A month ago, and numerous times since, Donald Trump took every opportunity in front of the television cameras to blame Ted Cruz personally for the false report that Ben Carson was getting out of the race, even though he knew that was not Cruz’ doing, nor did it affect the vote. He even went so far as asserting that Cruz’ ‘dirty trick’ should nullify his victory.
Now, the shoe is on the other foot.
Yesterday, during the Nevada Caucus, Donald Trump told voters that all the candidates had left the State of Nevada in the morning, and were unworthy of their support. While Rubio and Kasich had indeed left, Cruz however, had not left Nevada, but was still meeting voters well into the Caucus evening.
So what’s the takeaway here?
GOP leaders and County Chairs in Iowa knew that Cruz was right in the middle of making a stump speech at a town hall meeting at the time the Cruz county leaders were notified that Carson was going to Florida and had nothing to do with the matter. Donald Trump however jumped at the opportunity to blame Cruz personally, and spent weeks making the most of his accusation at press conference after press conference and interview after interview, with virtually no push back from the media. Those accusations and dispersions hurt Cruz’ in the eyes of the voters, which was exactly what The Donald intended.
Takeaway number one: Donald Trump is an opportunist and lacks the integrity we should expect from one who wants to be President of The United States.
Donald Trump said Cruz should apologize to Carson. Cruz, out of deference to Carson, did so…three times, knowing that if he did it would be assumed by many that Trump was right. So…shouldn’t Donald Trump apologize to Cruz? Trump is caught on video. Cruz was not, nor did he do what Trump did.
Takeaway number two: Donald Trump should apologize to Cruz…at least once, in public, in front of the cameras at the next Debate. If he is unwilling or reluctant to do so graciously, and sincerely, he demonstrates that he is not the man we want as President.
“In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate – look to his character. . . When a citizen gives his suffrage [his vote] to a man of known immorality he abuses his trust [civic responsibility]; he sacrifices not only his own interest, but that of his neighbor; he betrays the interest of his country.”
Noah Webster, Lexicographer, Educator,
Statesman, the “Schoolmaster of the Nation”
1758-1843
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