Cruz: If GOP Runs Another Romney or McCain, Hillary Will Win

Cruz: If GOP Runs Another Romney or McCain, Hillary Will Win (Mediaite)

Senator Ted Cruz was on CNBC this morning and talked about the GOP’s chances of taking the presidency when 2016 rolls around. One thing Cruz knows for certain? Running another John McCain or Mitt Romney would be a huge mistake for the Republican Party.

He argued that in order for the GOP to win the presidency in 2016, they need a strong conservative candidate with an optimistic message. Now, does that include Jeb Bush? Cruz hesitated on that question, instead saying he’s waiting to see whether Bush decides to run first and clarifying that he likes the former Florida governor.

However, Cruz did make one very declarative statement; while he likes and respects the party’s previous candidates, that mold of Republican won’t win them the future:

“If Republicans run another candidate in the mold of a Bob Dole or a John McCain or a Mitt Romney… we will end up with the same result, which is millions of people will stay home on election day… If we run another candidate like that, Hillary Clinton will be the next president.”

Cruz has made similar statements before; the last time he did so, at CPAC, McCain was offended on Dole’s behalf and demanded an apology. Dole, meanwhile, has previously said Cruz is too extreme and lacks the experience to run for president.