Depending on whom you ask, Ted Cruz is about as likable as jock itch. In July, fellow Republican Sen. Dan Coats of Indiana said of his colleague, “He’s the most self-centered, narcissistic, pathological liar I’ve ever seen—and you can quote me on that.” Coats went on to tell IndyStar, “No matter how conservative you are, you never can meet Ted’s standard. He only thinks of himself; he doesn’t think about party. He’s a wrecking ball.”
Cruz has never been much of a social butterfly. He functions more like a mosquito, flying around much more affable people, waiting for the very second to land somewhere, take a bite and leave a hideous bump for all to see. Thing is, though, Cruz, typically does this under the pretense of principle. He fancies himself a purist in terms of upholding conservative principles.
In July 2015, on the Senate floor, Cruz called his own Senate leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, a liar. Nearly a year later, he stood by those remarks. Around that same time, in a separate interview, Cruz said of calls for an apology, "That ain't gonna happen."
Cruz maintained that he was telling the truth about McConnell; thus, it was unnecessary to apologize. This is his shtick: “I’m a man of principle; therefore, any rude, divisive stance or action I take is perfectly fine—even if it embarrasses someone I work with or, worse, affects millions of people.” It’s never been admirable.
However, when Cruz appeared at this year’s Republican National Convention and defiantly refused to endorse Trump before an arena (that was not completely full; sad!) of Republicans and with millions watching, even someone who can’t stand him could appreciate the audaciousness. After his speech, Cruz told reporters, "I'm not going to lie to you; what I said last night is what I believe.”
Cruz then went on to make one thing clear: “I am not in the habit of supporting people who attack my wife and attack my father. And that pledge was not a blanket commitment that if you go and slander and attack Heidi that I’m going to nonetheless come like a servile puppy dog.”
Well, now is the time to serve Cruz some Kibbles and Bits and formally dismiss him for the poseur he is.
On Facebook, Cruz wrote: “After many months of careful consideration, of prayer and searching my own conscience, I have decided that on Election Day, I will vote for the Republican nominee, Donald Trump. I’ve made this decision for two reasons. First, last year, I promised to support the Republican nominee. And I intend to keep my word.”
Cruz went on to list other reasons, but they are best summarized with “blah-blah-blah.”
Not only did Trump essentially call Cruz’s wife a boogawolf, but he also suggested that his father was involved in the assassination of John F. Kennedy Jr. And throughout the Republican campaign, Trump referred to Ted Cruz as “Lyin’ Ted.” Trump never apologized for any of these things.
Trump has, however, described Cruz’s endorsement as “wonderful.” Yeah, it is pretty “wonderful” to get away with sonning someone on this level.
In all likelihood, Cruz probably still wants to slap half the orange off Trump. But he didn’t want a primary challenge, as recently threatened by a Trump adviser. Then there is Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, who issued the following threat to those failed GOP presidential candidates who haven’t endorsed Trump but may be looking for a future bid: “If they’re thinking they’re going to run again some day, I think that we’re going to evaluate the process of the nomination process, and I don’t think it’s going to be that easy for them.”
One of those candidates, John Kasich, was not having it. A top aide for the Ohio governor said in a statement: “The idea of a greater purpose beyond oneself may be alien to political party bosses like Reince Priebus, but it is at the center of everything Governor Kasich does. He will not be bullied by a Kenosha political operative that is unable to stand up for core principles or beliefs."
Kasich is Bone Crusher, and Cruz is one of Dorothy from Kansas’ lil’ meek friends.
In terms of practicality and self-preservation, one gathers why Cruz gave in and publicly offered support to Trump. But Cruz doesn’t model himself on such novelties; Cruz is supposed to be the one operating from a space of consciousness. Cruz is the one responsible for the October 2013 government shutdown over Obamacare. Cruz sought to do this again over funding for Planned Parenthood in 2015.
Cruz can do that out of principle, but he can’t muster up enough spine not to bow down to the man who insulted his wife and father. No one hates Hillary Clinton that much. Well, maybe sourpuss Bernie Sanders supporters on social media, but still.
Sen. Coats was right about Cruz. He is self-centered and narcissistic and thinks only of himself. But since Cruz suddenly fancies Trump so much, I’ll quote Dionne Warwick to NeNe Leakes on Celebrity Apprentice to add to the list: “You’re a coward, baby.”
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Michael Arceneaux hails from Houston, lives in Harlem and praises Beyoncé’s name wherever he goes. Follow him on Twitter.