January 15,2016
By Jason A. Vigorito
After so many debates and campaigning weeks, the Republican field has begrudgingly narrowed a bit, and poll numbers have relatively stabilized. Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and Marco Rubio are now the Big Three, while the rest of the pack have become several strains of the same white noise.
It’s unfortunate that Trump is now being blatantly political and attacking another candidate because of polls–the epitomizing strategy of a true politician (he learns fast! But, he’s very smart and went to the best schools–not sarcastic). A difference between Trump and the professional politicians is supposed to be that he’s open, honest, and transparent about his campaign (like a certain president said his administration would be, who then turned around and became the least transparent administration since Nixon’s). Trump’s poll numbers stay high in the #1 spot because of his refreshing lack of political professionalism, but he’s proven on occasions, such as last night, that he’s from the same cloth, just a glossier version.
I saw absolutely nothing wrong with what Cruz said in any portion of his performance time last night. His observations and policies were accurate, and he utilized the same strategy Trump has been: only attack if attacked. A common question among the electorate since the first Republican debate: can Trump not handle the same treatment? A rattling empty garbage can receives the alleyway’s attention.
As to the New York attitude, for my suburban readers, let’s not forget, NYC wasn’t the only location directly attacked on 9/11: Washington, DC (which has not had a single positive thing said about it–double standard?), and a short drive from where I grew up in western PA (no buildings were hit, but hundreds of lives were still lost on that spot); furthermore, the entire country was indirectly under assault that day. Trump articulated loudly and proudly the New York attitude that only New York matters, and the rest of the country is talked about only in poll results or vague national security mantras. He has never mentioned the devastation that occurred in Washington, DC, or Pennsylvania–those lives were just as precious and valuable. Apparently for Trump, everywhere else is arbitrary fly-over country that makes for quaint scenery on his way to the southern Californian coast for some golf. Trump made Cruz’s point for Cruz.
Trump still gets the most media attention, but Cruz is now attacked the most by the candidates and media. Cruz’s messages must be resonating as well.
