Donald Trump rallies Iowa voters, has harsh words for Ted Cruz

Unlike most of the GOP presidential field, Cruz has also consistently refused to criticize Trump even as the billionaire businessman ignited multiple national firestorms with provocative comments and policy proposals.

Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has turned his ire on surging rival Ted Cruz, who had escaped his barbs until now. “You’re probably going to say, I can’t stand the guy”.

“He’s got to come a long way because he’s right now for the oil”, Trump said.

Soon after the latest Iowa Poll was released, Hagle said one concern for Cruz may be taking this large of a lead with plenty of time left in the game.

“Some are suggesting that Trump is still strong, particularly given that he’s actually up 2% from the last poll”, said Hagle.

MASTERS: Trump had not earned their votes yet, but he was the first candidate they’d seen this caucus season. “Because that’s very anti-Iowa”, Trump said.

Asked at one point whether he would consider selecting Cruz as his running mate or nominating him to the Supreme Court, Trump was receptive. Ted Cruz can say he’s evangelical, but he’s still a dirty Hispanic at heart.

Ben Carson, once a hit with evangelical voters in the Hawkeye State, dropped to third place with 13%.

But still, Podesta confirmed that Clinton’s moves to tie Trump to the rest of the Republican party was a political strategy that will likely continue, as the other candidates agree with Trump.

‘And ultimately the decision is, who has the right judgment – experience and judgment – to serve as commander in chief? And that is exactly why we have a democratic election to make that determination’. I don’t feel like he’s telling me what he thinks I want to hear. Independent groups there are beginning to spend money against Cruz for his position, which Trump told a questioner was “anti-Iowa”. I don’t recall anywhere near that movement in the 2000 GOP race (Bush won the Straw Poll and led through the Caucuses). Trump predicted Cruz would “fall like all others”.

In a tweet earlier on Friday, Trump challenged Cruz to unveil those concerns publicly, but Cruz has not yet done so.

And while the Texas governor was likely just exaggerating for the crowd, his comments should be a reminder that Trump isn’t the only one making bombastic statements about the Middle East and the global struggle against extremism.

The poll showed a major collapse since October in support for Carson, who had reached 28%.

Donald Trump and Ben Carson could dangle the possibility of independent runs for president well into the primary season next year, but they can’t wait forever.