Ted Cruz, a fierce adversary of Trump during the primary, has a time slot for speaking at today’s Republican National Convention. He did not formally endorse Trump, and he does not plan on doing it today. It is surprising still that he will appear on stage for Trump.
Mike Lee, a close friend of Cruz, said about Cruz’s speech that ‘’it’s kind of an unusual circumstance, isn’t it? Almost unprecedented’’.
However, Cruz is not everyone. He portrays the reliable right-wing conservative force of the GOP, which Trump has more difficulties with. Cruz managed to gather and energized millions of grassroots followers during his 2016 primary race. At only 45-years-old, he was the last man standing against the giant business mogul Donald Trump. His followers are still very much engaged in the current race, and not so far as Monday, they were trying to push a roll call vote at the RNC rules vote. One of Cruz followers started the movement #FreeTheDelegates, and many still want Cruz to be their nominee. In any case, the popularity of Cruz is still very tangible and will influence the current course of action.
Cruz is expected to speak during the third day of the RNC, but his speech does not mean an endorsement for Trump. Cruz might not even pronounce the name Trump. He is expected to talk about his vision of the future. He is projected to energize the conservative base and remind that conservatism values should not be abandon just yet.
His speech will give him the necessary exposure to remain a serious contender for the GOP. ‘’If skillfully played, his stock will rise,’’ said Randall Dunning, a Republican delegate. Indeed, Cruz political stock has risen more than he ever experienced before in his political career and this political capital is crucial for a potential 2020 presidential bid. As we all know, presidential campaigns start very early and a long time before November. Cruz seems to start preparing his campaign four years in advance in the event of Trump’s loss.
Cruz is expected to be neutral in his speech by neither alienating Trump’s loyalists nor endorsing him. Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort said he is ”comfortable that Sen. Cruz is going to talk about his vision for America, campaign — themes that he’s talked about in the campaign,”. He continued by saying:
“I think that he’ll talk about Hillary Clinton and the failures — how America can not afford to have Hillary Clinton as President. And I think he’ll say something that’ll — he’ll give a sign on where he is on Trump that’ll be pleasing to the Trump campaign and Republicans.”
It seems clear that Trump needs Cruz to appeal to conservative voters, and Cruz needs this prime-time speaking slot to keep a hand in the game for his potential 2020 presidential bid.
