Originally Posted: February 25, 2016
Below is an excerpt from an SMU News release:
Could be Ted Cruz’s last stand, Clinton’s deliverance
DALLAS (SMU) – SMU experts are available for interview on all topics related to Texas’ GOP and Democratic primaries, the grandest prizes available on Super Tuesday.
MATTHEW WILSON:
jmwilson@smu.edu
Political Science professor
Texas might just be the ultimate test of the power of mass celebrity vs. party machinery in modern politics.
In one corner, Donald Trump is riding a winning streak with unprecedented mass celebrity carrying his candidacy. In the other corner stands Ted Cruz, darling of tea party Republicans and master of a state network that vaulted him to the senate in 2012.
The race for Texas promises to be a nail biter.
“From Trump’s standpoint, he’ll continue to question Cruz’s character in Texas,” Wilson says. “Cruz will want to pull out all the stops to mobilize the base of volunteers he developed from his statewide senate campaign and (will) draw his local connection to get out the vote.
“We’ll see if that organization prevails against the Trump tsunami,” Wilson adds. “If Cruz wants any viability, he must win here. If he doesn’t win in Texas, he can fold up his tent.” READ MORE