America put the very first man on the moon.  

That was the power of freedom. Our party, the Republican party, was founded to defeat slavery.  

Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president signed the Emancipation Proclamation.  

Together we passed the Civil Rights Act, and together we fought to eliminate Jim Crow Laws."

"We will unite the party; we will unite the country by standing together for shared values by standing for liberty. God bless each and every one of you, and God bless the United States of America."


Really, other than the fact that he didn't utter the words "I endorse Trump" I thought his speech was very pro Republican up and down the ticket, and anti Hillary. Pro freedom, anti tyranny.

Yeah, he didn't take a knee and kiss The Donald's ring, but he didn't get up there and bad talk him either, but gave a very resounding anti-Hillary speech as I heard it.

Give his speech another read, in it's entirety, without the emotion of the talking heads telling you what to think and without the jeers and boo'ing of the crowd:

Thank you, and god bless each and every one of you.  

Heidi and I are so honored to join you here in Cleveland where LeBron James just lead an incredible comeback victory, and I am convinced America is going to come back too.  

I want to congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night.  

And, like each of you, I want to see the principles that our party believes prevail in November.  

Conventions are times of excitement, but given the events of the last few weeks I hope you'll allow me a moment to talk to you about what's really at stake. Just two weeks ago a nine-year-old girl named Caroline was living a carefree Texas summer. Swimming in the pool, playing with friends, doing all the things a happy child might do. Like most children, she relied upon the love that she received from her mom, Heidi, and her dad, a police sergeant named Michael Smith.  

That is until he became one of the five police officers gunned down in Dallas.  

The day her father was murdered, Caroline gave him a hug and a kiss as he left for work, but as they parted her dad asked her something he hadn't asked before. "What if this is the last time you ever kiss or hug me?"  

Later, as she thought of her fallen father, and that last heart breaking hug, Caroline broke down into tears. How could anything ever be OK again? Michael Smith was a former Army Ranger who spent decades with the Dallas police department. I have no idea who he voted for in the last election, or what he thought about this once, but his life was a testament to devotion.  

He protected the very protesters who mocked him because he loved his country, and his fellow man. His work gave new meaning to that line from literature, "To die of love is to live by it."  

As I thought about what I wanted to say tonight, Michael Smith's story weighed on my heart. Maybe That's because his daughter Caroline is about the same age as my eldest daughter, and happens to share the same name. Maybe it's because I saw a video of that dear, sweet child choking back sobs as she remembered her Daddy's last question to her.  

Maybe it's because we live in a world where so many others have had their lives destroyed by evil in places like Orlando, and Paris, and Nice, and Baton Rouge. Maybe it's because of the simple question itself. What if this right now is our last time? Our last moment to do something for our families, and our country? Did we live up to the values we say we believe? Did we do all we really could?  

That's really what elections should be about. That's why you and millions like you devoted so much time and sacrifice to this campaign. We're fighting not for one particular candidate, or one campaign, but because each of wants to be able to tell our kids and grandkids, our own Caroline's, that we did our best for their future and our country.  

America is more than just a land mass between two oceans, America is an ideal. A simple, yet powerful ideal. Freedom matters.  

For much of human history government power has been the unavoidable constant in life. Government decrees and the people obey, but not here. We have no king or queen, we have no dictator, we the people constrain government.  

Our nation is exceptional because it was built on the five most beautiful and powerful words in the English language, "I want to be free."  

Never has that message been more needed than today. We stand here tonight a nation divided. Partisan rancor, anger, even hatred are tearing America apart. And citizens are furious, rightly furious, at a political establishment that cynically breaks its promises, and that ignores the will of the people.  

We have to do better. We owe our fallen heroes more than that.  

Now, of course, Obama and Clinton will also tell you that they care about our children's future, and I want to believe them but there is a profound difference about our two party's vision for the future.  

There's is the part that thinks ISIS is a J.V. team, that responds to the death of Americans in Benghazi, "What difference does it make?" And, that thinks it's possible to make a deal with Iran that celebrates its holidays, "Death to America Day," and, "Death to Israel Day."  

My friends, this is madness. President Obama is a man who does everything backwards. He wants to close Guantanamo Bay, and open up our borders. He exports jobs, and imports terrorists. Enough is enough.  

And, I am here to tell you there is a better vision for our future. A return to freedom.  

On education your freedom to choose your child's education, even if you aren't as rich as Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.  

On healthcare, your freedom to choose your own doctor without Obamacare.  

On taxes, your freedom to provide for your family without the IRS beating down your door.  

The Internet? Keep it free from taxes, free from regulation and don't give it away to Russia and China.  

Freedom means free speech, not politically correct safe spaces.  

Freedom means religious freedom, whether you are Christian, Jew, Muslim, or atheist.  

Whether you are gay, or straight, the Bill of Rights protects the rights of all of us to live according to our conscience.  

Freedom means the right to keep and bear arms, and to protect your family.  

Freedom means that every human life is precious and must be protected.  

Freedom means Supreme Court Justices who don't dictate policy, but instead follow the Constitution.  

And, freedom means recognizing that our Constitution allows states to choose policies that reflect local values. Colorado might decide something different than Texas. New York different than Iowa. That's the way it's supposed to be, diversity.  

If not, what's the point of having states to begin with?  

Now, Hillary Clinton believes that government should make virtually every choice in your life. Education, health care, marriage, speech, all dictated out of Washington. But, something powerful is happening, we've seen it in both parties, we've seen it in the United Kingdom's unprecedented Brexit vote to leave the European Union.  

Voters are overwhelmingly rejecting the political establishment, and overwhelmingly rejecting big government.  

That is a profound victory and it is one earned by each and every one of you. People are fed up with politicians who don't listen to them. Fed up with a corrupt system that benefits the elites instead of working men and women.  

We deserve an immigration system that puts America first, and yes, builds a wall to keep America safe.  

A government that stops admitting ISIS terrorists as refugees. We deserve trade policies that put the interests of American farmers over the interests that are funding the lobbyists.  

And, if we stand together and choose freedom, our future will be brighter. Freedom will bring back jobs and raise wages. Freedom will lift people out of dependency to the dignity of work.  

We can do this. Forty-Seven years ago to this day, America put the very first man on the moon.  

That was the power of freedom. Our party, the Republican party, was founded to defeat slavery.  

Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president signed the Emancipation Proclamation.  

Together we passed the Civil Rights Act, and together we fought to eliminate Jim Crow Laws.  

That's our collective legacy, although the media will never share it with you. Those were fights for freedom, and so is this.  

Sergeant Michael Smith stood up to protect our freedom. So do the soldiers, and sailors, and airmen, and Marines everyday fighting radical Islamic terrorism.  

And, so did the family of Alton Sterling who bravely called to end the violence. So did the families of those murdered at the Charleston-Emanuel AME Church who forgave that hateful, bigoted, murder.  

And, so can we. We deserve leaders who stand for principle, who unite us all behind shared values, who cast aside anger for love. That is the standard we should expect from everybody. And, to those listening, please don't stay home in November.  

If you love our country, and love our children as much as you do, stand, and speak, and vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom, and to be faithful to the constitution.  

I appreciate the enthusiasm of the New York delegation.  

And I will tell you that it is love of freedom that has allowed millions to achieve their dreams. Like my mom, the first in her family to go to college, and my dad, who's here tonight, who fled prison and torture in Cuba. Coming to Texas with just $100 dollars sewn into his underwear.  

And it is over that I hope will bring comfort to a grieving nine- year-old girl in Dallas, and God willing, propel her to move forward, and dream, and soar, and make her daddy proud. We must make the most of our moments, to fight for freedom, to protect our God given rights, even if those with whom we don't agree so that when we are old and grey, and when our work is done, and when we give those we love one final kiss goodbye we will be able to say freedom matters and I was part of something beautiful.  

The case we have to make to the American people, the case each person in this room has to make to the American people is to commit to each of them that we will defend freedom, and be faithful to the Constitution.  

We will unite the party; we will unite the country by standing together for shared values by standing for liberty. God bless each and every one of you, and God bless the United States of America.  

[Oss]

Bless your heart Serk, but yes I heard the whole speech

You end a speech the way you start it (Primary/Recency) saying we need trump or I support trump
or we have to defeat Clinton

I did not hear that where it matters, I gave him a partial pass based on Trumps uncalled for attack on his family, but my respect for the gentleman is much lower than it was before because his word is not his bond

Oss

always wondered when I would get to use bless your heart on this board   

[Carl]

I was a Cruz supporter throughout the primary, but as far as I am concerned he just carped in his own kitchen.  He should have made the endorsement or stayed home.  Cruz and the others made a pledge to support the winning candidate.  The lot of them have me really turned off of the Republican party right now. You can bet he would be expecting Donald J's endorsement.  You don't go to someones party, make a toast, and fail to praise the host.  Cruz could have accomplished both goals, prep for 2020 and support Trump.  Most Cruz supporters I have talked to have resigned themselves to the fact that Trump won.  He would have only gained stature in our eyes if he had lived up to his promise.

[Patrick]

I give Cruz credit for appearing and speaking. I liked the speech. I also don't blame him for not supporting Trump regardless of his pledge, I think he was right when he said that disappeared after talking about his family as he did. I know I wouldn't support anyone that spoke ill of my family like that.

I was a Kasich guy and I believe he should be there. He could have quite a bit to contribute. But, I think he and his people did a good job with arrangements.

[Serk]

BTW... As a Cruz supporter who was edging towards the "NeverTrump" camp, just a gentle reminder that all this is a distraction, and the true battle right now is to make sure Crooked Hillary goes to Gitmo, not the White House...

[f6john]

Amen brother

[Dave Weaver]

Here's my win-win scenario...Donald takes election and as an apology nominates Ted to Supreme Court.

[Alpha Dog]

In 1976 Ronald Reagan declined to endorse Gerald Ford, which obviously worked out terribly for him...

   I thought Reagan did endorse Ford?????  Alot of back and forth on this when you google it!

Indeed Reagan did endorse Ford and stood up with him on stage.  He also campaigned for him after the convention.

[Pappy!]

I also was originally a Cruz supporter.
Ted claims to be a Christian with Christian beliefs. Ted also gave his word that he would support "the eventual nominee"
As a Christian man he went back on his word. As a man he went back on his word. As a man who loves his country, God, the Constitution, and his family not only did he go back on his word he put each of those mentioned in a secondary position by not supporting Trump.
He (or Trump for that matter) could have easily come out and stated that the rivalry and harsh campaign words between the two of them made both men stronger men and that, as a result, they could unite and go on to defeat Clinton. But no, I feel Cruz put himself before his personal beliefs. Now, I question his beliefs.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I also was originally a Cruz supporter.
Ted claims to be a Christian with Christian beliefs. Ted also gave his word that he would support "the eventual nominee"
As a Christian man he went back on his word. As a man he went back on his word. As a man who loves his country, God, the Constitution, and his family not only did he go back on his word he put each of those mentioned in a secondary position by not supporting Trump.
He (or Trump for that matter) could have easily come out and stated that the rivalry and harsh campaign words between the two of them made both men stronger men and that, as a result, they could unite and go on to defeat Clinton. But no, I feel Cruz put himself before his personal beliefs. Now, I question his beliefs.

I have never liked Cruz. And probably never will. But as far as this oath that he would support the eventual nominee, I've got to give him some leeway. It was done at the time to try to corner Trump. He initially didn't commit to supporting the nominee. The pledge came around and bit them all in the butt. Had they have known what was going to be said and done subsequently they probably all would have said no at the time, but that would have made for some bad sound bites so who knows. But if someone were to ask me if I supported my wife as mother of the year. And later I found out she had been screwing around and saying lies about me. I doubt I would continue with my support as mother of the year. Personally I think Cruz would have been better served to just stay away and be quiet. But I don't think that's in his nature.

[Alpha Dog]

I give Cruz credit for appearing and speaking. I liked the speech. I also don't blame him for not supporting Trump regardless of his pledge, I think he was right when he said that disappeared after talking about his family as he did. I know I wouldn't support anyone that spoke ill of my family like that.

I was a Kasich guy and I believe he should be there. He could have quite a bit to contribute. But, I think he and his people did a good job with arrangements.

OK.  Cruz is squeaky clean,        or maybe not.  Just before the Iowa caucus Cruz circulated flyers that Ben Carson was dropping out of the race and many voters for Carson were cast for Cruz instead.   The move that precipitated Trump and Heidi Cruz was the Cruz campaign putting a naked or somewhat naked  ( I refused to look at it ) picture of Melania Trump out there for all to see.  Trump is a counter puncher and darn near every time waited for the other to go after him first and he hit back hard.  Sorry Cruz got so offended but he started it and this is a blood sport, like it or not and Cruz gave as good as he got.

Trump got blasted by the pundits  last summer for his remarks about John McCain.  What was lost in all the hoopla is that McCain was an attack dog for the GOP establishment and went after Trump first calling his followers Crazies and others around McCain calling the followers clowns.

http://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2015/07/22/top-gop-strategist-runs-to-politico-smears-trump-voters-as-clowns/

Trump immediately indeared himself to his supporters ( which like me have grown to have no trust of the establishment ) as a fighter for them.  The premise of his speech last night is that both Repubs, Democrats, and independents now have a person that will fight for them.  I think it will work.  I do know it is sincere and honest and from a man that has actually accomplished much in his life.

Politics in this country since the days of John Adams ( at least ) when political parties were formed ( much to the chastisement of George Washington ) has always been a blood sport.  It was not uncommon for an opponent's wife to be called a whore or to be raising bastard children and even worse.  The feud between Adams and Jefferson is legendary.

I have been a Cruz fan since first coming to the Senate.  I can really relate to his message ( on most accounts ).  That all changed this year when he showed himself as a petty self absorbed individual and I soon realized why he is the most hated person in Congress.  It is not his message, it is how he conducts himself.  It is my hope that he looks into the mirror and does a self examination of his personality and makes an abrupt change.  First maybe that sly devilish smile that has to go.  We need a Ted Cruz but his political goose is cooked after this fiasco unless he is able to change, and Mike Pence just may have taken his place as the true conservative that is likable.

Respectfully  Chuck

[Crackerborn]

Since there seems to be a vocal majority on this board that drinks the Trump kool-aid,  I have not been responding to political posts of late. This one deserves a reply however. Until recently the speech Ted Cruz gave would a have been an example of what a constitutional conservative would look for in a politician. Mr Cruz spoke the truth to the party about down ballot candidates, something that no one else seems willing to do. Since the Republican party has anointed the only candidate that can lose to the traitor the Democratic party sponsors, the only hope for this country is the down ballot. Mr Cruz had the courage to speak  truth to the brown shirt crowd at the RNC and would have my vote tomorrow for having that courage. I was never a Cruz supporter but if Mr Cruz is smart, he will leave the party of populist brown shirts and become an independent like most truly conservatives I know. By the way Trumpkins, your candidate said early on that he would not honor the compact agreed upon by the Republican candidates.

Gary Johnson for President. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Since there seems to be a vocal majority on this board that drinks the Trump kool-aid,  I have not been responding to political posts of late. This one deserves a reply however. Until recently the speech Ted Cruz gave would a have been an example of what a constitutional conservative would look for in a politician. Mr Cruz spoke the truth to the party about down ballot candidates, something that no one else seems willing to do. Since the Republican party has anointed the only candidate that can lose to the traitor the Democratic party sponsors, the only hope for this country is the down ballot. Mr Cruz had the courage to speak  truth to the brown shirt crowd at the RNC and would have my vote tomorrow for having that courage. I was never a Cruz supporter but if Mr Cruz is smart, he will leave the party of populist brown shirts and become an independent like most truly conservatives I know. By the way Trumpkins, your candidate said early on that he would not honor the compact agreed upon by the Republican candidates.

Gary Johnson for President. 

I wish I knew a way to get more attention for Mr. Johnson. I truly think a lot of people from both sides would vote for him if they knew about him.

[BF]

BTW... As a Cruz supporter who was edging towards the "NeverTrump" camp, just a gentle reminder that all this is a distraction, and the true battle right now is to make sure Crooked Hillary goes to Gitmo, not the White House...

I certainly hope that the Gary Johnson and other third party supporters hear you.   

[BF]

I also was originally a Cruz supporter.
Ted claims to be a Christian with Christian beliefs. Ted also gave his word that he would support "the eventual nominee"
As a Christian man he went back on his word. As a man he went back on his word. As a man who loves his country, God, the Constitution, and his family not only did he go back on his word he put each of those mentioned in a secondary position by not supporting Trump.
He (or Trump for that matter) could have easily come out and stated that the rivalry and harsh campaign words between the two of them made both men stronger men and that, as a result, they could unite and go on to defeat Clinton. But no, I feel Cruz put himself before his personal beliefs. Now, I question his beliefs.

The only thing I liked about Cruz was his stance on the flat tax....although, I'd rather support anyone that advocates the Fair Tax, I'll take the flat tax as a start in the right direction. 

[Moonshot_1]

Since there seems to be a vocal majority on this board that drinks the Trump kool-aid,  I have not been responding to political posts of late. This one deserves a reply however. Until recently the speech Ted Cruz gave would a have been an example of what a constitutional conservative would look for in a politician. Mr Cruz spoke the truth to the party about down ballot candidates, something that no one else seems willing to do. Since the Republican party has anointed the only candidate that can lose to the traitor the Democratic party sponsors, the only hope for this country is the down ballot. Mr Cruz had the courage to speak  truth to the brown shirt crowd at the RNC and would have my vote tomorrow for having that courage. I was never a Cruz supporter but if Mr Cruz is smart, he will leave the party of populist brown shirts and become an independent like most truly conservatives I know. By the way Trumpkins, your candidate said early on that he would not honor the compact agreed upon by the Republican candidates.

Gary Johnson for President. 

Boy do I have a completely different perspective on this.

The speech Cruz gave may be what Constitutional conservatives would look for in a politician, but the goal in this case is to give a speech that the US electorate would look for in a President. Otherwise it won't matter will it?
He never really accomplished that during the primaries either and eventually we got to see what the establishment GOP guys saw. The guy isn't anything like a team player and he can be a jerk about it.
I don't think that is even debatable.

None of the GOP candidates would have had a chance against HRC with the exception of Mr. Trump.
Unless, of course, Mrs. Clinton would be indicted, tried and jailed between now and election day.

This election is about dynamics. Specifically the dynamics of the political establishment. This includes both parties.
Any of the candidates, particularly those born of the political establishment would not have a chance against the Clinton machine. For the electorate, any of the establishment candidates bring the same political dynamic to governing. And the electorate has tired of it.
The GOP had 13 -14 candidates who were born out of the political establishment with a couple that were really non contenders from start. The Democrats, only one realistic candidate, Hillary Clinton. Sanders was and is out in left field on a baseball diamond on Pluto. He really had no real chance. Didn't even have a pretend one. I still think Pluto is a planet and should have been grandfathered in. But that is another topic.

The only real outsider was Trump.

The primary votes reflect this. Mr. Trump set GOP primary voting records. He won against well established and powerful opponents of the GOP field.

That completely different dynamic that Mr. Trump brings to this political theater, the business, work hard, American Dream dynamic is such a different perspective from the establishment politics that the electorate have come to despise.

So I think that Mr. Trump, barring a cataclysmic implosion, has more than a better chance at winning the Presidency. And the Pence pick for VP should placate the establishment.

It is an extraordinary GOP ticket and presents a dynamic the Democrat Party has not much experience in running against.

Hillary Clinton's issue is many fold. She is the embodiment of the Political establishment.
Her comments on putting coal mines out of business and ending mining jobs will come back to haunt her. Her Clinton Foundation will be another problem for her.
While it would certainly be a grave mistake to underestimate her, she has many formidable issues and hurdles to overcome yet.

What I do know is that this Country is a very special place. For the last few decades we have been on political auto-pilot. We see the engines smoking and on fire and the houses continue to get larger yet we have seemed to be satisfied to let the politicians and the government continue to run it as usual.

It's just not that we need to fix things. It's that we need to always, always understand the potential of this Country and its people when they are set free and led to do great things.


As to 3rd party candidates.

If you can not back up such a candidate with a like minded Congress, your candidate will fail miserably from the very first day in office.
We elect a President, not a king. The President only signs laws passed by Congress. The effort must start with a grass roots effort at changing the Legislative body. Establish that, then make the push for the Executive branch.
 

[ridingron]

 
I wish I knew a way to get more attention for Mr. Johnson. I truly think a lot of people from both sides would vote for him if they knew about him.   

Since none of the 3rd party folks are electable (probably not even in their own district), I honestly believe a vote for anyone other than Trump is a vote for Hilary.     It is a sad state of affairs we have to ponder. 

As to 3rd party candidates.

If you can not back up such a candidate with a like minded Congress, your candidate will fail miserably from the very first day in office.
We elect a President, not a king. The President only signs laws passed by Congress. The effort must start with a grass roots effort at changing the Legislative body. Establish that, then make the push for the Executive branch.   

+1 on this

[Crackerborn]

It is apparent to me that there are many Trump supporters that do not understand the importance of the electoral college. Since I live in a state that will be ultra blue since the Republican party decided  to put forth a non-conservative, I can vote for a candidate (Gary Johnson) rather than against one (HRC). Utah is also in danger of turning blue for the first time in history if one believes most polls. I am fairly certain that would not be the case if the RNC  had given us a real choice. As far as records "The Donald" broke, yep, he has the lowest percentage of total votes of any candidate to ever be nominated (48%). That does not sound like a majority of the voters selected the buffoon to me. Why would I trust a man that buys favors from the very politicians he claims to not be like and refuses to show his tax records to the voters.

The down ballot is the only hope for conservatives. A conservative House and Senate can block the damage HRC will inflict upon America.

You will note I no longer specify any political party as being a conservatives choice.

Just out of curiosity, can someone point out when the last time Trump was a team player? I am pretty sure it will be the first. Another myth I struggle with is we the people are supposed to be lead by a government.  Please read the Constitution, the first paragraph should be enough.

[Robert]

Cruz an interesting guy and not afraid of a battle. Didn't know much about him but think I will take a closer look at the most hated man in Congress.

What I find interesting is if Cruz is what they say he is why was he speaking at all? What was the motivation to have him up there? They could have chosen anyone else but they choose him, why? Is he the only one they could find to speak for Trump from Congress? The fact that he seems to stand on a particular platform and yet gave a speech at all is in itself a veiled endorsement.

I think we are concentrating on his speech, I think the real question is why Cruz at all?

[Pete]

As I understand it Trump issued an invitation to all the runners-up to speak.
So it was Cruz's choice.

Cruz and others breaking their word on support, just re-enforces our thoughts that they are typically morally corrupt politicians. And deserve no ones support.

[Serk]

*Sigh*...

Microwave it I guess...

[Chrisj CMA]

Cruz creeps me out!  He reminds me of the '70's used car salesman dudes that would say anything to sell you one of their clunkers. 

I think I saw where Trump said he didn't want Cruz's endorsement anyway.  Trump seems to be a man of his word; if you're invited you're invited.

Trump knew what he was going to say....he probably felt Cruz couldn't do any harm except to himself so have at it slimeball.....lol

Go Trump!

[ricoman]

Both Cruz and Kasich gave their word to support the nominee.
Both broke their word.
That's all I need to know about either of them.

[Pete]

Both Cruz and Kasich gave their word to support the nominee.
Both broke their word.
That's all I need to know about either of them.

+1
And Bush and others.
If any of them had won and Trump had not supported them. They would have made a really big deal of it. None of them ever thought they would have to acknowledge and support a Trump win.
Most were typical politicians and did the typical political thing - broke a promise - and they wonder why no voter trust them. What idiots.

[Varmintmist]

If I got into a handshake agreement with someone and they then went out and belittled my family, I would have nothing to do with them, and anyone who would isnt much of a man IMHO.

Cruz made a speech at the convention acknowledging Trump and making a good faith effort to draw his supporters to vote for him without compromising his principles. Consciously voting for a conservative voter is weighing the damage the D will do vs crossing you fingers and hoping that Trump will follow through with this version of his political life, because his past history does not reflect what he is saying now.

Trumpeters cant take a compliment and are doing their level best to drive voters away because Cruz didnt drop to his knees mouth agape in front of the Donald. Not a real good plan when your guy is at best in a statistical dead heat with the worst candidate ever fielded for Pres.

[ricoman]

If I got into a handshake agreement with someone and they then went out and belittled my family, I would have nothing to do with them, and anyone who would isnt much of a man IMHO.

Cruz made a speech at the convention acknowledging Trump and making a good faith effort to draw his supporters to vote for him without compromising his principles. Consciously voting for a conservative voter is weighing the damage the D will do vs crossing you fingers and hoping that Trump will follow through with this version of his political life, because his past history does not reflect what he is saying now.

Trumpeters cant take a compliment and are doing their level best to drive voters away because Cruz didnt drop to his knees mouth agape in front of the Donald. Not a real good plan when your guy is at best in a statistical dead heat with the worst candidate ever fielded for Pres.

I must have seen a different Cruz speech because in the one I saw showed absolutely no "ggod faith effort" by Cruz.
So it's OK for one guy to belittle and bad mouth the other-but the reverse is reason to go back on your word?
Oh, and it wasn't a "handshake agreement". This quote is from Cruz on the Fox News Debate chaired by Brett Baier-" Yes, because I gave my word that I would. And what I have endeavored to do every day in the Senate is do what I said I would do.  ." Seems even stronger than a "handshake" to me. Maybe just political rhetoric?
I guess some people can reason their way out of a person breaking his/her word. I can't.

[MP]

If I got into a handshake agreement with someone and they then went out and belittled my family, I would have nothing to do with them, and anyone who would isnt much of a man IMHO.

So, it was perfectly ok for Cruzand /or his supporters, to go after Donald's wife with pictures and text from when she was a model, in the state of Utah, just before that election?

Trump was responding to the snide attacks on HIS FAMILY.  Cruz started the war.  NOT Trump.  Trump roared back, and, like always, did it one better.

Sorry, the instant Trumps's wife was attacked, gloves come off.  Cruz did not like it.  Well, if you can't stand the heat, don't start the fire!

[The emperor has no clothes]

If I got into a handshake agreement with someone and they then went out and belittled my family, I would have nothing to do with them, and anyone who would isnt much of a man IMHO.

So, it was perfectly ok for Cruzand /or his supporters, to go after Donald's wife with pictures and text from when she was a model, in the state of Utah, just before that election?

Trump was responding to the snide attacks on HIS FAMILY.  Cruz started the war.  NOT Trump.  Trump roared back, and, like always, did it one better.

Sorry, the instant Trumps's wife was attacked, gloves come off.  Cruz did not like it.  Well, if you can't stand the heat, don't start the fire!

As the saying goes, I have no dog in the hunt. But as I understand it, the picture was one that Melania had on GQ. She wasn't coerced in to it. A SuperPac for Cruz put it out there for people to see. But anybody could have seen it anyway, it was on a public magazine. There was nothing doctored. The pic that Trump put up of Trumps wife was unflattering, but also public. The tweeting of the story of Cruz's dad possibly being in cahoots with Lee Harvey Oswald was sleazy.