Rich, a lot of #NeverTrump folks seem pleased with the belated Cruz–Kasich non-aggression-pact — it’s overstating to call it an “alliance.” But there’s also a palpable sense of “what took so long?”
In light of what we know now, did Cruz really need to make a push for New York? Did Kasich really need to make a push in Wisconsin, Utah, or Arizona? Can either of them do themselves any favors with the time, money, and effort spent in those states?
Secondly, the nonaggression pact helps both of these guys, but it doesn’t give them automatic wins:
If you reallocate 2nd choice in IN, per Fox poll, you go from:
— Mark Murray (@mmurraypolitics) April 25, 2016
Trump 41, Cruz 33, Kasich 16
To:
Trump 45, Cruz 42 https://t.co/jCo2xHXeZd
The good news for Cruz is that aside from New York, Trump usually finishes around his final average in the polls — in other words, he doesn’t do particularly well among late deciders. So Cruz has a shot in a two-man race against Trump, but it’s not a sure thing.
Finally, Kasich is already giving something of a mixed message — he’s not going to campaign in Indiana, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want his fans there voting for him:
Is the Cruz-Kasich Non–Aggression Pact Too Late?Kasich just now on who people in Indiana should vote for: “They ought to vote for me.”
— Steve Kornacki (@SteveKornacki) April 25, 2016