Not to mention Cruz was rejected in part, because he was seen as far, far right--well away from mainstream American political opinion.
You think Cruz was rejected for
that reason?
I think that is probably reason number 24 on the list of why he wasn't chosen. Probably reason number one was that many Republicans saw Donald Trump as a mean SOB who will put up a fight when people mess with him. I think many people are simply tired of the "Kinder Gentler" P*ssyfied Republican candidates who will smile and act polite towards their Democrat opponents.
Donald is already out there calling her "Crooked Hillary." Like it or not, that juvenile, grade-school level of taunting and mockery appeals to a lot of modern Americans. That tactic of constantly referring to Cruz as "Lying Ted" did quite a lot of damage to Cruz in my opinion.
Cruz tried to ignore it and "rise above it", but that's not gonna work on someone who has that New York style of sharp elbows fighting.
I am a Cruz supporter. I thought Cruz was a much better choice for the leader of this Nation. He had some problems, but at least I was confident where he stood ideologically. He was outclassed in the arena of Media combat by someone who has had years of practice at it, but he almost pulled it out anyway.
No, Cruz's problem wasn't that he was too far right, it was that he couldn't do those off-the-cuff comebacks in a game of
"the dozens." Therefore he might harm, not help Trump. Probably better to have someone seen as more close to the political mainstream, with track records of results.
Perry or Walker come to mind.
Sorry to say it, but at this point Cruz brings nothing to the ticket. Trump needs someone from Ohio or possibly Florida. Trump needs someone from a big swing state to help lock down that swing state.
I'm actually thinking Ben Carson (Florida I think) would be a major asset. He would cut more deeply into the Democrat's Black voter base, and certainly help to nail down Florida, without which Trump can't very likely win.
I think Trump was sort of contemplating this during the debates. That may be one reason why he did that dramatic "wait" for Ben Carson when the Candidates were walking out, and Carson missed hearing his name.
Kaisch in Ohio is boring concentrated, and weak as water "moderate" in the eyes of much of the base. It
might help Trump secure Ohio, but I don't know for sure.