An Atlantic writer recently did what amounts to a reasonably flattering piece on Ted Cruz as he attempts to retain his Senate seat against Beto O’Rourke:
The article does a fair job of humanizing Cruz; he still comes across as whiny (e.g. his complaining about the way media, particularly late night hosts treat Republicans) but his love of basketball and competitive nature are admirable enough. He doesn’t strike me as a bad guy on a personal level, certainly not at the level of the man who defeated him in the primary. Of course, I’ll say as a disclaimer I wouldn’t vote for him if he ran for dogcatcher - who he is personally and the politics he promotes are two separate things.
As a presidential candidate I’d argue there hasn’t been enough time since Donald bullied and insulted Cruz in the last GOP Primary; that image of a cowed, emasculated Cruz manning the phone banks for Donald’s campaign after Ted dropped out of the running hasn’t lost its impact. But as an incumbent Senator running to save his seat against an upstart young Democrat in Texas? Maybe it doesn’t matter as much.
Will Texas Republicans come out and allow Cruz to keep his seat? Can any Texas residents here speak to the general mood (if any) Texans have about him?
I’ve maintained that Cruz will win but it will be closer than it probably should be. I think many were turned off by Cruz going against Trump and others by him kissing up after that. Some of these folks will just stay home.
Antecdotally I’ve seen some Beto for Senate shirts and signs. None so far for Cruz.
I’m certain you aren’t alone in feeling that way. But will it translate into a defeat come election day, or will Republicans hold their nose and vote for him to keep the seat red?
I suspect we’ll see a repeat of Ohio in several races, with similar results - i.e. no real enthusiasm for the candidate, a decline in turnout and support, but they still eke out a victory. A win is a win.
Democrats need to run ads nonstop with the following question: “If Ted doesn’t even have the spine to stand up to a New York liberal who insulted his wife and father, how can Texans expect him to stand up for them?”
Right after showing Ted whine about Trump making fun of his wife and then cut to him phone banking for Trump.
