Cruz and Trump could go head to head

NEW YORK, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Leaked audio from a private fundraiser for Sen. Ted Cruz could be the opening shot of a battle between the Texas Senator and the leading GOP contender, Donald Trump.

At a New York fundraiser Wednesday, Cruz wondered aloud whether Trump or Ben Carson had the "judgment" to be the president of the United States.

"Both of them I like and respect," Cruz told about 70 supporters. "I don't believe either one of them is going to be our president."

"You look at Paris, you look at San Bernardino, it's given a seriousness to this race, that people are looking for: Who is prepared to be a commander in chief? Who understands the threats we face?" he asked. "Who am I comfortable having their finger on the button? Now that's a question of strength, but it's also a question of judgment. And I think that is a question that is a challenging question for both of them."

An attendee provided the audio to The New York Times.

Cruz has so far avoided criticizing Trump publicly, which is likely strategy due to Trump's past record of attacking anyone who closes in on him in polls. USA Today reported Cruz has bested Trump in at least one Iowa poll.

On Friday, Trump took the offensive, tweeting anticipation that Cruz will launch an attack: "I hope so, he will fall like all others," Trump tweeted. "Will be easy!"

Relations between Trump and Cruz have been civil so far. The New York Times reported that Cruz has disagreed with Trump's proposal to ban Muslims from entering the United States, however Cruz has praised the billionaire for making immigration a point of focus in his campaign.