Both options — stick with Trump or ditch him — present political risks for Cruz. If he rescinds the endorsement, he could lend credence to the stereotype of him as a calculating opportunist who shifts with the political winds. But if he sticks to his endorsement of Trump, that’s tantamount to an endorsement of the shocking things Trump said, which could be worse long-term and even short-term as the Republican party edges closer to completely abandoning its nominee.

“This is a no-brainer,” said one Republican strategist who spoke on condition of anonymity. “His best move was to not endorse. He endorsed, which put him in the worst possible position. Now he’s been given an out to rescind his endorsement for very justifiable reasons. This is a gift. It’s not going to get better than this.”

If Cruz had just held on a few weeks longer without endorsing, “He would have been in the catbird seat,” the strategist said.

Former Cruz communications director Rick Tyler urged Cruz to pull his endorsement of Trump publicly on Twitter, tweeting, “Of course. Now, an hour from now is too late” when asked about it by a reporter.