HOLLIS, New Hampshire — Ted Cruz is trying to shape the narrative of the GOP race for president, suggesting on Wednesday night that the "Washington establishment" has determined Marco Rubio "can't win this race" and is now "rushing over to support Donald Trump."
"We're seeing the Washington establishment abandoning Marco Rubio and unifying behind Donald Trump," Cruz told reporters in New Hampshire. "And we're seeing conservatives coming together and unifying behind our campaign. And if conservatives unite, we win."
Cruz delivered his remarks shortly after a new CNN/WMUR poll bumped Cruz up to second place in New Hampshire, the state that traditionally picks the so-called establishment or moderate candidates over the more socially conservative options like Cruz.
"Let me encourage other members of the establishment: Keep supporting Donald Trump," Cruz said. "Because every time you do it, what it is doing is telling conservatives all over the country where you stand and who stands with you."