You know Ted Cruz fucked up when he gives Donald Trump, that Donald Trump, a chance to be elegant. I’m no big fan of New York City, but Cruz probably wishes he had not broken out the dog whistles:
Explanation to be found over at Balloon-Juice:
During Thursday night’s debate, Sen. Ted Cruz and Donald Trump acted out a debate almost verbatim that they’ve been having across separate radio interviews the past couple of days regarding Trump’s supposed “New York values.” And, at least on Thursday night, Trump got the better of Cruz.
Moderator Neil Cavuto asked Cruz to elaborate on his statement that Trump “embodies” New York values.
“I think most people know exactly what New York values are,” Cruz responded. Well, Ted, there are a couple of implications there, and he went with both. “Everyone understands that the values in New York City are socially liberal or pro-abortion or pro–gay marriage.” Check. “Focus around money and the media.” Check.
That allowed Trump, as he has in radio interviews this week, to wield the one single time that conservatives have ever shown solidarity with New York City, Sept. 11, against Cruz. He did it well.
“New York is a great place. It’s got great people. It’s got loving people, wonderful people,” Trump began. “When the World Trade Center came down, I saw something that no place on Earth could have handled more beautifully, more humanely than New York. You had two”—an interruption for applause, including from Cruz—“You had two 110-story buildings come crashing down.”…
Trump managed to win the auditorium and make Cruz look callous…
That’s no small feat, Ted — making Donald Trump look like the compassionate, humane guy.
That pretty well covers it, don’t you think?