Wisconsin news blackout on Drudge
It is no revelation to say that the Drudge Report has been very accommodating to the Trump campaign. It’s modus of late is to link to and sensationalize reports negative about Cruz and tend to provide links to favorable analysis about Trump. Into this evening we note Drudge has maintained little if anything about the substantial and very meaningful Cruz victory in Wisconsin’s open primary. We have embedded a a screen grab of Drudge page as of 7:30 PM in two parts at the end of this post.
In the last few days Trump has in his style expounded on a “big surprise” in Wisconsin. It is not untypical for candidates to try to keep their supporter’s hopes up, or lower expectations, or anticipate a loss and downplay it. But Cruz’s win was by many reports bigger than expected and indicated weakening support in demographic groups Trump had become accustomed to. The surprise was the size of Trump’s loss combined with the latest national polling showing Cruz and Trump roughly tied. Open primary contests in previous state races have provided Trump a distinct advantage. That advantage may be deteriorating. The best bet now appears to be that Trump will not have enough delegates pledged to him on the first ballot going into the RNC convention.
Here are few links excerpts and comments about the Cruz win in Wisconsin and the implications.
From Dick Morris: Women Not Key To Wisconsin Win
The NBC exit poll show Cruz winning 48-35 among both men and women. Apparently, voter disgust with Trump’s conduct spilled over into both genders. (snip)
In past contests, Cruz has done better among Republicans and Donald better among Independents. In Wisconsin, Cruz beat Trump among Republicans by 54-32, but was able to tie him among Independents 40-40.
Cruz’ victory cut across all demographics, which makes it all the more impressive.
From Andrew Malcolm at Investors Business Daily
Did Ted Cruz Win Wisconsin Or Trump Lose It? The Distinction Matters (excerpt)
The upcoming schedule including New York would seem to favor Trump. But then not that long ago Wisconsin was a gimme for him. Now, Trump’s got to win bigger to reach a convention majority.
Even when Trump wins, he can still lose. Trump took the Louisiana primary vote. But because Cruz’ crew is smarter on party rules and better organized — Oh, look! — Cruz emerged from those swamps with more delegates than the 18 Trump got for victory. The billionaire blames others. Sound familiar after seven years?
Cruz supporters will argue their guy won Wisconsin himself. Cruz too, of course. It was not close, by any means. And it was a crucial step in stalling Trump’s march to the required 1,237 delegate majority.
Cruz retailed the state hard, as he did to win the Iowa caucus vote. Anti-Trump forces spent millions attacking him and the state’s influential conservative radio hosts were near-unanimously opposed to New York values.
However, exit polls reveal a different narrative. Although Wisconsin Republicans gave Cruz the statewide victory, only 65% told NBC News they’d vote for him come November. About the same abysmal general election support as Trump’s 61%.
From Gary Bauer at Campaign for Working Families Wisconsin Results: The Republicans
While Senator Cruz enjoyed a five-point lead in the polls ahead of the voting, he over-performed and won by 13 points, taking 48% of the vote. Donald Trump finished second with 35%.
Turnout broke a record set in 1980, when a guy named Ronald Reagan (perhaps you’ve heard of him) was running.
Last night’s win was significant for Senator Ted Cruz, not only for the size of the win, but what it means for the chances of a contested convention in Cleveland.
For Donald Trump to prevail with a majority vote of the delegates on the first ballot, he would need to win at least 60% of the delegates in the remaining primaries. These states may favor Trump, but it will be difficult for him to reach the goal of 1,237 delegates.
Meanwhile, Cruz continues to do well in the delegate selection process, which is separate from the primary contests. (See our explanation below.)
By the way, it is a matter of Republican orthodoxy that trade deals create jobs. But according to exit polls, 54% of Republican voters believe that trade deals cost American jobs. Paul Ryan, call your office.
Here’s another interesting finding from the exit polls: 69% of Wisconsin’s GOP primary voters support a temporary moratorium on Muslim immigration.
From DLH at veritaspac.com 🙂
Paul Ryan Wins Big in Home State; Nomination Assured
I hope Ted Cruz isn’t preparing his acceptance speech at the GOP convention in July. Ted has now apparently served the Republican establishment’s purpose to stop Trump short of 1237. The “conservative” pundits and media are now preparing to train their fire on old Ted in their “100 Days” strategy to secure the nomination for their “Reluctant Savior”, the most humble, self-sacrificing family man in public service today . . . Paul Ryan.
By the way: Trump won Paul Ryan’s home county
DLH and R Mall (Below are screen grabs of the Drudge Report at 7:30 PM on 4-5-16)
combine overlapping halfs
