Rubio, Cruz, Kasich all say they will back Trump if he is nominee

Cooper Allen, USA TODAY
12:09 a.m. EST March 4, 2016

Presidential candidate Donald Trump didn't back down from attacks during Fox's GOP debate. He spoke about his view on torture, an attack from Mitt Romney and even defended a particular piece of his anatomy. VPC

There is a growing push among many Republican groups to find some way to keep Donald Trump from capturing the nomination.

The party's 2012 nominee, Mitt Romney, added his support to that effort Thursday.

But what if Trump does? Would his rivals back him in November?

That was the last question at Thursday's GOP debate in Detroit.

First up, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who's leveled some of the harshest attacks on Trump in recent days. "I'll support the Republican nominee," he said, citing the importance of keeping Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders from occupying the Oval Office.

As for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, he said: "Yes, because I gave my word that I would," referring to a pledge candidates signed last year to back the ultimate winner of the race.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich said, "I kind of think before it's all said and done I'll be the nominee."

But, he allowed, "If he ends up the nominee, sometimes he makes it a little hard," but he would support Trump should he prevail.

And Trump, who earlier in the race threatened an independent bid if he felt he was treated unfairly?

Yep, he's on board even if he doesn't win. "The answer is, yes I will," he said.

It may have been the most friendly moment of the two-hour debate.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...bate/81301178/