Cruz, Rubio, and Kasich commit to supporting eventual Republican nominee

Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and John Kasich, at the Republican debate last night, have for the first time said that they are committed to supporting the Republican candidate for president, even if that candidate ends up being Donald Trump. Slightly awkward that all 3 had argued that Trump is unqualified to be president for the previous 2 hours...

Cooper Allen

USA TODAY

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 win? 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, "So if he ends up as the nominee — sometimes, he makes it a little bit hard — but, you know, I will support whoever is the Republican nominee for president."

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.