After a bruising primary result in Indiana on Tuesday night, Texas Senator Ted Cruz decided to pull the plug on his presidential ambitions, ending his campaign to win the Republican nomination. Cruz’s decision virtually assures billionaire real estate mogul Donald Trump the party’s nomination, with only Ohio governor John Kasich left in the race, with less than an eighth of the number of delegates as the presumptive nominee.
While Trump is basking in Cruz’s decision, the campaign itself is a poor reflection on the Republican Party, where two voters in three look unfavourably on the loud-mouthed tycoon. Cruz had built a solid base of support with evangelical Christians and social conservatives, a demographic that is uncomfortable with Trump’s bombastic personality and thoughtless comments on women and minorities.
With Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders winning in Indiana, the Democrats will at least have some excitement to look forward to in the race for California. Realistically, the Hillary Clinton-versus-Trump general election on November 8 is all but certain.
Let’s be clear: Trump is not a tried and true Republican. He is an opportunist who has jumped onto the party bandwagon, and the fact that senior Republican officials — all moderates — are reluctant to be seen in the same city, never mind on the same podium as Trump, speaks volumes.
Trump, through his folksy talk and bombastic rantings, has managed to tap into the psyche of angry, white American men who feel threatened by foreigners, job losses and want to make America great again. That may be appealing to them. But for the rest, who believe in equality, a social conscience, playing a meaningful part on the world stage, Trump portrays a dangerous, intolerant and ignorant America — one more likely to make enemies than friends.
