Trump, Cruz exchange shots in escalation between GOP front-runners

The prepared riff, coming after reporters surrounded him at a back entrance here, comes after Trump used the 9/11 attacks in NY as a response to Cruz’s criticism of the real-estate mogul’s values on the debate stage Thursday in Charleston.

At the debate, Cruz said: “Everyone understands that the values in New York City are socially liberal or pro-abortion or pro-gay marriage, focus around money and the media….” It is generally agreed by legal scholars that he qualifies as a natural born citizen, eligible to run for president.

“That was a very insulting statement that Ted made”, Trump said during the debate hosted by Fox Business. Ted Cruz’s eligibility to be president of the United States.

And, of course, Trump being who he is and the press being what it is, this is getting much, much more play than similar birther controversies plaguing candidates Barack Obama and John McCain.

Cruz’s attack sparked outrage in NY, where the front page of the Daily News illustrated the Statue of Liberty with a single finger artfully extended alongside the headline: “DROP DEAD, TED”. “He also FORGOT to file his Goldman Sachs Million $ loan papers”.

Trump, who needs a victory in Iowa to set a winning tone to his campaign, kept up his attempt to undermine Cruz’s attempt to portray himself as an outsider to the political establishment.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ chances for the Democratic nomination continue to slowly increase, with his odds at 22%, but Hillary Clinton remains the clear front-runner in the Prediction Market at 78%. Cruz renounced his Canadian dual citizenship some time ago, and he would therefore be in full compliance with this clarifying amendment to the U. S. Constitution.

Ted Cruz and Donald Trump lashed into each other Saturday, with the Texas senator unloading on Trump’s record, temperament and fitness to be commander in chief.

Trump has brought up Cruz’s Canadian birthplace repeatedly as the two Republicans battle it out in pre-primary polls. Cruz also is backed by an $11 million super PAC funded by NY hedge fund manager Robert Mercer of St. James. “I’m proud to be a New Yorker so I’d just say “thank you for the compliment” and move forward”. And Bush emerged today with a high-profile endorsement from South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who recently gave up his own presidential bid.

“I recognize that Donald is dismayed that his poll numbers are falling in Iowa”, Cruz said. “He’s down two points and Trump is up a couple points”. “I told you so”, the bombastic billionaire tweeted early Saturday.