Politics

Ted Cruz Is In, But Can He Win?

Nick Givas Media And Politics Reporter
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Nationally syndicated radio host, and Iowa native, Steve Deace weighed in on Ted Cruz’s recent announcement that he will be running for president in 2016.

Deace told The Daily Caller that he thinks Cruz is a legitimate threat, and that being the first candidate to announce was a strong strategic move.

“It eliminates all doubt that he is running,” said Deace. “I still talk to a lot of people who don’t believe that these potential candidates are going to run.”

“In a star studded field, you want to be the person who gets in first or you play for the dramatic last at bat,” he said.

As far as his chances of winning Iowa, Deace was confident that Cruz would lock up the Hawkeye state and set the tone for the rest of the primary.

“I still think he is one of the few candidates that can outright win Iowa,” he said.

“I think one of the X factors that people are missing are the two endorsements here that really matter. The Family Leader President Bob Vander Plaats, and Congressman Steve King. Cruz is the only conceivable one who could get both,” says Deace. “He gets both, he wins Iowa.”

When asked if Cruz’s possible success in Iowa would translate into the later primary states, Deace said: “Not New Hampshire. They’ve mostly gone with the establishment candidate, and will probably go for Jeb Bush. The real focus is South Carolina. If Cruz wins Iowa, there is no question that it will give him a leg up South Carolina.”

Deace then went on to talk about what separates Cruz from the rest of the potential presidential field.

“I see someone who is willing to fight on the issues and stand up to the Republican establishment. However, he has to evolve from a soldier to a general,” said Deace. “He has proven that he is one of the most effective conservative soldiers in grassroots history, but now he has to lead.”

Deace also believes that Cruz may not have to moderate his positions, if he can prove that he is committed to his principles.

“The key is not moderation,” says Deace, “but rather broadening your appeal. Obama learned that he didn’t have to moderate his liberal stances, so long as he broadened his appeal. If Cruz can convince voters he is committed to his values, despite what they are, he will win votes.”

Deace continued, “If he moderates his views he will be running the same campaign that Romney and McCain ran. I also think if he holds true to himself,  he will hang around longer and won’t get knocked out early. He’s established a loyal base because of that broad appeal. The chances of him getting knocked out of this race early are slim to none.”

When pushed to say what Cruz’s biggest negatives are, Deace replied: “I think he has to show that he can actually govern and run the country. We are not voting for Philosopher-in-Chief.”

“The one thing the establishment is right about is that you have to show you can govern. For the establishment that means cutting deals with the other side,” he said. “This isn’t just a world view test where you check a box of what you believe. You have to show you can put it into a framework, and demonstrate how you will change and impact people’s lives.”

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