re miamilawyer’s comment about Cruz expediency: I think Cruz was trying to distinguish himself from the Republican herd of presidential candidates that may emerge in 2019, whether or not such distinction is expedient.
But something puzzles me about your comment: your suggestion that Cruz’s witholding of his endorsement would generate “sympathy” for Trump.
Trump has his own air force, supposedly has $10 billion (I don’t believe it, but that is irrelevant to the sympathy question), gets a new wife as soon as the old one turns 50, and inherited control of a $40 million business while in his 20’s. No one has “sympathy” for Trump. Envy, maybe, respect if you believe he has accomplished anything in life or think he makes sense (I don’t), but sympathy? He don’t need no stinkin’ sympathy.