Trump or Cruz? Whatever! Either way Americans will be jumping from the frying pan into the fire!
7
Has this man even read the New Testament? I fail to detect any evidence of Christian charity in him or any of the other Republican front-runners.
25
I was surprised to read that the 18th Century poet and artist William Blake believed, as I had come to believe from observing actual Christians, that Christians were to this day in thrall to the Jewish War God YHWH, although Jesus had established a new covenant of forgiveness justified by his death and crucifixion.
Blake who gave us "Tiger Tiger burning bright in the forest of the night," conceived of God the Father as the antiChrist, which in my opinion makes it difficult to understand why Christians live in accord with the War God, but grasp as Jesus for salvation...all the time disavowing the behavioral requirements, which are implied in the teachings of the gospels.
Fundamentalists of every stripe are the biggest offenders. They hang their hats on the Gospel of John, and then otherwise act as if they were still the unruly desert nomads, who needed a God who was more like Saddam Hussein, than Jesus, to whip them into shape.
Fundamentalists, as in religious dogmatics, are not Jesus purists, but rather, they are devotees of the one who Blake, and I might tend to believe is the devil. After all, the Old Testament is so vague as to particulars, that absent maleficent inspiration, it seems very hard to manage to distill any dogma other than that God is God, which is what the Muslims say, and that the Jews are God's chosen people. I have to say most Christians make little sense to me, and I gather that neither did they make sense to Blake...a few hundred years removed.
Blake who gave us "Tiger Tiger burning bright in the forest of the night," conceived of God the Father as the antiChrist, which in my opinion makes it difficult to understand why Christians live in accord with the War God, but grasp as Jesus for salvation...all the time disavowing the behavioral requirements, which are implied in the teachings of the gospels.
Fundamentalists of every stripe are the biggest offenders. They hang their hats on the Gospel of John, and then otherwise act as if they were still the unruly desert nomads, who needed a God who was more like Saddam Hussein, than Jesus, to whip them into shape.
Fundamentalists, as in religious dogmatics, are not Jesus purists, but rather, they are devotees of the one who Blake, and I might tend to believe is the devil. After all, the Old Testament is so vague as to particulars, that absent maleficent inspiration, it seems very hard to manage to distill any dogma other than that God is God, which is what the Muslims say, and that the Jews are God's chosen people. I have to say most Christians make little sense to me, and I gather that neither did they make sense to Blake...a few hundred years removed.
22
Everything we need to know about Mr. Cruz's duplicity can be summed up in these two sentences:
"We are not a campaign that is going to question the faith of another candidate.”
“Any president who doesn’t begin every day on his knees isn’t fit to be commander in chief."
"We are not a campaign that is going to question the faith of another candidate.”
“Any president who doesn’t begin every day on his knees isn’t fit to be commander in chief."
39
Why isn't anyone writing columns such as this about Trump? I see very little analysis of his words, actions, or policy proposals - much less his character. I see a backing off from the media as it pertains to Trump, perhaps out of fear of becoming his target? Trump's campaign reminds me of the old saying. "First they came for the communists, and I said nothing because I wasn't a communist ; then they came for the labor unionists, and I said nothing because I wasn't a labor unionist; then they came for the Jews, and I said nothing because I wasn't a Jew; then they came for me...and there was no one left to speak up for me." Substitute Mexicans, gays, Muslims, women...and you have Trump. Why is there such a paucity of serious journalistic analysis of Trump? This is the most alarming political event in my 45 years of following politics.
19
Keep your imaginary friends out of my government!
27
Let's ease up on the devil in Miss Trump claims, shall we?
The guy's just another ambitious little jerk, whose wants far, far exceed his abilities. And so far, one of the few bright spots in the primary season is that whatever remains of the process os that that's being exposed for all to see.
Hate to say it, but Chris Matthews nailed it yesterday: this is a little man who's way to little for the country. And say what you will about a mich bigger creep, Donald Trump, at least he's a BIG creep.
It's pretty much the same with Rubio. It's laughable, watching the republican traditionals try to pass a guy like that off as Barack Hussein Obama's equal. Ain't got the talent, ain't got the guts, ain't got the smarts.
You've basically got two small-minded, ambitious jerks who've done very little with their government service, taking on a loud-mouthed wealthy bully who isn't afraid of them in the least, and people are wondering why Trump's winning.
The guy's just another ambitious little jerk, whose wants far, far exceed his abilities. And so far, one of the few bright spots in the primary season is that whatever remains of the process os that that's being exposed for all to see.
Hate to say it, but Chris Matthews nailed it yesterday: this is a little man who's way to little for the country. And say what you will about a mich bigger creep, Donald Trump, at least he's a BIG creep.
It's pretty much the same with Rubio. It's laughable, watching the republican traditionals try to pass a guy like that off as Barack Hussein Obama's equal. Ain't got the talent, ain't got the guts, ain't got the smarts.
You've basically got two small-minded, ambitious jerks who've done very little with their government service, taking on a loud-mouthed wealthy bully who isn't afraid of them in the least, and people are wondering why Trump's winning.
37
Cruz is the worse by far. A nightmare candidate who, thankfully, appears to have limited traction with the larger electorate. Scary dude.
16
Right!
How dare Cruz question Marco Rubio's commitment to religion - "whether true or not."
I mean, Marco does the early bird Catholic mass on Saturday, and then the evangelical bit on Sunday.
Now there's a man of religion(s)!
How dare Cruz question Marco Rubio's commitment to religion - "whether true or not."
I mean, Marco does the early bird Catholic mass on Saturday, and then the evangelical bit on Sunday.
Now there's a man of religion(s)!
9
As my old friend, Sitting Bull, used to say to me over bison steaks on the prarie at night, "I want my country back."
20
I think Robotio edges Cruz in number of recorded lies---am I mistaken?
6
Really good, accurate column. I would also add Cruz's use of his young daughters in a political ad attacking Hillary Clinton - leaving them vulnerable to a fair response from the Washington Post. Cruz cried foul. I call it poor taste and even child abuse on the senator and his wife's part.
13
Somebody must like him.
1
Much as I dislike Trump, I hate Cruz far more - he is the worst kind of hypocrite and liar. And he will get his comeuppance. We'll see if those Senate Republicans towards whom Cruz has always, always been "respectful" and "civil" kick him when he is finally down. Here is hoping that they do.
31
To paraphrase Bill Maher, Republicans never read the Bible, they just wave it. And Cruz is the star in their pseudo-christian choir (cap omitted on purpose). And I thought religious tests were not supposed to be part of anyone's qualifications for a job.
34
Our problem is not Ted Cruz but Hillary Clinton.
He is a late newcomer to the lavish party. She is ex-First Lady, ex-Senator and ex-Secretary of State.
If we have been on the wrong course for a couple of decade, blame her, not him!
May I ask you something?
She collected the dozens millions dollars from the Super PACs, allegedly to promote her brilliant ideas, but refuses to publicize her own speeches given to the policy makers on the Wall Street and at Goldman Sachs.
We all know for the revolving doors between the Administrations and those top corporate executives.
Does it make any sense to hide her speeches and deprive self of the free primetime advertisement?
Ted tries to sneak through the door left opened due to her colossal mistakes.
He is a late newcomer to the lavish party. She is ex-First Lady, ex-Senator and ex-Secretary of State.
If we have been on the wrong course for a couple of decade, blame her, not him!
May I ask you something?
She collected the dozens millions dollars from the Super PACs, allegedly to promote her brilliant ideas, but refuses to publicize her own speeches given to the policy makers on the Wall Street and at Goldman Sachs.
We all know for the revolving doors between the Administrations and those top corporate executives.
Does it make any sense to hide her speeches and deprive self of the free primetime advertisement?
Ted tries to sneak through the door left opened due to her colossal mistakes.
4
If Wall Street or other organizations paid Mrs. Clinton for the speeches, perhaps their contract with her stipulates that they own the content, and Mrs. Clinton therefore cannot publish the speech. That seems like a reasonable agreement.
7
You're kidding, right?
6
As America's population becomes more diverse, the Republicans are becoming increasingly more exclusionary. I'm just an arm chair pundit, but this seems to represent a self destructive strategy. Their stated objective after the 2012 election was to drawn in more Hispanic voters. Trump's racist remarks at the start of his campaign last year destroyed any chance of that happening. So the nation's fastest growing minority is insulted rather than courted. Look at the attendees at any Republican rally or debate. It's predominantly white and middle-aged to elderly. Compare that to the typical audience at one of Sander's events and it becomes obvious that by adhering to their racist and sexist policies, the Republicans are a doomed party. The fact that individuals as scary as Cruz, or as clownish as Trump, are serious candidates for their party's nomination demonstrates just how far the party of Lincoln has fallen.
21
Using Frank's logic, it seems the devil may also be in Frank Bruni.
I'm glad Cruz admits human babies are important. I guess one can question whether Cruz actually cares. But Cruz risks being painted as a "right wing extremist", so there's little political advantage being pro-life. That points to Ted Cruz being sincere.
Is Pope Francis pretending to care about poor people? Is he wrong when he points out that Christianity requires helping those in need and is incompatible with building walls between countries?
Do those who advocate -for- killing babies value human life? Did they sell their souls in exchange for campaign funds? Is that scary? When looking for the devil, shouldn't we also look in the obvious places? Does party membership absolve politicians from any of these questions?
I'm glad Cruz admits human babies are important. I guess one can question whether Cruz actually cares. But Cruz risks being painted as a "right wing extremist", so there's little political advantage being pro-life. That points to Ted Cruz being sincere.
Is Pope Francis pretending to care about poor people? Is he wrong when he points out that Christianity requires helping those in need and is incompatible with building walls between countries?
Do those who advocate -for- killing babies value human life? Did they sell their souls in exchange for campaign funds? Is that scary? When looking for the devil, shouldn't we also look in the obvious places? Does party membership absolve politicians from any of these questions?
2
To begin with, those who constantly evoke religion especially the oh-so-righteous evangelicals are usually hypocritical themselves i.e. big box preachers, Imans who go after young boys, tush pinching rabbis. Therefore, these folks aren't aware of the Cruz duplicity.
I am a fellow Texas attorney who spotted Cruz as an obnoxious self-satisfied hypocrite before he even opened his mouth. Therefore, it is extremely gratifying to watch his exposure on the public stage. Hoorah.
I am a fellow Texas attorney who spotted Cruz as an obnoxious self-satisfied hypocrite before he even opened his mouth. Therefore, it is extremely gratifying to watch his exposure on the public stage. Hoorah.
30
I am confused about this “any president who doesn’t begin every day on his knees isn’t fit to be commander in chief”. Does this refer to some sexual position or what else does Mr. Cruz have in mind.
41
Some 75% of Republican primary voters want to ban Muslims. more than a third would ban gays. Two in ten believe in white supremacy. And they want someone with no experience in government to run the country.
Our problems are much bigger than Trump or Cruz -- Ipecac or Syrup of Squill. If the Republican Party doesn't heed the warning of Bill Buckley and "get rid of the kooks" they, and we, will be in for another eight hate-filled years.
Our problems are much bigger than Trump or Cruz -- Ipecac or Syrup of Squill. If the Republican Party doesn't heed the warning of Bill Buckley and "get rid of the kooks" they, and we, will be in for another eight hate-filled years.
23
There is something very very wrong with Cruz. As Trump says, he is a liar, but worse than that, a malignant narcissist. A liar will deliberately mislead a person to get out of trouble, or to receive some favor or item. A malignant narcissist will distort the truth, finesse the facts over and over to mislead people not only about reality but about the real character within. Unless Cruz really is delusional, he knows exactly what is inside him, and he knows how fake the persona he is attempting to foist on the American public. That persona is a lie, a distortion to hide Cruz from himself as well as convince voters of this mirror image of Cruz. Therefor Cruz is worse than a liar, he is a lying, malignant narcissist. Let's hope voters discover this before it is too late.
31
Bruni, by putting a focus on Cruz, neglected to mention the same hypocrisy, amnesia and other bad behaviors of Rubio and, gag, Trump. Has anyone noticed that Trump is as bad as Cruz and Rubio in all those departments? None of the Republican candidates are competent for the Office of President. By their words, they show no class, no character, invisible ethics, and something our country has been giving attention to, in order to reduce it or eradicate it: BULLYING. It is frustrating to listen to Trump, Cruz and Rubio pretend to answer legitimate question during an interview, and with Trump, incite violence when opposing voices challenge his rhetoric on his campaign trail. Trump may sound like he denounces the insults and innuendos and outright lies, but he winks at them, and his followers know well that their supporting a man who is not informed, doesn't care to be informed, had no specific stated solutions to problems that don't contain violence, total disregard for people who happen to be different. Trump has his thugs at all public meetings. If anyone dares to insist on real answers, Trump threatens to silence them and have them tossed out, either by his thugs or some of his supporters. Do people who support Trump really want a combination circus and professional wrestling match in place of legitimate debate? I think so.
15
Cruz's campaign manager is Jeff Roe, a no-holds barred, take no-prisoner type guy.
6
IF Cruz becomes President, we can be sure our workday at work will start with a mandatory Prayer. Or be fined!
7
“But let me stress again that these are my views. For contrary to common newspaper usage, I am not the Catholic candidate for president. I am the Democratic Party’s candidate for president, who happens also to be a Catholic. I do not speak for my church on public matters, and the church does not speak for me.” JFK.
Compare and Contrast
Compare and Contrast
32
Ted Cruz's hypocrisy knows no bounds. He claims to be a devoted follower of Christ yet persistently violates the commandments of Jesus. Let me give 2 revealing examples: we are told to tithe at least 1/10th of our income to our church yet multi millionaire Ted gave less than 1% of his income to ANY charity; http://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2016-01-30/now-deeply-chris....
Secondly, we are told to avoid even the appearance of evil - the fact that he hired Rick Tyler, a man well know for lies and dirty tricks tells us that TrusTed does not follow the tenets of his faith so why should any of us trust him?
Secondly, we are told to avoid even the appearance of evil - the fact that he hired Rick Tyler, a man well know for lies and dirty tricks tells us that TrusTed does not follow the tenets of his faith so why should any of us trust him?
9
These holier than thou types are never what they profess to be -- holier than thou. They feel the need to repeat this, loudly and often, in an effort to convince not just us, but themselves as well. In fact, if the positions supported by evangelicals paints a remotely accurate picture of their values, those values cannot be characterized as "Christian." But the strategy adopted by the Cruz campaign should come as no surprise to any rational person who has been watching the circus for the last 30 years. The GOP, with their co-conspirators, Rush Limbaugh and Faux News, have perfected the "art" of repeating a lie until the masses accept it as the truth. So, if "TrusTed" keeps telling us he's a kind Christian who treats his fellow candidates with dignity and respect, it won't be long before others who profess to have "Christian" values but don't seem to act as though they do, believe him. It might even help them feel better about their own choices to talk the talk, but not walk the walk.
4
Beautifully written.
Hypocrites rule the political world and Cruz is the finest example in this year's campaign.
My only problem is that once republican voters see through Cruz, they will only have Trump and Rubio to turn to.
Small comfort.
Hypocrites rule the political world and Cruz is the finest example in this year's campaign.
My only problem is that once republican voters see through Cruz, they will only have Trump and Rubio to turn to.
Small comfort.
12
Did he really say that last quote? My oh my. I knew he was extreme but that quote had a shiver come over me (and I'm a Christian). He is scary.
9
As an armchair psychologist, I say Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Worked for one for a while. Basically, there is no one there. He must go away.
12
Well, Cruz was right on when he called Mitch McConnell a liar.
10
Some people who are holier than thou pretend to be nice and yet they are the same people are the first to stand up and stab you in the back. My father who is now 90 years old and Presbyterian was always sickened in WWII when he and his soldiers would settle down someplace for the time being and the Catholic men would always be the first ones to jump up and set up a kind of church for the other men to pray and yet those same men my father said would be the ones out and about, when on leave, having sex with the local women (some of them married men), drinking alcohol excessively and gambling. The Catholics with their mightier than thou churches and religious rules of not coveting thy neighbors wife and yet we have all discovered having anal sex with little boys is okay with them. This isn't a slam against Catholics it is a slam against all people who pretend to be acting in the name of god and in reality they are liars, beggars and thiefs. You can have them.
4
The primary season is still relatively young and already Cruz has had 2 campaign scandals in which he got caught- and then he felt he had to fire his 2 campaign leaders: first for lying about Carson dropping out and now about Rubio's faith credentials. The type of people you hire to work for you in a very personal endeavor like a campaign is indicative of the person you are and is a preview of what type of president you will be. Cruz is amoral. While I don't agree with anything Trump says- he is right about one thing- Cruz is the biggest liar in this race- and when you consider the GOP pols running for President and how worthless they are- well, that is really saying something.
So, Cruz is the best- the best liar with the least morals.
So, Cruz is the best- the best liar with the least morals.
11
Conservative though I am, Cruz would be the worst choice for Republican nominee. Even for a politician, he's set a new low for double-talking, lying, and shameless opportunism, not to mention that he is the most polarizing candidate in his own party. How could we expect him to govern when his own party despises him?
16
Wasn't there a movie about Ted Cruz (or a Cruz-like hypocrite) called "A Face in the Crowd" with Andy Griffith as the evil one?
4
Presidential campaigns drag on for about two years. Two years out of a four-year period is about fifty percent of the time. If there is any advantage to such interminable nonsense it's that all that exposure gives us a glimpse of the true character of the candidates. Cruz is a snake oil salesman whose persona is the opposite of what we are told about Jesus. His actions reveal him to be a religious phony and he is disliked by the people who probably know him best. He is the anti-Christ.
5
If I was an Evangelical Christian, I'd want to sue him for slander. His speech and actions are giving the Christian community a bad name.
7
Plus, he looks and sounds like Mr. Haney from Green Acres.
7
The fact that evangelists could flock to Trump says - as if we didn't already know it - that most of them are hypocrites, more driven by spite than scripture. In their jargon, "God" is code for everything except God.
8
I was a kid when The Beatles "conquered" the world. And John Lennon was right in what he said at the time he said it. Trust me - none of my friends had posters of Jesus all over their walls. Donald Trump is no John Lennon....not even close. That said, I truly believe Ted Cruz is a dangerous sociopath and if he wins the WH we're all in a lot of trouble.
12
So Cruz starts every day on his knees in prayer. I'd like to listen in on that. It might go something like this: "Heavenly father, this is your other son, you know, the brilliant one whom you sent down to earth to save America from its sins and ignorance. Open the eyes of all so they can see that I, and only I, can save these infidels from Obamacare, from pro-choice for women, from immigrants swarming over the land taking all our jobs. Let them see and believe that every person should have an arsenal of guns so we are ready when the government comes. With your help I'll blow all those awful people in the middle east to smithereens and the Devil will welcome them home. You know I'm the One, father. You know I am".
And our heavenly father might well think to himself, as many earthly father do in times of having a heavy heart where their children are concerned, "Where, oh where, did I go wrong with this one"?
And our heavenly father might well think to himself, as many earthly father do in times of having a heavy heart where their children are concerned, "Where, oh where, did I go wrong with this one"?
15
Ted Cruz seems to me to be the scariest American politician since Senator Joe McCarthy. It's nice to see Trump pound him mercilessly because man, does that megalomaniac deserve it. He actually makes Trump look like the apogee of honesty, class, and dignity. In addition, his looks, speech, and mannerisms are a dead ringer for Mr. Haney from that old television show, Green Acres. That's scary unto itself.
15
And now he signs a letter that the sitting president should not choose a replacement for Antonin Scalia, but the next President should instead, an office he is seeking.
I don't know if he is faithful, but the man is without question despicable and shameless.
I don't know if he is faithful, but the man is without question despicable and shameless.
12
Someone suggested that Texas leave the union, since apparently many Texans hate the Constitution and other Americans. So let Cruz take Dallas and West Texas, and he can than proclaim himself as supreme leader. Oklahoma would also fit in nicely with his vision of government.
8
Oh, Frank! Applying a Catholic's logic to try to make sense of a Southern fundamentalist politician is like bringing a knife to a gunfight. Loosen up! If you just keep in mind the words of the late Rev. Billy James Hargis, 'Yes, I've sinned. But not the sins I'm accused of,' then the logic of the Cruz campaign will reveal itself to you.
2
As usual, the ones who claim to be most pious are the biggest hypocrites. This is the biggest problem with organized religion. Who wants to belong to an organization whose most visible protagonists turn out to be charlatans, bigots, and flat-out haters? Cruz is just another one of those. As someone else noted, he does have dead shark eyes. He is creepy. I don't like his mouth, especially that little smirk he's always showing (not unlike W., whose voice I still cannot stand to hear). Anyone who has to proclaim his "Christianity" as much as he does, isn't the real thing. Big surprise.
8
The fact that Cruz's operatives used a photo (even if doctored) of Rubio simply shaking hands with President Obama as a dirty trick that they believed would (or literally would) attract certain Christian voters, I find the most appalling, disrespectful, and insulting. The old saying about wolves in sheep clothing is inaccurate when describing this apparently troubled man. He's a wolf in wolf clothing. And it continues to astound that he's been able to accomplish as much as he has despite that.
122
Even more scary than Cruz is the fact that he and his fellow Republican presidential contenders have so much buy in from the electorate. We Americans all need to do some penance for permitting this to happen.
3
Yes! I recently spent some time trolling online, looking for a carved, Balinese demon mask that would replicate Ted Cruz's inherently cruel, tight-lipped, fleshy, and dishonest face, but Balinese masks are all big and bright and toothy and grand ... not sufficiently reptilian. I also half-hoped to find a mask to represent Cruz's father, Rafael, a self-righteous immigrant turned American fundamentalist preacher, who just a few years ago attacked Obama and said he'd like to send our president back to Kenya. Well, I'd like to send Rafael and Rafael back to Canada and/or Cuba. Turnabout is fair play, right? They can choose, either the far north or the island south. I am amazed ... really just plain amazed ... by the cruelties these self-appointed Christians recommend and preach, and the dirty tricks they play.
10
Ted Cruz is a very smart, but a diabolical and dangerous man. Unlike Trump he believes in everything he says and will " move heaven and earth to achieve it", He has shown since college that he is an egomaniac , unable to sustain or make friendships and is truly only interested in one thing ; the advancement of Ted Cruz! He firmly believes that he is truly God's servant as well as warrior and champion in the campaign against non believers , sinners and liberals. His personality as well as his sanctimonious and righteous indignation is the reason he is universally loathed by his former classmates, co- workers and every single member of the Senate and House. Not since Joseph McCarthy have we seen such a serial liar. and opportunistic person who pretends to be righteous and on a mission to save America while wreaking havoc and slanderous lies against all who confront him with the truth. More than any other candidate he proves how toxic and combustible mixing religion and politics and public service can be.
9
I’m surprised you didn’t mention his insinuating ”even if it was true”. What a villainous way to put it! “I’m not saying Rubio beats his wife; but even if he does, I will not descend so low as to mention it.”
5
Stop the presses!
A hypocritical scoundrel wraps himself in a cloak of pious sanctimony for personal gain.
We have never seen this before!
We are shocked!
(we would be far more surprised to see an evangelical who was humble, honest, and not using religion in a manipulative, hypocritical way. Now THAT would be worth an article in the Times)
A hypocritical scoundrel wraps himself in a cloak of pious sanctimony for personal gain.
We have never seen this before!
We are shocked!
(we would be far more surprised to see an evangelical who was humble, honest, and not using religion in a manipulative, hypocritical way. Now THAT would be worth an article in the Times)
3
Lee Atwater lives on in the far right.
6
Wondering if Ted Cruz wasn't a political reincarnation of Uriah Heep, I found myself browsing definitions of "unctuous", and found that while most of them certainly fit..."excessive piousness or moralistic fervor....affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug"...something didn't quite get at what makes Cruz particularly repulsive. Like Dickens Uriah, Cruz seems to me to have the sort of presence that kind of makes your skin crawl, would make you want to wash afterwards if you were forced to shake hands with him.
I think Cruz is well on his way to giving us a new adjective. Unctuous certainly, hypocritical clearly, but there is something uniquely Cruz-like...like he actually has cooties. I am sure we will be able to get a better handle on it as this as things proceed, and I am hopeful that this will preclude him inflicting himself on us much longer.
I think Cruz is well on his way to giving us a new adjective. Unctuous certainly, hypocritical clearly, but there is something uniquely Cruz-like...like he actually has cooties. I am sure we will be able to get a better handle on it as this as things proceed, and I am hopeful that this will preclude him inflicting himself on us much longer.
5
The persona of Don Quixote is alive and well in those who persist in writing about this crop of candidates. Time to give it up, concede the country has run its course, the downalator is picking up speed. Where to escape a sinking ship? Cape Breton has indicated it's willing to accept American immigrations---for how long, that's another question.
3
Senator Cruz appears to have adopted the George Costanza approach to the truth: "It's not a lie . . . if you believe it."
5
I'll be brief: "The sleep of reason produces monsters." - Francisco Goya
2
I learned a new word while reading about Cruz: oleaginous. Perfect word to describe him.
3
Wasn't it Cruz who threatened the nuclear annihilation of cities in Syria? Incinerating tens of thousands of people might be very satisfying, but it's hard to reconcile with Christian values.
8
Cruz is the most dangerous man in this race. Trump serves one useful purpose: to stop this would-be theocrat.
When Cruz goes down, we can focus on the next challenge: making sure Trump goes down in the general election against a person who is sane. Either Democrat would be preferable to today's crazy-right GOP.
When Cruz goes down, we can focus on the next challenge: making sure Trump goes down in the general election against a person who is sane. Either Democrat would be preferable to today's crazy-right GOP.
7
Dear Mr. Bruni,
Glad to see somebody besides the "Trumpster/Dumpster" being written about. It's a refreshing change to read about one of the "scarier" nuts in the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE's "Can 'O' Nuts Campaign". At least the Trumpster hasn't recruited "god" into his campaign as the "Cruzer" seems to have the Great Jehovah's ear all to himself.
Maybe he has a "list in his pocket" of all the "godless" folks in the government and is ready to spill the beans on these miscreants at any moment, a "Black List of Godlessness", so to speak. This is all very reminiscent of "Tail Gunner" Joe McCarthy who was also;
a. A Republican and
b. A bold faced liar.
He's right about one thing; he probably does get on his knees daily praying for the 900 million "Koch Bucks" or any other donor who will give him cash. As for god, I think it does say we trust him/her/it on our folding money hence his worship of greenbacks has a certain "religious" stench about it in a "prophetable" sort of way if you get my drift.
Glad to see somebody besides the "Trumpster/Dumpster" being written about. It's a refreshing change to read about one of the "scarier" nuts in the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE's "Can 'O' Nuts Campaign". At least the Trumpster hasn't recruited "god" into his campaign as the "Cruzer" seems to have the Great Jehovah's ear all to himself.
Maybe he has a "list in his pocket" of all the "godless" folks in the government and is ready to spill the beans on these miscreants at any moment, a "Black List of Godlessness", so to speak. This is all very reminiscent of "Tail Gunner" Joe McCarthy who was also;
a. A Republican and
b. A bold faced liar.
He's right about one thing; he probably does get on his knees daily praying for the 900 million "Koch Bucks" or any other donor who will give him cash. As for god, I think it does say we trust him/her/it on our folding money hence his worship of greenbacks has a certain "religious" stench about it in a "prophetable" sort of way if you get my drift.
2
Dear Mr. Bruni,
Praise the Lord for your words of celestial truth.
With love, peace and good riddance,
Ye Founding Fathers of Little Faith
Praise the Lord for your words of celestial truth.
With love, peace and good riddance,
Ye Founding Fathers of Little Faith
2
"Political allies and aides tend to behave in a manner largely consistent with their boss’s directives and understood values." As evidenced so conclusively in the office of the current Governor of New Jersey.
5
I have heard many people say if Cruz - or Trump, or Rubio, or Carson, fill in the blank - is elected President, they will move to Canada or Europe or Mexico, fill in another blank. As an expat, not entirely willingly, I can tell you there is NO PLACE that will be safe if one of these utterly incompetent men is elected! Not to mention that frankly folks, nobody wants your sorry carcass in their country. Get in line with the really desperate people who actually DID elect a venal, sanctimonious or incompetent leader!
4
Was little Rafael absent from Sunday school the day they taught the commandment forbidding false witness against another? Because otherwise, how could he cheat the way he does and mouth such absurd and slanderous charges against the President? Or maybe he thinks that the commandment doesn't apply to Christians, like the kosher laws they jettisoned. Or prerhaps he "starts each morning on his knees" because he needs forgiveness for all the lies he knowingly uttered the previous day. And every morning, like clockwork, Jesus tells him he's forgiven, so he rises to prepare his next batch of lies.
3
Matthew 7: 15-16
"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?"
Jesus himself warned Christians against people like Ted Cruz.
I do not question his faith.
I simply question how he lives it. His "fruits," as Matthew warns, belie his words.
All of which leads to the biggest question of 2016:
Trump the buffoon?
Cruz the "wolf in sheep's clothing?"
Rubio the "deer-in-the-headlights" chameleon?
Clinton the relic?
Sanders the starry-eyed socialist?
I am a Democrat. I am more and more convinced that John Kasich is the only candidate who possesses what the aforementioned lack:
Humanity. Empathy.
Decency.
Here's hoping the only gentleman (or woman) in the race survives, thrives and somehow upends the odds and wins the nomination.
"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?"
Jesus himself warned Christians against people like Ted Cruz.
I do not question his faith.
I simply question how he lives it. His "fruits," as Matthew warns, belie his words.
All of which leads to the biggest question of 2016:
Trump the buffoon?
Cruz the "wolf in sheep's clothing?"
Rubio the "deer-in-the-headlights" chameleon?
Clinton the relic?
Sanders the starry-eyed socialist?
I am a Democrat. I am more and more convinced that John Kasich is the only candidate who possesses what the aforementioned lack:
Humanity. Empathy.
Decency.
Here's hoping the only gentleman (or woman) in the race survives, thrives and somehow upends the odds and wins the nomination.
1
Kasich is just another religious nutcase who appoints creationists to school boards and anti-abortionists to medical boards.
12
Like his radical extremist father, who considers his son as 'The Anointed One', Ted Cruz is a Dominionist. As such, he questions EVERYONE's religion. Anyone not a Christian is a heretic; all other religions are inferior.
Believing that the foundation of US law should be the Bible, one leading Dominionist, Rick Joyner, even called for a military coup in order to rid the government of secularists. Considering that Cruz says he, as president, wants to increase the Pentagon's budget by a whopping $155 billion, perhaps he's in agreement with Joyner.
The guy is extreme to the max. Someone should remind him that Jesus was a Jew.
Believing that the foundation of US law should be the Bible, one leading Dominionist, Rick Joyner, even called for a military coup in order to rid the government of secularists. Considering that Cruz says he, as president, wants to increase the Pentagon's budget by a whopping $155 billion, perhaps he's in agreement with Joyner.
The guy is extreme to the max. Someone should remind him that Jesus was a Jew.
5
Every time Cruz opens his mouth. I throw up a little in my mouth. Here's to hoping I can keep the bile down until this Repub fiasco is over.
6
Cruz is all fire and brimstone. Just a typical Old Testament Christian. Much more interested in the rule-bound demagoguery of Leviticus then the message of love espoused in the Gospels.
5
Whatever happened to the separation of church and state? If sanity prevailed, hypocrites like Ted Cruz would be done.
7
On the other side, much of this column could also be applied to the Clintons. Very disconcerting.
Smarm + snakeoil + stealth + sleaze = Ted Cruz.
Something happened around the time of the so-called "Reagan Revolution," for sure by the time of GHW Bush: all the Bibles in GOP Christendom started getting printed without the Sermon on the Mount. It's the only explanation for so much hot-aired self-righteousness being so mean-spirited, so greedily camel-through-the-needle, so bitterly punitive, hateful and fearful and that getting mistaken for "what Jesus would do."
Here's what Jesus has standing to do: sue for libel.
ct
Something happened around the time of the so-called "Reagan Revolution," for sure by the time of GHW Bush: all the Bibles in GOP Christendom started getting printed without the Sermon on the Mount. It's the only explanation for so much hot-aired self-righteousness being so mean-spirited, so greedily camel-through-the-needle, so bitterly punitive, hateful and fearful and that getting mistaken for "what Jesus would do."
Here's what Jesus has standing to do: sue for libel.
ct
6
Father and son remind me of Khomeini and son(s), who cannot think beyond religion and beyond God on any given day and thats what they demand of all Americans. Their target of hate (the gays) are almost always mentioned in all conventions they lead. Their election (Rafael and his son Ted) would herald the decline of western reasoning, pluralism and the New York values.
5
Cruz is bought and paid by the Wall Street looters and their unsavoury ilk.
4
Evangelicals every move is hypocrisy. It is THEY who are, embody, the Pharisees of old which they rail against. They hate, the deny the poor, they fear and loath the stranger, they fight against rules for clean air and water, they fight for corporations and enable the sins of the elite while duping their own.
Why then would they deny Cruz? A son of lies, disrespect and filth. Think about it, who is more like the real Jesus: Cruz or Bernie. Even to ask is to know.
I'm not a prophet of old, but I am one of their descendants (being Jewish). The above is all true, they are the enemy they fear.
Why then would they deny Cruz? A son of lies, disrespect and filth. Think about it, who is more like the real Jesus: Cruz or Bernie. Even to ask is to know.
I'm not a prophet of old, but I am one of their descendants (being Jewish). The above is all true, they are the enemy they fear.
1
Mr Bruni, you are preaching to the choir. If this column was read aloud on Fox News, repeatedly, perhaps some GOP voters would find it a news flash, a revelation.
We all get this....
Thanks none the less.
We all get this....
Thanks none the less.
5
All true, all despicable, but most lasting for me is Rubio - almost identical with Bush43 - claiming Jesus is his Savior!
Bush43, many thousands of young Americans killed and maimed in a war based on lies, maybe ONE MILLION Iraqis killed (there's real Bush legacy, thousands more Iraqis killed every month), four million Iraqi refugees, the end of Christians in Iraq after a presence of nearly two thousand years.
Is there not something deeply sickening that no one remembers the immense number of Iraqis dead? Even HRC. Bernie, shameful mute as well.
Sorry, Marco, Jesus declines to be your Savior!.
Disturbing, Trump emerges even with pig blood soaked bullets to kill people (a lie but massive ignorance for the massive war crime that was the Philippines), denouncing Mexicans, an embargo on Muslims (wow, what a drift for the RP - on 9/11 even as former VP Gore, Clinton were barred from entering US airspace, Bush43 allowed the Saudis to exit (15 of the 19 hijackers Saudis, $50 Billion over 20 years funding Islamic fanatics..), despite all this, or am I delusional, isn't Trump by far the better of this vile, stupid, fanatic field?
Bush43, many thousands of young Americans killed and maimed in a war based on lies, maybe ONE MILLION Iraqis killed (there's real Bush legacy, thousands more Iraqis killed every month), four million Iraqi refugees, the end of Christians in Iraq after a presence of nearly two thousand years.
Is there not something deeply sickening that no one remembers the immense number of Iraqis dead? Even HRC. Bernie, shameful mute as well.
Sorry, Marco, Jesus declines to be your Savior!.
Disturbing, Trump emerges even with pig blood soaked bullets to kill people (a lie but massive ignorance for the massive war crime that was the Philippines), denouncing Mexicans, an embargo on Muslims (wow, what a drift for the RP - on 9/11 even as former VP Gore, Clinton were barred from entering US airspace, Bush43 allowed the Saudis to exit (15 of the 19 hijackers Saudis, $50 Billion over 20 years funding Islamic fanatics..), despite all this, or am I delusional, isn't Trump by far the better of this vile, stupid, fanatic field?
1
Ted Cruz is terrifying. From the minute he appeared on the scene, I have never wavered in that opinion. He is a very scary guy and a deadly combination of mean, clever, and crazy, all wrapped around the kind of religious zeal that always ends up getting people killed. Historically, he is not an unfamiliar figure. But who reads history anymore? How have we come so far along this road that Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachman seem relatively harmless? This is a dangerous man.
11
What kind of people would be in a Cruz cabinet? Usually it is a reflection of the candidates election team. Scary thought!!!
Too bad Scrooge isn't running - he would trounce all these GOP candidates.
Too bad Scrooge isn't running - he would trounce all these GOP candidates.
6
A delusional, self-righteous hypocrite prone to lies, deception and demagoguery while touting his being chosen as the one by a "god" of his liking. I dunno Frank, sounds like your typical Republican pol to me.
8
I keep waiting for the final confirmation that he is Richard Nixon incarnate; his raising both arms in the air with each hand flashing the "V" for victory sign. Please someone get him a helicopter and wisk him away from our political landscape just like we did with Nixon.
6
This is a man who claims on his web site to be a "defender of the cross". God forbid we should ever elect a president who believes that's part of the job.
15
Cruz may be on his knees when he starts his day, but if so, he should be using that time to beg forgiveness for his own actions. Cruz's shenanigans have finally caught up with him, and like so many self-proclaimed pious politicians who have been unmasked in the past, he's turning out to be the same kind of sanctimonious hypocrite as the others. No one should be surprised to discover that when Ted talks, he is cruzing for a bruising.
8
Sen. Ted Cruz is one scary prospect. That his dad promotes him as a messiah to their "Christian" cult is worth noticing. His holier-than-thou proclamations against his competitors and disrespect of our President Obama is scandalous. No one should give that man more power.
12
"Is he suffering from delusions? Amnesia? On the Senate floor he called Mitch McConnell, the Republican majority leader, a liar. He also likened Senate Republicans who recognized the impossibility of defunding Obamacare to Nazi appeasers." -FB.
I would venture Senator Cruz is simply suffering from an advanced case of what George Orwell called "double think." It is, unfortunately, a common affliction among Republicans. In fact, it is a capability or capacity that all of their candidates for the presidency is expected to exhibit, lest they otherwise be deemed unqualified for the job.
I would venture Senator Cruz is simply suffering from an advanced case of what George Orwell called "double think." It is, unfortunately, a common affliction among Republicans. In fact, it is a capability or capacity that all of their candidates for the presidency is expected to exhibit, lest they otherwise be deemed unqualified for the job.
8
Ted Cruz's theocratic Baptist preacher pop is a piece of work too. Apparently the family spent a bunch of time on their knees waiting for the green light from the Almighty for Ted's presidency run. I guess after 2 hours Mrs. Cruz got the message either from her knees or God that it was a go.
This is a hardcore strange family.
This is a hardcore strange family.
8
For a guy who likes to make claims about our founding fathers and their Judeo-Christian values, I wonder if he ever read the following?
...no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.
Article VI
...no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.
Article VI
10
Ted Cruz has an agreement with that campaign worker that he will **wink*wink** take one for the the Cruiser, and be rewarded under the table.
7
Mr Cruz comes across as a cheap politician who would stoop to the lowest tricks to attain his aims. He so reminds me of our prime minister ( Netanyahu) . I hope the American voters will not be fooled by his claims or shenanigans. On the other hand he would find much in common with Netanyahu.
5
Cruz is terrible, but there is not a decent person in the publican clown car.
5
Good news!
80% of Americans are acutely aware that Cruz is a delusional doctrine drenched, brainwashed from birth, angry misanthrope.
That works in Texas - but NOT in America.
80% of Americans are acutely aware that Cruz is a delusional doctrine drenched, brainwashed from birth, angry misanthrope.
That works in Texas - but NOT in America.
7
Cruz's sleazy tactics remind me of certain other political figure who's nickname was "Tricky". Sen. Cruz deserves a nickname befitting this new brand of shiftiness that he and his campaign has brought this election cycle.
5
Anyone who has to shout out loud, 'I'm a very religious person' is immediately suspect, in my book. A truly spiritual person does not have to say so; it is apparent to everyone she/he meets. Cruz is a diabolical wolf in sheep clothing that seems to keep falling off.
9
A brief comment on all this from a Canadian (but no admirer of semi-fellow-Canadian Ted Cruz) currently vacationing in Scottsdale, AZ; the "dream scenario" for November for the Democrats would be a Trump GOP candidacy, and a Cruz Independent candidacy. Then, when the dust and debris settle from a Democrat victory - echoes of Bill Clinton's victory in 1992 - the GOP can embrace what John Foster Dulles used to call "an agonizing reappraisal" of what their party is actually about, and what their country actually wants and needs.
4
So let me see if I have this straight. The South Carolina voters didn't favor Cruz because they deemed him Un Christian, but they decided that Trump, with his philandering ways and three marriages was a better fit.? One can only shake his head and laugh about what the voters are taking away from these candidates. The more Christian candidate shows up with a Bible in his hand and cant spout his favorite Biblican verse and doesn't know its Second Corinthians instead of two Corintians? God bless those Christian voters, They deserve the Trumpster.
1
I also have to blame the people who believe Ted Cruz.
When one looks at the people who follow all the TV preachers and talk radio, etc., it seems impossible that we can ever fix this country.
Why here in the US and not Europe and Canada?
When one looks at the people who follow all the TV preachers and talk radio, etc., it seems impossible that we can ever fix this country.
Why here in the US and not Europe and Canada?
1
Cruz is by all accounts very smart. His Machiavellian desire for power is frightening. It almost makes one yearn for the vacuousness and sincerity of Michelle Bachmann.
2
"John Lennon’s infamous claim — an outrage to American Christians in the 1960s — that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus", what John Lennon actually said, to paraphrase, was 'I am amazed, some people say we are more popular than Jesus.' or perhaps 'to some people we are more popular than jesus.' far different meaning, and the shorter version was picked up by a right wing commentator, Tommy Charles, in Birmingham Al.
Bernie Sanders is more authentically Christian than is Ted Cruz.
8
To be sure, Ted Cruz is truly atrocious, and his slick soundbites sound scripted and are delivered in a manner and tone that is high pitched sniveling and disingenuous. The wonder is that any Republican evangelical can fall this.
4
Machiavelli's number-one rule for a ruler: always appear to be a religious man, a compassionate, pious man. It worked, with a little help from the dastardly Supreme Court, for George W. Bush (the "compassionate conservative"), and it is why so many politicians cling to that tactic. Because most people are so gullible, ignorant, and superstitious, the person who controls God controls human beings.
5
Religion is true for the common man, false for the wise one, and useful for the politician.
3
The last thing this country needs is another "Jesus freak" in the White House. W couldn't talk without making some asinine reference to his "higher father" and it was comically silly in the 2000 campaign when he said Jesus Christ was his hero. If there is any message Jesus sought to dispel it was in worshiping false idols and he always taught that all men were brothers. It is stunningly apparent that Cruz, Trump and Rubio do not accept that teaching.
6
All republicans are unacceptable in our "democracy"
4
Well said and completely true. He is a hypocritical, sanctimonious pice of work.
It was a day of national celebration in Canada when he renounced his Canadian citizenship....
It was a day of national celebration in Canada when he renounced his Canadian citizenship....
4
Cruz is an angry fundamentalist and really not an evangelical. The heart of "evangel " is kindness , love , and ecumenicity. Cruz lacks all of this and is committed to the idea that " compromise " is a dirty word. He really should not even be in politics but should be pastor of a fundamentalist church. This is a major tragedy in this election.
4
GW Bush proved that wearing the Christian coat produced votes for him. If Ted Cruz really “turns the other cheek” then I think members of the Senate would actually like him. The conundrum is Trump who pretends to be a man of faith when in reality it is all about him. A true Demigod that could be the GOP candidate for President. This doesn’t say much about the direction of this country.
1
Yes, Cruz is bad news. He is sick with ambition and self-righteousness. He will likely flame out next Tuesday in the southern states he expected to win, and all of the republicans who can't stand the guy will rejoice. That still leaves the problem of Donald Trump. He is a different kind of bad news for the GOP which now resembles a runaway train with no one at the controls.
5
Observe what "freedom of religion " is to the politicians who promise it: liberty to do the most atrocious things in the name of God.
7
What I just cannot understand is why blue collar and evangelical Republicans rush to support the candidates who have consistently demonstrated their utter disregard for the lives of blue collar and evangelical voters??? Trump's multiple marriages and his appearance of skirt chasing don't seem to phase the Christian Right, while Cruz and Rubio are so clearly in the pockets of the same Big Business/Banks that has run roughshod over the middle class that support them. Do any of Trump/Cruz/Rubio supporters actually do their homework?
5
Do their supporters do their homework? No, that would take effort on their part.
1
When a politician, in this case Ted Cruz, is addicted to telling big lies, it is the responsibility of the media to expose the lies and to keep the spotlight shining on the candidate.
Congratulations to Mr. Bruni for his efforts to hold Ted Cruz accountable not only for his falsehoods but his hypocrisy as well.
But it is also important to understand why Cruz is a shameless liar. This is especially true because it seems that Cruz, like George W. Bush, has father issues that are spilling over into his political life.
Cruz's father, Rafael Cruz, is a virulently homophobic minister who has said God has chosen his son to be president. He has said that when true believers know that God is behind Cruz's campaign, there will be a groundswell of support that will put Cruz in the Oval Office. Cruz's dad maintains that his son is a "man of faith, a man of integrity, [and] a man that you can trust his word."
Rafael has been called Ted Cruz's campaign surrogate.
We saw how W.'s relationship with his father was one element that got us entangled in Iraq.
Do we want another president who needs to prove something to his father?
Congratulations to Mr. Bruni for his efforts to hold Ted Cruz accountable not only for his falsehoods but his hypocrisy as well.
But it is also important to understand why Cruz is a shameless liar. This is especially true because it seems that Cruz, like George W. Bush, has father issues that are spilling over into his political life.
Cruz's father, Rafael Cruz, is a virulently homophobic minister who has said God has chosen his son to be president. He has said that when true believers know that God is behind Cruz's campaign, there will be a groundswell of support that will put Cruz in the Oval Office. Cruz's dad maintains that his son is a "man of faith, a man of integrity, [and] a man that you can trust his word."
Rafael has been called Ted Cruz's campaign surrogate.
We saw how W.'s relationship with his father was one element that got us entangled in Iraq.
Do we want another president who needs to prove something to his father?
5
Cruz lies start with his banners. TrusTed. People who actually know him don't trust Ted to give them correct directions to the Restroom if the wrong directions would serve his interests.
I feel bad to remind people that he was born in Canada because I like Canadians.
I feel bad to remind people that he was born in Canada because I like Canadians.
6
The entire remaining Republicant cast is like a motley assortment of mutant critters that crawled out of the Everglades in a Carl Hiiasen novel
3
I'm a liberal so am not a supporter of Donald Trump who is known to shoot his big mouth off on occasion. But one thing Trump has repeatedly said publicly that could not be more true - Cruz is the biggest liar he's ever seen. My hope is that after he fades away in this election, the people in Texas will realize what a mistake they made electing Cruz to the Senate and vote him out in a couple of years. Cruz is a modern day Joe McCarthy and Texas should be ashamed that they foisted this guy onto the nation. .
2
Texas, Texas,Texas
2
Cruz is completely unfit to be president in any way you want to slice it.
The guy is a pure snake, as slimy as it gets.
He more or less insinuated that Chuck Hegel might have taken bribes from North Korea during his senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of Defense
I'd be much less concerned about Trump becoming president, frankly he's less of a clown than Cruz is.
The guy is a pure snake, as slimy as it gets.
He more or less insinuated that Chuck Hegel might have taken bribes from North Korea during his senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of Defense
I'd be much less concerned about Trump becoming president, frankly he's less of a clown than Cruz is.
3
Every election season I am shocked anew at the numbers of my fellow Amercan voters who are either very ignorant about the founding virtues of our democracy, or they share the mean spirit embodied in Republican politics, which seems to get meaner every year. I want my country back too.
13
Cruz, Trump and Rubio are each so vile that I can hardly bear to even read about them anymore. They are hypocritcal, obnoxious, bullies. They appear to have zero intellectual curiosity or understanding of the important issues facing our nation. Nor do they even really seem to care. None of them have come up with a single sensible plan for dealing with anything. Everything they say is a boast, platitude, or promise that they will never be able to keep (luckily). They all appear to have zero respect for the electorate or for the responsibility they have to the system they are part of. They continually pander to the electorate as if the process was one big game show. And, their use of their supposed "faith" as both a sword and a shield is possibily the lamest, most disgusting aspect of all.
10
There is just something about Ted Cruz' looks which make me shudder when I see him. And, who says he is brilliant? A law degree has much to do with memory, and bypasses many brain stressing courses in Science and Math. I suspect his brain is not wired for deep, truly brilliant thought..but, rather it gathers up bits and pieces and spits them out randomly. He is horrid.
2
I love the way Sen. Cruz invokes the spirit of Ronald Reagan in his speeches, conveniently leaving out the fact that Reagan and his wife Nancy , consulted a numerologist and astrologers in his presidential decision making through out his two terms.
3
Now this may be my "New York values" speaking, but The word "smarmy" was created for Ted Cruz.
I also have a question. The answer may self evident, but here goes:
Why should a picture of a Republican, or anyone for that matter, shaking hands with the President of the United States be considered a negative act? No wonder obstructionism reigns supreme in Washington.
I also have a question. The answer may self evident, but here goes:
Why should a picture of a Republican, or anyone for that matter, shaking hands with the President of the United States be considered a negative act? No wonder obstructionism reigns supreme in Washington.
11
To those of US who have been watching the republican party these last 4 decades hypocrisy and outright lying are nothing new or surprising.
I have not seen a republican politician in my adult life who espoused and lived by the words of Jesus; "care for these the least of my brethren, turn the other cheek, give unto Caesar"......
Without enemies to demonize the republican party couldn't attract moths to a candle lit supper. And most of those enemies were made up of whole cloth.
Someone should remind Cruz, and the rest of the party, that the Constitution says in Article VI: "The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and
the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive
and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of
the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation,
to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever
be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust
under the United States."
I have not seen a republican politician in my adult life who espoused and lived by the words of Jesus; "care for these the least of my brethren, turn the other cheek, give unto Caesar"......
Without enemies to demonize the republican party couldn't attract moths to a candle lit supper. And most of those enemies were made up of whole cloth.
Someone should remind Cruz, and the rest of the party, that the Constitution says in Article VI: "The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and
the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive
and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of
the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation,
to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever
be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust
under the United States."
9
Cruz has supported the constitution FAR FAR more than any democrat in history. I dislike the guy, but he knows more about the Constitution than any democrat knows about lying... and thats quite a bit.
1
Religion: the penultimate refuge of the scoundrel. Fortunately, the pathological liar, hypocrite ("whited sepulcher" to the Biblically inclined), and sociopathic opportunist Cruz is so loathed by those who know him best--his equally "challenged" GOP colleagues--that they will move, well, Heaven and Hell, to stymy his most un-stately progress.
4
Not only do we have to stop the Canadian and the wind-up doll in 2016, but we have to be prepared to do so for the next 5 or 6 elections, given their ages. One good way to do that is to send each of them down to such humiliating defeats that they will never again be able to raise the hundreds of millions of dollars that it takes to run for President in this oligarchic country. I'm hoping that Trump's 46% in Nevada leads to his nomination and then to a permanent break in the right wing party, resulting in at least two new parties, one for the evangelical right wingers and one for the non-denominational one percenters. That leaves a big ideological gap between the Democrats and these new parties, from which yet a Compromise (or Sanity) party might emerge. While my heart and my vote would remain with the Democrats, it would be nice to have a legislature that can get something done without the current level of vitriol that encourages Members to avoid being in the same room together with Members of the opposite party. This realignment would make it hard for the right wing parties to win national elections and limit their ability to win state-wide elections outside the Confederacy. As the Supreme Court nomination shows, continuation of the present system could lead to a Constitutional crisis that would lead me to bet against the US making it to 250 in 2026.
2
I find the religious hypocrisy & pandering that Cruz & some of the other presidential candidates do these days disgusting. I don't see how it's possible to reconcile the teachings of the Prince Of Prince with the initiation of unnecessary warfare (e.g., Iraq), which is the ethical equivalent of mass murder. I don't see how it's possible to reconcile strong support for torturing of prisoners of war with Jesus's teachings to love one's enemies. These positions are much more in accordance with the ancient Roman Imperialistic idea of using brutal force to subdue barbarians, but I believe they are inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
“It is essential not to lose sight of the moral dimension of war. ……..The War in Iraq did not even come close to satisfying the requirements of a just war.” Ron Paul
"There were not sufficient reasons to unleash a war against Iraq. ……It was right to resist the war.” Pope Benedict XVI
“It is essential not to lose sight of the moral dimension of war. ……..The War in Iraq did not even come close to satisfying the requirements of a just war.” Ron Paul
"There were not sufficient reasons to unleash a war against Iraq. ……It was right to resist the war.” Pope Benedict XVI
9
The end of the road for Cruz may be the upcoming elections on March 1st. Other than in Texas, Cruz may not stand a chance. It may be a Rubio, Trump race from there on in.
And then there is Cruz's relentless condescension and intolerable whiny preachiness. Is he simply incapable of speaking like a normal person?
5
That the fear and hate-filled devotees of the Republican party are blind to the hypocrisy of their party's front-runners is no longer a surprise to me. But what's truly appalling is the idea that a front-running Presidential candidate can say that "all the answers" can be found in the Bible and not be laughed out of primaries.
My God, what have we become? 'Course, what we've become may be the most d*mning evidence that there is no God, at least not the cartoon God clung to by those devotees.
My God, what have we become? 'Course, what we've become may be the most d*mning evidence that there is no God, at least not the cartoon God clung to by those devotees.
4
An exorcism is supposed to rid one of a demonic possession. And regarding Cruz, if not literally then figuratively/therapeutically for sure.
2
His whole "outsider" mantra is the biggest joke in America. Worked for Bush 43 helping to steal the Florida election in 2000(and brags about it!), worked at the supreme court, the Texas state government, is married to a Wall St. Banker, and graduated from Princeton and Harvard. Yes, a real outsider!! Quite simply - Ted Cruz is total fraud.
12
Forget Ted Cruz and Donald Trump! Eliminate your own mistakes and weaknesses!
What should Bernie Sanders do to defeat both Hillary Clinton and the GOP candidate this November?
What is his weak point?
The fellow Americans construe him as a socialist?!
Do you know what the great leaders are capable of?
They know how to transform their disadvantage into the strategic strength.
The voters are trained to believe the socialists are some freaks that want the society to pay for their bills, whims and laziness.
The truth is completely opposite. The socialists are the individuals that have the interests of the entire society as their top priority, so they work diligently and faithfully on our behalf - thus not even being afraid to die fighting for our country.
If we used this definition, who would be the socialists in America?
That would be our military personal.
If Mr. Sanders were capable of aligning his campaign with our military and the national interests and changing the public perception of the word “socialist” he would be unstoppable...
Never try to win by bringing the others down but solely by elevating your skills, abilities and strengths!
What should Bernie Sanders do to defeat both Hillary Clinton and the GOP candidate this November?
What is his weak point?
The fellow Americans construe him as a socialist?!
Do you know what the great leaders are capable of?
They know how to transform their disadvantage into the strategic strength.
The voters are trained to believe the socialists are some freaks that want the society to pay for their bills, whims and laziness.
The truth is completely opposite. The socialists are the individuals that have the interests of the entire society as their top priority, so they work diligently and faithfully on our behalf - thus not even being afraid to die fighting for our country.
If we used this definition, who would be the socialists in America?
That would be our military personal.
If Mr. Sanders were capable of aligning his campaign with our military and the national interests and changing the public perception of the word “socialist” he would be unstoppable...
Never try to win by bringing the others down but solely by elevating your skills, abilities and strengths!
Your lack of understanding of what socialism is... and what it does.. and what it evolves into.. is really disturbing.
2
The Man In Tibet
I appreciate Frank Bruni's op-ed today, but I think he only addressed symptoms of the man Ted Cruz actually is.
You can try to know Senator Cruz by evaluating his mish-mash of Neocon and Christian evangelism; but to discover the real Ted Cruz, watch these two (somewhat redundant) videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlI2rjPIRI0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elfC7d_rm1A
I am not "digging up dirt" about the good senator. I assume this is who he actually is ... and it's definitely the person he wants you to believe he is.
I can't help adding that if you look into the conscientious indoctrinating influence of true-believer fathers like Rafael Bienvenido Cruz, Fred C. Koch -- and, yes, even Joseph P. Kennedy -- you can see fairly clearly how some kids have real difficulty breaking the mold.
I appreciate Frank Bruni's op-ed today, but I think he only addressed symptoms of the man Ted Cruz actually is.
You can try to know Senator Cruz by evaluating his mish-mash of Neocon and Christian evangelism; but to discover the real Ted Cruz, watch these two (somewhat redundant) videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlI2rjPIRI0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elfC7d_rm1A
I am not "digging up dirt" about the good senator. I assume this is who he actually is ... and it's definitely the person he wants you to believe he is.
I can't help adding that if you look into the conscientious indoctrinating influence of true-believer fathers like Rafael Bienvenido Cruz, Fred C. Koch -- and, yes, even Joseph P. Kennedy -- you can see fairly clearly how some kids have real difficulty breaking the mold.
5
Contemporary American Evangelical Christianity is a cesspool of grifters, thieves, racists, misogynists, homophobes, and bigots. It’s a manifestation of religion that is based upon hate and greed, in love with sadism and violence. It always throws up a false piety, and sense of victimhood, in which to hide behind when called out for its nasty deeds and opinions.
Take it from me, as a gay man who grew up in a conservative part of this country, none of this remotely surprising. What beggars belief is that the American people haven't wised up to these kinds of shenanigans after many decades of it. Maybe they like it?
Take it from me, as a gay man who grew up in a conservative part of this country, none of this remotely surprising. What beggars belief is that the American people haven't wised up to these kinds of shenanigans after many decades of it. Maybe they like it?
11
"Take it from me", a woman, you are absolutely correct.
6
Cruz-o-fiction is a malignant narcissist, the worst kind. Remember Bernie Madoff? Same type only Cruz is after power, not money. He believes whatever his marks believe (fundamentalist religion, conspiracy theories, et al) to gain their confidence and bring them in. Just look at his meme, "TrusTed." Yet everything he does evokes not trust but enmity from the discerning. This man should not be anywhere close to the mechanisms of power.
4
Cruz is a religious zealot who craves power. What could go wrong with that?
6
The "even if it's true " non apology-apology proves Cruz to be without any sense of shame. He'll say he's sorry for what he get's caught at,right the same time he's still doing it.I suspect from the way Cruz proclaims his,and indeed does question everyone elses' faith ,that for him Christianity is much less a faith than it is a convenience,a means to end by which he tries to appeal to an audience that possesses genuine Christian faith.
And where I'm not a Christian,where I profess no religious belief ,holier than now pretending candidates such as Cruz and Rubio get excessively tiresome.
And Cruz in making one false accusation after another of his foes is the GOP's own creation.After all,isn't the party that is associated with " swift boating ?" Didn't the GOP fertilize it's political soil for Cruz's phony piesy more than 30 years ago when bowed to the phony pies the likes of Jerry Fallwell ?
What Cruz really repreresents,as well Trump.are the coming home at last to roost of the demons the GOP long seduced.
And where I'm not a Christian,where I profess no religious belief ,holier than now pretending candidates such as Cruz and Rubio get excessively tiresome.
And Cruz in making one false accusation after another of his foes is the GOP's own creation.After all,isn't the party that is associated with " swift boating ?" Didn't the GOP fertilize it's political soil for Cruz's phony piesy more than 30 years ago when bowed to the phony pies the likes of Jerry Fallwell ?
What Cruz really repreresents,as well Trump.are the coming home at last to roost of the demons the GOP long seduced.
Ted Cruz and Donald Trump would have no chance versus the really good candidate.
Is Mr. Sanders a good candidate? He is a good smart person but he doesn’t know how to fight and close the deal. That’s why he needs Mr. Trump as his right hand to compensate for those shortcomings.
Bernie should have won the Nevada primary decisively because of the enormously harmful liabilities Hillary gathered over the last few decades. She is a part of establishment directly responsible for the current conditions but he can’t nail her for the previous sins.
She equaled herself to the other GOP candidates and declared she would publish her speeches only if they did. Nobody smart compares self to the Pinocchios of the special interests. You hold yourself to the much higher standards.
If I gave a speech to Goldman Sachs and charged them several hundred thousand dollars for it, that should be something extremely valuable and useful.
If I were running for the US president to work on behalf of the fellow Americans, I would beg the free press to publish my speeches in order to educate and inform the fellow citizens. I would not try to hide such a potentially colossal wisdom from them.
Of course, I would try to hide my speeches to the bankers only if there was something rotten in them and hurtful to the voters.
The Americans can lose the next elections only if we nominate two really bad candidates...
Is Mr. Sanders a good candidate? He is a good smart person but he doesn’t know how to fight and close the deal. That’s why he needs Mr. Trump as his right hand to compensate for those shortcomings.
Bernie should have won the Nevada primary decisively because of the enormously harmful liabilities Hillary gathered over the last few decades. She is a part of establishment directly responsible for the current conditions but he can’t nail her for the previous sins.
She equaled herself to the other GOP candidates and declared she would publish her speeches only if they did. Nobody smart compares self to the Pinocchios of the special interests. You hold yourself to the much higher standards.
If I gave a speech to Goldman Sachs and charged them several hundred thousand dollars for it, that should be something extremely valuable and useful.
If I were running for the US president to work on behalf of the fellow Americans, I would beg the free press to publish my speeches in order to educate and inform the fellow citizens. I would not try to hide such a potentially colossal wisdom from them.
Of course, I would try to hide my speeches to the bankers only if there was something rotten in them and hurtful to the voters.
The Americans can lose the next elections only if we nominate two really bad candidates...
1
Ted Cruz's record--both prior to and during this campaign--is so sleazy and despicable that the one time Donald Trump doesn't need to lie or make baseless accusations is when he's talking about Cruz. And, mind you, Trump is far and away the record-holder for pants-on-fire claims on Politifact.
3
For claiming to be a strict constitutionnaliste, he does inject a whole lot of religion into his politics.
Imposing an evangelistic Christianity to our nation is very scary indeed.
Imposing an evangelistic Christianity to our nation is very scary indeed.
5
I can't even comment on this, other than Bruni is right on on the sleaze level of Cruz. The sad part is the rest of the Republican pack is not so far behind.
3
The outcome in Nevada has overtaken this column. Mr. Cruz will not be the nominee.
Horrified by the unpredictable economic consequence of a Trump presidency, the Republicans who do not favor Trump will hold their noses and vote for Hillary. This will compensate for her loss of a chunk of disappointed Bernie supporters who stay at home. Stung by the rejection of so many of her own party Hillary will take their issues to heart and push for enactment of a much more progressive agenda than she would have done otherwise. Drawing upon her formidable capacity for work she will be very successful in this. Her success will earn her no love because the disappointed Bernie supporters' minds are made up; she is corrupt. The Republicans who voted for her will be angry as well. She will be this era's LBJ.
Horrified by the unpredictable economic consequence of a Trump presidency, the Republicans who do not favor Trump will hold their noses and vote for Hillary. This will compensate for her loss of a chunk of disappointed Bernie supporters who stay at home. Stung by the rejection of so many of her own party Hillary will take their issues to heart and push for enactment of a much more progressive agenda than she would have done otherwise. Drawing upon her formidable capacity for work she will be very successful in this. Her success will earn her no love because the disappointed Bernie supporters' minds are made up; she is corrupt. The Republicans who voted for her will be angry as well. She will be this era's LBJ.
1
If Jesus were around today, he would be appalled at Ted Cruz exploiting Christianity for his own gain. I think of the story where Jesus saw that the Synagogue was being used as a market place, and he tore his clothes and destroyed everything that was being sold. This is the only time in the Bible where Jesus becomes truly angry and resorts to violence. These salesmen were exploiting the church to make a profit, and Ted Cruz is doing the same thing.
1
Ever since Cruz we have become aware of Cruz and seen him on Sunday political shows and interviews, the thing that struck me was his remarkable similarity in both appearance and content to Joe McCarthy, the infamous leader of the 1950s witch hunts. Someone should have the courage to say to Cruz what was said to McCarthy,"Have you no sense of decency, sir?" He also reminds me of the character in "The Manchurian Candidate", John Iselin, with the sanctimony and appeal to religiosity, intolerance, nativism, and pseudo-patriotism, but then he is not the only GOP candidate touching these bases.
2
Some versus from this song might help
From Eurythmics
Don't mess with a missionary man.
Don't mess with a missionary man.
Well the missionary man
He's got God on his side.
He's got the saints and apostles
Backin' up from behind.
Black eyed looks from those Bible books.
He's a man with a mission
Got a serious mind.
From Eurythmics
Don't mess with a missionary man.
Don't mess with a missionary man.
Well the missionary man
He's got God on his side.
He's got the saints and apostles
Backin' up from behind.
Black eyed looks from those Bible books.
He's a man with a mission
Got a serious mind.
3
Is anyone else as sick as I am by the need to prove your "God cred" before you can run for public office? I find it disingenuous and disgusting. I would rather that voters who claim to be Christians (or Jews or Muslims or Hindus...) look at what a candidate says and does the rest of the week instead of on his proclaimed holy day. Does he lie? Cheat? Spread hate? Abuse his employees? Disrespect his co-workers? Divorce his wife (wives)?
How can anyone claim to be Christian who says he wants to hunt Muslims with bullets dipped in pig's blood? How can anyone claim to be a Christian who has utter disregard for the poor and unemployed and uninsured? How can anyone claim to be a Christian when they want to "punch that guy in the face" for protesting against him?
Being a Christian has nothing to do with how you spend your Sundays, or how much you invoke the Bible in your speeches because your campaign strategist told you to, or whether you "start each day on your knees." In the purest sense, it's about how you live your life and treat your fellow human beings.
The top Republican candidates for president must have Jesus rolling over in his grave.
How can anyone claim to be Christian who says he wants to hunt Muslims with bullets dipped in pig's blood? How can anyone claim to be a Christian who has utter disregard for the poor and unemployed and uninsured? How can anyone claim to be a Christian when they want to "punch that guy in the face" for protesting against him?
Being a Christian has nothing to do with how you spend your Sundays, or how much you invoke the Bible in your speeches because your campaign strategist told you to, or whether you "start each day on your knees." In the purest sense, it's about how you live your life and treat your fellow human beings.
The top Republican candidates for president must have Jesus rolling over in his grave.
3
So perhaps Cruz should fire several of his handpicked supporters?
1
Ted Cruz is a pathological tongue twister whose verbal diarrhoea stinks as much as th real one. It is easy to see his power hungry demeanour once you get past his glib rationalisation of his spoken words.
I fail to understand what is Christian about lying yet Ted Cruz practises his own lying as gospel.
It has been a while since we have seen such a cynical, misanthropic chase for power at any cost. This great country doesn't deserve politicians like him yet we are saddled with the likes of him who will chase the ability to be powerful at any cost. Sadly America will rue the day if Ted Cruz becomes more than a senator of Texas
I fail to understand what is Christian about lying yet Ted Cruz practises his own lying as gospel.
It has been a while since we have seen such a cynical, misanthropic chase for power at any cost. This great country doesn't deserve politicians like him yet we are saddled with the likes of him who will chase the ability to be powerful at any cost. Sadly America will rue the day if Ted Cruz becomes more than a senator of Texas
"He directs you to his halo as he surreptitiously grabs a pitchfork." What a great line Frank, it succinctly captures Ted Cruz. The people he surrounds himself with remind me of the Brown Shirts in Germany whose tactics included spreading false propaganda. His modus operandi also includes one employed by Joseph Goebbels (to paraphrase): "Tell a lie often enough and it becomes the truth".
Ted Cruz is a pseudo-Christian. As you have so aptly characterized him Mr. Bruni.
Ted Cruz is a pseudo-Christian. As you have so aptly characterized him Mr. Bruni.
4
I would like to use more colorful language to describe Ted Cruz...politely speakin': Cruz ain't gettin' elected to the Presidency of these United States. He can try the for dictatorship of Cuba.
2
I am a Mormon and wish I could stand on a mountain top and declare that Romney's 47% comment was an affront to the church. The church helps its poor in the most respectful way possible with lay bishops given discretion and ample resources to privately help each family in need. Unlike Cruz, however, Romney gives generously to his church, more than 10%. It's true that both are hypocrites, but Romney is not even in the same ballpark with Cruz.
3
When I was young, I remember a neighbor in my hometown who came to sell my father on an investment group from Utah. Our neighbor praised the bona fides of the group explaining that these investors started every day with a prayer circle. The gist of our neighbor's sales pitch was that nothing could possibly go wrong with such pious Mormon men managing your money. My father was skeptical, and his reluctance was born out, when our neighbor lost a substantial amount of people from these investors who were nothing more than religious con men (Utah suffers inordinately from these religious scam artists). It was a valuable lesson. If someone's piety has to trumpeted publicly with pronounced displays of word and action, then it is best to give them a wide berth, they are not to be trusted. Ted Cruz, in my opinion, is one such persons. I believe Jesus referred to them as being whited sepulchers full of bleached bones.
3
We can see the future now pretty clearly, and Cruz won't get the nomination.
If Trump can run-the-table of the Republican winner-take-all states odds are Trump comes to the convention as the winner with the delegates in hand.
This leads to the interesting question: can Kasich win in Ohio? If he can, then even if he got noting else, he might deny Trump the delegates to own the convention.
If Trump can run-the-table of the Republican winner-take-all states odds are Trump comes to the convention as the winner with the delegates in hand.
This leads to the interesting question: can Kasich win in Ohio? If he can, then even if he got noting else, he might deny Trump the delegates to own the convention.
Obama is stonewalled at every turn by a Republican congress that hates him. The same Republican congress largely hates the Bible-thumping Cruz. Democrats hate and fear Cruz. So, if Cruz becomes president, we face the same gridlock. At least Obama didn't alienate his own party. Cruz's assertion that he is a uniter is laughable. He can't even unite his own party.
1
Ha!
I missed, "I'm pretty certain Mitt Romney actually French-kissed Barack Obama"!
Oh, the Trussed-up Ted, that "Condom Cruz"! Always trying to get sex in there, somehow!
I missed, "I'm pretty certain Mitt Romney actually French-kissed Barack Obama"!
Oh, the Trussed-up Ted, that "Condom Cruz"! Always trying to get sex in there, somehow!
1
So Bruni has trashed Trump, and now Cruz, but even if they win he'll still vote for the guy with the "R" after his name. Hard to believe anything Frank says anymore.
1
Ted Cruz -- making the Antichrist look like an angel for generations of God-fearing, evangelical hypocrites. Or maybe it's just that chronic smirk. He's like an old-school televangelist, but withou any of the charm.
2
TC ignores OUR Constitution that guarantees SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE and, as Mr. Burni says, puts on his horns and grabs his spear and goes after the "radial religious" vote. He wants to be president and thinks his BIG donor money will make it happen? All their stolen money can buy is OUR votes and mine goes to Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton - the first woman in the 240 year HIStory of the United States who is the MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATE WITH THE MOST NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL CAPITAL to help US restore democracy in America. Perhaps we could tar and feather DT, TC and MR and send them to outer Siberia?
2
The Constitution does no such thing. Perhaps you should read it.
The rotten core of the repugnant Cruz candidacy is causing it to implode even as we speak. And it couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
2
It will be fun to watch Trump wipe the floor with him in Texas. Then let's see how well Rubio stands up when Tornado Trump challenges him on his home turf of Florida. Onward Christian soldiers.
1
The Devil in Frank Bruni would be a more apt title for this regurgitated hatchet job. We get it already; you and the "unbiased" NYT columnists have taken down Cruz, Trump, Rubio, Bush and even Sanders plenty of times. Do you think we're so stupid that we don't understand how badly you want Hillary to win the presidency?
Well, if you were part Cuban, Canadian and Texan, you'd probably be a little mixed up too. And if I woke up in the morning thinking " dang, I look like Joseph McCarthy" that might make me meaner than Richard Nixon during the Watergate hearings.
A hypocritical GOP politician flogging his "religion cred" to garner votes?
I'm shocked!
I'm shocked!
2
For the second time in a row, I find my self agreeing with Mr. Bruni.
Though I like some of the views of Mr. Cruz, I just would not buy a
"Used Car" from him.
Though I like some of the views of Mr. Cruz, I just would not buy a
"Used Car" from him.
1
Looking ahead, I have already written Ted Cruz's concession speech after Trump sweeps the Super Tuesday primaries:Psalm 22.1,6
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish?
But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by everyone, despised by the people.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish?
But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by everyone, despised by the people.
ted cruz seems smart, and cool headed. he was my favorite in all the g.o.p. debates. to favor trump over him, politics aside, means someone is incompetent. thats my opinion, for i am poetic. i just tune out his jesus talk. i overlook it. thats what people do in life to friends. you think your friend is a little nuts on some stuff, but you see the good side. so, dude, grow up. when you point your finger in scorn at ted cruz, three other fingers come back to you. i believe mother teresa said that. and, its obvious you think rubio is cute!! just say that. be real for once.
Obviously, Cruz is totally dishonest. Even with the controversy over the misquote of Rubio's statement on the Bible was not handled honestly. They made believe it was an honest mistake and should have checked, when we all know now that Cruz hired these people to like and cheat.
It also is a liability than no one who ever knew him has one kind word to say about him. I would never vote for Trump, but I think he is a much better choise than Cruz. Now I just hope he goes away soon, and joins the list of losers who won the meaningless Iowa caucuses.
It also is a liability than no one who ever knew him has one kind word to say about him. I would never vote for Trump, but I think he is a much better choise than Cruz. Now I just hope he goes away soon, and joins the list of losers who won the meaningless Iowa caucuses.
I am no fan of Trump, but he said it best about Cruz: That man is "sick." The sooner we get Cruz off the stage, any stage, the better for all of us, Democrats and Republicans alike.
1
Calling Cruz sick when compared to Trump is like the kettle calling the pot black.
If it is true, as has recently been reported, that Rafael Cruz's mother renounced her American citizenship and took Canadian citizenship and voted there, then he would not be a "natural born" US citizen. Let's hope it does turn out to be true. Then one less hypocrite to worry about, although as long as he is in the Senate, he can still cause a lot of trouble.
1
Sinclair Lewis said: "Fascism will come to America wrapped in the flag, and carrying a cross." This is Ted Cruz. Hypocritical, nasty, a religious zealot, wrong for America, just plain wrong.
4
When the articulate and slick Mr. Cruz talks fire and brimstone, which is practically all the time, he sounds a little too familiar with hell and a lot less familiar with the heaven he purports to represent. For me, at least, Ted Cruz is the most sinister and diabolical of the Republican lot.
"And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"
-W.B. Yeats
"And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?"
-W.B. Yeats
1
The author is kind in not eviscerating Cruz for the worst examples of his maniacal Bible-thumping--Cruz is genuinely troubling in his theocracy. The trend of evangelicals moving away from him in the voting is splendid…if only they had something worthwhile to move to.
1
This column was far too intelligent and far too well-written to dissuade any of Mr. Cruz's supporters, and that is precisely what is terrifying about his candidacy.
1
A few months ago, Ted Cruz appeared at a Republican function where evangelical Pastor Swanson was prominent. Swanson promotes the death penalty for homosexuals.
What does this say about Cruz and the company he keeps? What does this say about evangelicals?
What does this say about Cruz and the company he keeps? What does this say about evangelicals?
5
Nicolle Wallace was just on TV, summing up Cruz's showing in Nevada thusly:
"Karma is a you know what!"
That's really what Mr. Bruni's column is about, as well. We can only hope it stays true.
"Karma is a you know what!"
That's really what Mr. Bruni's column is about, as well. We can only hope it stays true.
Ted Cruz is a combination of Jimmy Swaggert (the televangelist), Joseph McCarthy (the revolting red hunter) and Joseph Stalin (the evil dictator).
I actually agree with Bruni. I think people are finding out about this guy and are realizing that he is, as Trump says, "A really nasty guy."
Now Trump too is a nasty guy but there is this sense with Trump that he is in on the joke (himself). You just get the feeling he doesn't really believe much of what he says. He is a narcissist so for him, the important thing to him is not what he is saying but that he is talking and people are listening (for whatever reason).
I actually agree with Bruni. I think people are finding out about this guy and are realizing that he is, as Trump says, "A really nasty guy."
Now Trump too is a nasty guy but there is this sense with Trump that he is in on the joke (himself). You just get the feeling he doesn't really believe much of what he says. He is a narcissist so for him, the important thing to him is not what he is saying but that he is talking and people are listening (for whatever reason).
it might shock many americans to hear this, but there hundreds of millions of non americans who are happy to be living in their own countries. one reason is the revolting American political system. the three leaders in the race to the bottom for potus would be on the loony fringe in any other western democracy. and as for the john lennon thing.....he'd made that comment months before in Britain. it didn't raise many eyebrows. when it was discovered the usa-- particularly in the bible belt--he was savaged. the bonfires stoked by people throwing beatles records etc into them couldn't help bring back memories of 1930s Germany.
1
Cruz is the most frightening politician I've even seen and I've been around a long time. He is scarier than McCarthy.
3
I must admit to over estimating Ted Cruz. I always knew who and what he was and started writing about him 4 years ago. I guess I somewhat overestimated his political skills and failed to understand his inability to control his hubris.
Watch for Tom Cotton at the convention.
Watch for Tom Cotton at the convention.
2
Pardon the punning, but you are preaching to the converted. Most NYT readers have ample information about Cruz and the other Republican candidates. The problem is that most supporters of those awful candidates discount most, if not all, fact-based information that contradicts their beliefs -- especially when that information comes from the New York Times.
How does anyone communicate with people who choose to be ignorant?
How does anyone communicate with people who choose to be ignorant?
2
When fascism comes to the United States, it will be wrapped in a flag carrying a cross.
-Sinclair Lewis.
-Sinclair Lewis.
3
Cruz is like the Pharisee, elected by a whole state of Pharisees, who love to pray in public and behave viciously the rest of the time. I wish I could say with Jesus, "They have their reward," but alas, they have more and more every day, because gullible idiots believe them.
2
A couple of weeks ago my son asked me why I don't like Cruz. I told him I couldn't really put my finger on why, but I think this column goes a long way to helping me elucidate the reason.
Folks that loudly express how pious they are rub me the wrong way. I'm surprised more voters don't feel that way. It doesn't make them appear more trustworthy to me. And this is coming from someone to whom religious observance is a key part of who he is.
Folks that loudly express how pious they are rub me the wrong way. I'm surprised more voters don't feel that way. It doesn't make them appear more trustworthy to me. And this is coming from someone to whom religious observance is a key part of who he is.
3
Cruz is as empty as his soul desiring power for the sake of it. Ego feeding at its finest. Interesting blog post here: sentientpolitics.wordpress.com
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Cruz's pray book does not include the Beatitues for he is not a peacemaker, pure of heart or a man of mercy. He believes in carpet bombing, torture, regressive taxes, and bigotry. Taking an oath of office to uphold the Constitution and then shuting down our government and now shuting down the Supreme Court makes Cruz's oath and word a mockery. He prays for power, a self-indulgent power. He is UNTRUSTED.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Cruz's pray book does not include the Beatitues for he is not a peacemaker, pure of heart or a man of mercy. He believes in carpet bombing, torture, regressive taxes, and bigotry. Taking an oath of office to uphold the Constitution and then shuting down our government and now shuting down the Supreme Court makes Cruz's oath and word a mockery. He prays for power, a self-indulgent power. He is UNTRUSTED.
160
Thankfully Rafael Edward Cruz is a natural born citizen of Canada and is only half-American. Perhaps he will self deport back to his hometown of Calgary and his home province of Alberta. Or maybe Rafael will answer the call of his half-Cuban soul and accept an appointment as warden at Gitmo or American ambassador to Cuba.
Unlike his fellow Cuban Marco Antonio Rubio who is immature, ignorant, inexperienced and incompetent, Rafael Cruz is intemperate and immoral. Rafael is part Huey Long and Joe McCarthy. Marco is all Sarah Palin and Dan Quayle.
Unlike his fellow Cuban Marco Antonio Rubio who is immature, ignorant, inexperienced and incompetent, Rafael Cruz is intemperate and immoral. Rafael is part Huey Long and Joe McCarthy. Marco is all Sarah Palin and Dan Quayle.
4
Cruz and his ilk - completely lacking in grace.
The very opposite of Obama and the survivors and families of the South Charleston massacre victims.
The very opposite of Obama and the survivors and families of the South Charleston massacre victims.
1
French kissing Barack Obama and starting every day on his knees?
I'm always surprised at the way homoerotic imagery finds its way into the statements of prominent Christians.
I'm always surprised at the way homoerotic imagery finds its way into the statements of prominent Christians.
2
My deepest thanks for pointing out just how un-christian this self-lauding "Christian" is.
The fact this evil hate monger is popular is really scary. he almost makes Trump look nice. Maybe when he drops out people will see the contract between Trump and others more clearly.
Hopefully Cruz will be hoisted on the same "cruzifix" he uses to bash others with. And I'm tired of Rubio's Marjoe-like piety as well. Keep your
religion out of politics, read the 1st Amendment and try to endorse it with the same fervor you do the 2nd. Republicans...shameless hypocrites all.
religion out of politics, read the 1st Amendment and try to endorse it with the same fervor you do the 2nd. Republicans...shameless hypocrites all.
“Biggest liar in politics!” Trump tweeted about Ted Cruz on Monday – the implication being that they're all liars, but Cruz is the best liar of all. So good at it, in fact, one might be tempted to say he that he can be TrusTed to Make America Great Again.
I’ve never seen such unanimity. With the exception of a few outliers, the readers’ comments express nothing but distain for the gentleman.
It says something that there remains a significant number of primary voters who still choose him over the other Republican candidates.
It says something that there remains a significant number of primary voters who still choose him over the other Republican candidates.
Cruz is a hypocrite ? Stop the presses !
God is certainly busy these days. He's chosen every single one of the Republican candidates to the be the next president. God is in for some sure disappointment as they all can't win. Amazingly, God never chooses a Democrat to serve in office, even though their platform comes swimmingly close to Jesus' doctrine.
3
When you mix religion with politics this is what you get. We had a taste of this when George W. Bush said he did not need to consult with his father about whether to wage war in Iraq because he took his advice from a higher Father figure. But that was "bush" league compared to Ted Cruz. He acts like a televangelist who lectures his flock about morality while using church funds to buy a yacht and then take his paramour aboard.
With Cruz, I always wonder what he's trying so hard to run away from. Whatever he says, with all that oleaginous piety, I wonder what it is about him he doesn't want us to see. Like so many evangelical people who parade their faith, I suspect not just that he's a hypocrite, which he clearly is, but that he is hiding something that he, at least, considers a deep dark secret. And I don't mean financial corruption.
1
Bernie Sander's campaign is so refreshing in part because he knows that a person's religious beliefs are private and should not be the stuff of political campaigns.
I don't care if our President start his/her day in prayer. I care that the good of the American people is his/her primary motivation. While we may debate about what is good for the people, there is no doubt in my mind that the Republican candidates haven't given it much thought.
I don't care if our President start his/her day in prayer. I care that the good of the American people is his/her primary motivation. While we may debate about what is good for the people, there is no doubt in my mind that the Republican candidates haven't given it much thought.
1
Sinclair Lewis wrote a book about Ted Cruz. It's called Elmer Gantry. After he finally bows out (hopefully sooner than later) I expect to see him on the Sunday morning television evangelical circuit, which is just where he belongs.
111
Notice the way Senator Cruz announced the firing of his Campaign Communications Director: "Even if it were true..." Isn't that just another way of Him also casting doubt on the voracity of Trump's claim to be a Christian?
And, who is Cruz to suggest that Christians are better than believers of other faiths, or those who have no religious beliefs whatsoever? Religious zealots who try or do close-down the entire Government for minuscule ideological reasons are hardly the type of people that we should want in government.
Throwing the baby out with the bath water, while disregarding women's health issues is totally insane, as well as jeopardizing other vital programs, is hardly demonstrative of good judgement, but just a lack of common sense.
And unfortunately, the Media plays up to all of this nonsense. Why not provide statistics on other such equally important issues as: does the candidate put his/her left shoe on before the right; type of gum they chew, if any; favorite ice cream; etc. I'm sure that Americans need to know these things too--ASAP!
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
And, who is Cruz to suggest that Christians are better than believers of other faiths, or those who have no religious beliefs whatsoever? Religious zealots who try or do close-down the entire Government for minuscule ideological reasons are hardly the type of people that we should want in government.
Throwing the baby out with the bath water, while disregarding women's health issues is totally insane, as well as jeopardizing other vital programs, is hardly demonstrative of good judgement, but just a lack of common sense.
And unfortunately, the Media plays up to all of this nonsense. Why not provide statistics on other such equally important issues as: does the candidate put his/her left shoe on before the right; type of gum they chew, if any; favorite ice cream; etc. I'm sure that Americans need to know these things too--ASAP!
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
56
I appreciate this column's summary of Ted Cruz's foul and hypocritical behavior, but its shocked and outraged tone puzzles me. Is Frank Bruni just learning about Cruz's scheming, amoral obnoxiousness?
Ted clearly thinks himself better than everyone else likely trumpets his faith (discovered just in time for this campaign) as a way of fooling voters into liking him. If it's pretty clear that if you're not very likable, you'd best cling to something everyone loves and honors--such as religion or patriotism.
Cruz is a nasty, arrogant guy without any political record or concrete policy plans. Trump panders almost as much on religion while spewing hatred and even fewer plans. Throw in the Rubiobot and you have spectacle masquerading as democracy.
It doesn't surprise me that Americans are so angry. It does surprise and disappoint me that they're not doing anything constructive or proactive with that pent-up dissatisfaction. Voters on both side are getting played by organizations that mimic their emotions but have no plan to respond to their actual needs.
Ted clearly thinks himself better than everyone else likely trumpets his faith (discovered just in time for this campaign) as a way of fooling voters into liking him. If it's pretty clear that if you're not very likable, you'd best cling to something everyone loves and honors--such as religion or patriotism.
Cruz is a nasty, arrogant guy without any political record or concrete policy plans. Trump panders almost as much on religion while spewing hatred and even fewer plans. Throw in the Rubiobot and you have spectacle masquerading as democracy.
It doesn't surprise me that Americans are so angry. It does surprise and disappoint me that they're not doing anything constructive or proactive with that pent-up dissatisfaction. Voters on both side are getting played by organizations that mimic their emotions but have no plan to respond to their actual needs.
2
If I were a wealthy Democrat, I would make a very large donation to Cruz's PAC and encourage as many others as possible to do the same.
False proclamations of devotion to his Christian faith. Aspiring to be the leader of the most powerful nation on earth and with that the capability to annihilate the world. Your article conjures up images of the antichrist.
3
FYI, Liberty University isn't the largest Christian university in the world. Brigham Young University is twice Liberty's size.
John Gibbons:
Reply? I don't think Mormons are Christians.....Isn't there a little Moroni, or someone on top of their "temples"?
Reply? I don't think Mormons are Christians.....Isn't there a little Moroni, or someone on top of their "temples"?
Thus is the mirror held up to our American't Republican Evangellicals.
Do they not see the horror and confusion of the American't populace?!
No, of course they can't.
There is no reflection. (pun intended)
Get! Out! and Vote!
#NotMeUs
Do they not see the horror and confusion of the American't populace?!
No, of course they can't.
There is no reflection. (pun intended)
Get! Out! and Vote!
#NotMeUs
2
Aside from the issue of Mr. Cruz's hypocrisy, which seems abundant, and the observable pattern in which those mostly loudly professing Christian "values" also seem readiest to "fight dirty" in politics, I was reminded of a wonderful statement by Brian Sims, a Pennsylvania state legislator, several years ago in one of the never-ending debates about women's health and reproductive rights:
“Each of us [elected office holders] put our hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. We did not place our hand on the Constitution and swear to uphold the Bible."
“Each of us [elected office holders] put our hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. We did not place our hand on the Constitution and swear to uphold the Bible."
3
Ted Cruz? Trickster is, as trickster does.
Cruz = a transparent TRICKSTER.
Cruz = a transparent TRICKSTER.
Who prays on their knees like it's 1955? What does a Ted Cruz prayer sound like?
Ted Cruz on his knees by his bedside at the crack of dawn, consciously trying to pray like a character in a Norman Rockwell painting: Please, savior, let me secure enough momentum to win Nevada, and then let me win Super Tuesday and not be embarrassed by losing in my own state; and please, alpha and omega, let my blazer and jeans look resonate with the down-home folk... let them see how country and bible-versed and pastor-like I am; and please, embarrass Rubio and make a fool of the Donald and make me look like I am reacting kind, like it says in the Bible, to react in kind...always in kind; and, please, lord of lords, let all the down-home folk think that I have a funny, quirky, romantic side cause I sing "I just called to say I love you" on the phone with my wife; and, please, king of kings, let the conniving, sneaky, twisted things I do in my commercials and during my campaign, please, let them be interpreted as witty and smart and...in kind...always in kind; and, please, dear creator, let Hannity and I become real friends.
The pope should be calling out Ted Cruz for his blatant hypocrisy. Trump is a Saint compared to Cruz. Ok, maybe not a saint, a lesser demon maybe, a hell-harpie to Cruz's man-Medusa
There needs to be a modern version of Dante's "Inferno" drafted. A political version. Cruz would be deep in the inner circle, grinning, reciting "Greens Eggs and Ham" for eternity.
Ted Cruz on his knees by his bedside at the crack of dawn, consciously trying to pray like a character in a Norman Rockwell painting: Please, savior, let me secure enough momentum to win Nevada, and then let me win Super Tuesday and not be embarrassed by losing in my own state; and please, alpha and omega, let my blazer and jeans look resonate with the down-home folk... let them see how country and bible-versed and pastor-like I am; and please, embarrass Rubio and make a fool of the Donald and make me look like I am reacting kind, like it says in the Bible, to react in kind...always in kind; and, please, lord of lords, let all the down-home folk think that I have a funny, quirky, romantic side cause I sing "I just called to say I love you" on the phone with my wife; and, please, king of kings, let the conniving, sneaky, twisted things I do in my commercials and during my campaign, please, let them be interpreted as witty and smart and...in kind...always in kind; and, please, dear creator, let Hannity and I become real friends.
The pope should be calling out Ted Cruz for his blatant hypocrisy. Trump is a Saint compared to Cruz. Ok, maybe not a saint, a lesser demon maybe, a hell-harpie to Cruz's man-Medusa
There needs to be a modern version of Dante's "Inferno" drafted. A political version. Cruz would be deep in the inner circle, grinning, reciting "Greens Eggs and Ham" for eternity.
2
I don't have a problem with your opinion of Cruz.It's too be expected and up until now your columns have been very harsh and at times malicious towards Cruz. You can make a point without having to write in such a manner. Or maybe you are playing to your audience
What I do have a problem with is your subtle shots you take at people of faith like myself. You have done that in recent columns. While you have toned down your rhetoric you still cannot accept people who disagree with you. It's not your job to question anyone's faith just like I will not judge you as a person
I have been a Christian for 44 years. I have seen a lot of people like Cruz who talk the talk but don't walk the walk. And Bruni does a very good job of cataloging his past comments
It's very clear the following verses do not make Cruz look good at all
I am not juding his faith I have no right. But the following verses give a glimpse as to what you should see or do
Matthew 7;16 By their fruit you will recognize Do people pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
Mathew 5:15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bushel. Instead they put it on a stand , where it gives light to everyone in the house" Cruz's actions speak louder than his words. Christians are indicted because of Cruz
HIs comment about Nazi's was ridiculous I had family die in the camps so his comment angered me deeply. The Bible says in Matthew 12:36 that we will have to answer for everything we say Cruz will be busy
What I do have a problem with is your subtle shots you take at people of faith like myself. You have done that in recent columns. While you have toned down your rhetoric you still cannot accept people who disagree with you. It's not your job to question anyone's faith just like I will not judge you as a person
I have been a Christian for 44 years. I have seen a lot of people like Cruz who talk the talk but don't walk the walk. And Bruni does a very good job of cataloging his past comments
It's very clear the following verses do not make Cruz look good at all
I am not juding his faith I have no right. But the following verses give a glimpse as to what you should see or do
Matthew 7;16 By their fruit you will recognize Do people pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
Mathew 5:15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bushel. Instead they put it on a stand , where it gives light to everyone in the house" Cruz's actions speak louder than his words. Christians are indicted because of Cruz
HIs comment about Nazi's was ridiculous I had family die in the camps so his comment angered me deeply. The Bible says in Matthew 12:36 that we will have to answer for everything we say Cruz will be busy
To: Healed by God
You said..."It's not your job to question someone's faith" Oh, but you are wrong about that.
You said..."It's not your job to question someone's faith" Oh, but you are wrong about that.
1
I think there is an uncanny resemblance between Cruz and Joe McCarthy, both physically and in political thought. It is dangerous.
2
Ted Cruz ...what a wickedly brilliant man!!! He awakens fearful memories of similar past national leaders... How could wickedness rise to the level he did...?
1
Cruz is a Harvard lawyer and a televangelist, go figure.
When you manipulate other people to gain power -- and you do so by a cynical use of religion -- that is the hallmark of evil.
Cruz is the Dark One. Get behind us, Satan. You are exposed and have no power here.
Cruz is the Dark One. Get behind us, Satan. You are exposed and have no power here.
1
I do Not See Trump being any better.
So Bruni's 2016 obsession with Ted Cruz has replaced Collins's 2012 obsession with Mitt Romney. Except substitute vitriol for humor.
Seek help, Frank.
Seek help, Frank.
Jesus had a lot to say to and about hypocrites in the New Testament. Maybe Cruz hasn't hit that part yet.
One story making the rounds was about an incident a while back with Mrs. Cruz sitting on the grass near Mopac highway in Austin with her head in her hands- someone called the police to check her out. Who does this? They sound like Dick and Pat Nixon. The little video of Ted browbeating his family to make an treacly ad for his campaign is just bizarre.
One story making the rounds was about an incident a while back with Mrs. Cruz sitting on the grass near Mopac highway in Austin with her head in her hands- someone called the police to check her out. Who does this? They sound like Dick and Pat Nixon. The little video of Ted browbeating his family to make an treacly ad for his campaign is just bizarre.
2
In his case, the snake oil flows in reverse, right up to the head of the beast himself, the oleaginous Cruz.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
oleaginous--great word.
2
Where is the "intelligent' Ted, the oratorical Ted, the lawyerly Ted when it comes to challenging Donald Trump?
3
It's been said before, if his lips are moving, Ted Cruz is lying.
His tactics are despicable and he has earned his reputation as THE MOST loathsome individual in the Senate.
I believe that his outward evangelism is a facade only, a complete farce, made up as his strategy to appeal to Southern and Mid-Western voters of that persuasion; a calculated strategy to win the the POTUS; or, as a secondary strategy, to gain foothold to the ticket as VPOTUS.
Either way, Cruz is a serious problem that won't easily go away.
His tactics are despicable and he has earned his reputation as THE MOST loathsome individual in the Senate.
I believe that his outward evangelism is a facade only, a complete farce, made up as his strategy to appeal to Southern and Mid-Western voters of that persuasion; a calculated strategy to win the the POTUS; or, as a secondary strategy, to gain foothold to the ticket as VPOTUS.
Either way, Cruz is a serious problem that won't easily go away.
1
Here's the thing...if the only way you can tell someone is Christian is by his own proclamations then you can bet that nothing he does will be in accord with Christ's teachings.
Down here in the Deep South buckle of the Bible Belt I've learned when I'm around anyone wearing their Christianity as a badge on their sleeve that I better watch my back and my pocketbook.
Contrary to Paul's exhortations, Christ never taught that faith should be used as a sword and a shield. Christ preached individual salvation that people would know by how one acted.
Cruz is as close to the opposite of Christian as I've ever seen in national politics, with Hillary running a close second.
Down here in the Deep South buckle of the Bible Belt I've learned when I'm around anyone wearing their Christianity as a badge on their sleeve that I better watch my back and my pocketbook.
Contrary to Paul's exhortations, Christ never taught that faith should be used as a sword and a shield. Christ preached individual salvation that people would know by how one acted.
Cruz is as close to the opposite of Christian as I've ever seen in national politics, with Hillary running a close second.
Cruz's hypocrisy and that of Rubio's and Trump's mirrors that of the evangelical electorate. Nothing should be clearer to Christians today than that Christ would be a liberal or at the very least for the poor, not the rich, for the peace maker not the blusterer, for the birds of the field, not cheap fossil fuels, and for the sinners not the stoners at the well..
1
By their deeds shall ye know them.
1
As has been said before, turn down the volume and watch the actions.
1
Crux *does* prove his own faith, in the war he wages against the poor, workers, women, immigrants, same-sex couples, the environment, and the entire world except the 2% of Americans whose interests he serves. His lies about his Republican opponents are insignificant in comparison.
7
Christian, Texan or martian, there's something seriously wrong with him.
12
I met a young lady, visiting from Houston, who just arrived here in Hawaii. I asked her what people in her city thought of Ted Cruz. Certainly, he must enjoy some degree of popularity there. Apparently, not so.
"They hate him!" she replied without hesitation.
Gee, not even the folks back home have any love for this character!
"They hate him!" she replied without hesitation.
Gee, not even the folks back home have any love for this character!
7
Houston is an anomaly compared to the rest of Texas. Your friend would probably say they hate any Republican. He is the most popular politician in the state as whole however.
I wish to publicly thank Senator Cruz for taking Jeff Roe on as his campaign manager.
We have put up with him long enough here in the Kansas City area and the state of Missouri. Our experience is that Roe is a political bottom-feeder who's a master of the slimiest of tactics.
Roe and Cruz are a perfect match.
We have put up with him long enough here in the Kansas City area and the state of Missouri. Our experience is that Roe is a political bottom-feeder who's a master of the slimiest of tactics.
Roe and Cruz are a perfect match.
8
Dirty tricks and liars in politics are SOP otherwise you never get the job or keep the job. We certainly have learned this with the formidable practitioners in the White House.
Cruz's tactics should come as no surprise. Try reading the Neocon bible, Thoughts on Machiavelli, by Leo Strauss. It's all there.
4
Don't forget, as Frank pointed out in his column on Feb. 20, Cruz and Rubio are virtually ideological twins. Is a mean-spirited extremist hypocrite really worse than a smiling extremist hypocrite? Both trumpet their faith; both act in ways that belie its teachings
16
How loathsome does one Republican have to be for another Republican to hate him? Of course, Ted Cruz is the answer. But you don't have to look too far from Cruz to find more of them, just as destructive. In the Republican Party you can be as loathsome as you want as long as you play ball with the other creatures.
5
He is also behaving like a Rambo-lawyer. He says things or has his surrogates do things that he knows are untrue or misleading, the judge strikes the comment and tells the jury to exclude that from their deliberations, but at that point the seeds of doubt have been sown. So, don't forget, he was the Texas Solicitor General.
2
Ted Cruz is the worst candidate of the GOP group. He is so evil.
4
"Political allies and aides tend to behave in a manner largely consistent with their boss’s directives and understood values."
Agreed. This was Christie's undoing and could well be Cruz's. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
Agreed. This was Christie's undoing and could well be Cruz's. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
8
Mr. Bruni, along with many commenters on these pages re: the Donald Trump piece, you give too much credit to the American voters on the right.
If Trump were not in the election, Diablo Cruz and Scout Rubio would be running away with the GOP nomination.
If Trump were not in the election, Diablo Cruz and Scout Rubio would be running away with the GOP nomination.
5
Frank, You're a little slow on the uptick (or maybe downtick): Cruz's biblical flood has receded and he is stuck in the mud with two of all the species created only 5,000 years ago. Didn't read this: really have been done with pieces on the all of the clowns after the first ones many moons ago (BC times): bad jokes chuckles dwindle drastically on repetition.
Here is a radical suggestion, though I don't think you could get it past the Times' editors: let us know if there is anything positive you might think about Sanders, or alternatively, anything negative you might think about Clinton.
Here is a radical suggestion, though I don't think you could get it past the Times' editors: let us know if there is anything positive you might think about Sanders, or alternatively, anything negative you might think about Clinton.
2
Mr. Bruni is right on target. The hypocrisy of a self-righteous Cruz is so pervasive that makes one simply wince with disbelief at his incredible, inappropriate statements. When will this deception end?
2
"On the Senate floor he called Mitch McConnell, the Republican majority leader, a liar. "
I believe that is one instance where Ted Cruz actually told the truth.
I believe that is one instance where Ted Cruz actually told the truth.
14
Should Cruz ever become President, you will see the return of the Republican moderate. The unified Republican bloc in the Senate will disappear quickly. And, he would be a one term President.
I would like to apologize for Texas electing that Canadian Rafael Edward "Ted" Cruz to the US Senate and inflicting him on the rest of the country. In Texas' defense the other guy was more right wing bat crazy then Ted. And no democrat had a chance of winning.
7
It is frightening how little the public cares about the speeches and ethics of these candidates. How can Trump or Cruz be seen as leaders of America dealing with the rest of the world, and why don't their supporters care?
8
"... and why don't their supporters care?"
That's the great unexplored story of this whole election: Not "the candidates", but "their followers".
The "Great Wisdom" used to be, "Follow the money". Now it is "Follow the followers".
That's the great unexplored story of this whole election: Not "the candidates", but "their followers".
The "Great Wisdom" used to be, "Follow the money". Now it is "Follow the followers".
1
Whatever happened to separation of Church and State?
It's as if that part of the constitution doesn't exist in the GOP primary.
Saying one believes in God does not make one a good, moral, or ethical person; doing good, acting morally and using ethics to guide your life make one a good person.
The over-zealous believers thumping their bibles on the campaign trail while they spew lies and forget Jesus' example of caring for the poor do not reflect Christian values. Cruz's lies and cheating are a prime example.
It's as if that part of the constitution doesn't exist in the GOP primary.
Saying one believes in God does not make one a good, moral, or ethical person; doing good, acting morally and using ethics to guide your life make one a good person.
The over-zealous believers thumping their bibles on the campaign trail while they spew lies and forget Jesus' example of caring for the poor do not reflect Christian values. Cruz's lies and cheating are a prime example.
10
Republicans are not interested on Cruz for the nomination. A few more losses for him will prove that.
1
"In Iowa, he drew more evangelical Christian voters than his rivals did, but in South Carolina Trump beat him among those voters, and Rubio wasn't far behind. Some of them told reporters, including me, that they'd been turned off by behavior of Cruz's that they deemed un-Christian."
Really? Cruz has displayed un-Christian behaviors so they voted for Trump. Why? Because he hasn't displayed any un-Christian behaviors? Methinks they need to read that Bible instead of just thumping it.
Really? Cruz has displayed un-Christian behaviors so they voted for Trump. Why? Because he hasn't displayed any un-Christian behaviors? Methinks they need to read that Bible instead of just thumping it.
4
Thank you, Mr Bruni for keeping this issue alive. In fact, it should be on the front page. And, in addition, whatever happened to the separation of church and state?
3
If you claim that you are right because God is on your side, you are a fool. To assume to know what God wants is a tantamount to idiocy. We chastise the Muslims each day for this foolishness. That Cruz believes that he has a direct line to God's will makes him intrinsically unfit to govern a nation replete with all sorts of faiths. Anyone who uses God to further their own personal ambitions, claiming that they understand His will, is unfit for this office.
10
Senator Cruz behaves like someone who spends enormous energy sublimating something inside of him, in a way that repels most normal folks.
3
InfesTed and his Cruz-ianity are as scary and creepily reptilian as the sadistic, money-obsessed preacher in "Night of the Hunter" (1955), played by Robert Mitchum.
Neither Reagan nor Jesus would have anything to do with Cruz. Even George W. Bush, who divined Putin's soul, couldn't get away from Cruz fast enough. The faster the rest of us dispense with Cruz, the better.
Pick any clip for a taste of the chill:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=night+of+the+hunter+mitchum
Neither Reagan nor Jesus would have anything to do with Cruz. Even George W. Bush, who divined Putin's soul, couldn't get away from Cruz fast enough. The faster the rest of us dispense with Cruz, the better.
Pick any clip for a taste of the chill:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=night+of+the+hunter+mitchum
4
Cruz is a sociopath. Republicans:
1 huckster (winning)
1 sociopath (praying, with pitchfork)
1 favorite son (genuflecting)
2 earnest loyalists (one driven out, the other about to go)
About 1 million very rich people
About 100 very, very rich people, who finance elections
About 100 million dupes.
1 huckster (winning)
1 sociopath (praying, with pitchfork)
1 favorite son (genuflecting)
2 earnest loyalists (one driven out, the other about to go)
About 1 million very rich people
About 100 very, very rich people, who finance elections
About 100 million dupes.
4
We have had this discussion before on the pages of the NYTimes and I will repeat what I wrote then. Cruz is a dangerous man because he truly believes in his narrow, bigoted, sanctimonious views and he is smart and calculating. He doesn't do anything without considering what it will provide for him. Add to that list, it is all about him and has little to nothing about what he will do for others. Some Christian!
3
Cruz and Rubio are both right wing fundamentalists. They are both dangerous to democracy.
7
Thank you for this column. It is long overdue. Ted Cruz is indeed a phony hypocrite. Most significantly he is dangerous to the nation. Texas voters should be admonished for electing him to the Senate. A mistake I hope they will correct at the first opportunity. It is not insignificant that not one of his colleagues in the Senate will say anything good about him.
6
Sorry to say Ted Cruz seems stuck in dark ages. Human beings have raced ahead. Our kids millennials are sick and tired of hypocrisy, divisions by religion, race, gender and dogma of all kinds that limit them. Our kids take gay marriage for granted, so many of their friends are transgenders, bi sexuals, they are truly beyond gender, and race. Only those whose families brainwash their kids with racist talk, religious extremist talk and doctrines, stay stuck behind times. We have to collectively embrace 21st century and stop dividing ourselves by party, race, religion, nation, tribe, gender, sexual orientation etc etc.
3
As has been oft-stated ... the devil is in the details.
1
"[Cruz] should focus instead on conduct that proves his own [faith]."
Ted's conduct does prove his own faith. Let's call it "Cruz-ianity."
Ted's conduct does prove his own faith. Let's call it "Cruz-ianity."
1
Two comments:
I'm still trying to wrap my head around people voting for Donald Trump because Ted Cruz is un-Christian. That would be Donald Trump who wants to beat a heckler. Donald Trump who disparages women in the crassest of terms. Donald Trump who calls anyone he doesn't like stupid. Donald Trump who said he could shoot someone on fifth ave and it would stop people from voting for him. Donald Trump who thinks people should be locked up on the basis of their religion... that Donald Trump.
And apparently, Ted Cruz has this black is the new white thing down. He tells people he's a wonderful Christian and behaves like a viperous pit snake because that tactic works with the Republican rank and file. We've seen it over and over again. If they tell their folks something continuously the fact that it's not even remotely true fades away and their rank and file believe it. It's a tactic they have used to great effect. Most of these people can't even see the illogic any longer.
I'm still trying to wrap my head around people voting for Donald Trump because Ted Cruz is un-Christian. That would be Donald Trump who wants to beat a heckler. Donald Trump who disparages women in the crassest of terms. Donald Trump who calls anyone he doesn't like stupid. Donald Trump who said he could shoot someone on fifth ave and it would stop people from voting for him. Donald Trump who thinks people should be locked up on the basis of their religion... that Donald Trump.
And apparently, Ted Cruz has this black is the new white thing down. He tells people he's a wonderful Christian and behaves like a viperous pit snake because that tactic works with the Republican rank and file. We've seen it over and over again. If they tell their folks something continuously the fact that it's not even remotely true fades away and their rank and file believe it. It's a tactic they have used to great effect. Most of these people can't even see the illogic any longer.
2
"The Texas senator is some piece of double-talking, disingenuous work."
You can add criminal to TeaParty's modus operandi.
You can add criminal to TeaParty's modus operandi.
1
"Ted Cruz is a totally unstable individual. He is the single biggest liar I’ve ever come across, in politics or otherwise, and I have seen some of the best of them. His statements are totally untrue and completely outrageous. It is hard to believe a person who proclaims to be a Christian could be so dishonest and lie so much."
This is what Trump had to say about Cruz last week. I will not say this often, but Trump was absolutely right with this assessment. Cruz a bigger liar than the Donald.
This is what Trump had to say about Cruz last week. I will not say this often, but Trump was absolutely right with this assessment. Cruz a bigger liar than the Donald.
2
And now the GOP is reaping the hateful seeds it has sown, wondering (because they don't believe in science) why such a noxious weed grew out of them.
3
Why did Cruz renounce his Canadian citizenship if he isn't/wasn't a Canadian?
3
I fear Ted Cruz is proof that the failure of our education system dooms us to repeat horrors of the past.
1
Despite Ted's hypocrisy and Nixonian sneer, he is not the one to fear. He is pretty much done since Trump has taken a large share of the so-called Evangelicals. Cruz' base agrees with you, so far.
The candidate to fear is Rubio. The darling of the Republican establishment who can be manipulated into another war-mongering nation-building disaster. At least Ted would never listen to the Neo Cons.
The candidate to fear is Rubio. The darling of the Republican establishment who can be manipulated into another war-mongering nation-building disaster. At least Ted would never listen to the Neo Cons.
1
Interesting that you should write this column during Lent, the season when followers of Jesus are called to look into their own souls, and to repent of THEIR OWN sins. While I am something of an agnostic myself, I find the traditional liturgies helpful in keeping myself grounded and a little bit humble, however imperfectly, in a culture saturated with self-regard.
But Mr. Cruz appeals to the do-it-yourself religiosity of the particular subset of evangelicals who have pitched over the meaningful and deeply considered liturgy of the ages in favor of praise bands (with lots of narcissistic applause for the performers and not much deference to a triune God); and ignored the admonition to judge not lest you also be judged in favor a Pharisaic orgy of moral condescension to people who are not just like them. To listen to them... ...and Cruz... ...one wonders if they have ever actually read the four Gospels.
If Mr. Cruz really wishes to spend time on his knees before his Lord, it might be best if he were asking for forgiveness for his own sins, and leave gay people alone to marry whom they love.
But Mr. Cruz appeals to the do-it-yourself religiosity of the particular subset of evangelicals who have pitched over the meaningful and deeply considered liturgy of the ages in favor of praise bands (with lots of narcissistic applause for the performers and not much deference to a triune God); and ignored the admonition to judge not lest you also be judged in favor a Pharisaic orgy of moral condescension to people who are not just like them. To listen to them... ...and Cruz... ...one wonders if they have ever actually read the four Gospels.
If Mr. Cruz really wishes to spend time on his knees before his Lord, it might be best if he were asking for forgiveness for his own sins, and leave gay people alone to marry whom they love.
3
In Texas, people like Sen. Cruz are described as being, "all hat and no cattle.."
2
I despair that a man who has been so reviled by all that know him throughout his life---classmates, roommates, members of law review, campaign workers for Bush---could have been elected to the Senate, let alone mount a campaign for President. Where are his people, as a character on Mad Men once said about Don Draper?
He has no one standing for him who actually studied with him, clerked with him, worked with him, or served with him. What does that say about him?
He has no one standing for him who actually studied with him, clerked with him, worked with him, or served with him. What does that say about him?
4
I am a Democrat living in the strange land of Texas. I am considering doing the unthinkable...voting in the Republican primary for anyone but Cruz. Cruz's brand of dominionist evangelical Christianity frightens me to the core. Cruz is all about power. He has done nothing for our state or the country since being elected to the senate. It was all about getting into a position where he could run for president. I can't believe I'm saying this, but thank god for Donald Trump. Lying and hypocrisy are not sins, according to Cruz. Not if they further his righteous cause.
8
---------“He had learned how to assemble Jewish texts, Greek philosophy, and Middle-Western evangelistic anecdotes into a sermon. And he had learned that poverty was blessed, but that bankers make the best deacons.”
― Sinclair Lewis, "Elmer Gantry"
― Sinclair Lewis, "Elmer Gantry"
8
Ted Cruz is just another religious hypocrite in a long succession of religious hypocrites who ignore the very tenets of the faith they profess because they are power driven and have only one guiding principle:
The ends justify the means.
The ends justify the means.
5
Cruz is our Iago. He takes a deep, twisted pleasure in sowing discord and rancor wherever he goes to the point that he offends even some of the GOP with his mean-spiritedness, not an easy task considering the last 50 years of Republican nativism, misogyny, racism, and homophobia.
4
Of all the Republican candidates, Ted Cruz claims to be the "purest Christian". Anyone who overplays their cards in that manner reveals how unfit they are to be elected to office.
2
Isn't it clear why Cruz is compelled to engage in questionable campaign tactics? It's not because he's trying to win by any means, fair or foul. It's so that Ted has something for which to beg forgiveness when he's "on his knees" praying to the Deity that speaks only to him.
2
When you've been raised to believe you're The Annointed One, it's pretty easy to convince yourself that every lie is for justice, the American way and Jesus, if not necessarily in that order. Apparently. If he weren't so transparent, he'd be dangerous.
2
Why Cruz is now losing: He apologized.
Trump never apologizes.
Trump never apologizes.
1
I sincerely hope that the GOP primaries boil down to a Cruz-Trump sleezefest. My only fear is that these two monstrous hypocrites (or one of their fellow GOP Cylons: Rubio, Kasich or Carson) realize they're committing circular suicide, end their hostilities, and team up against the Dems.
“Even if it was true, we are not a campaign that is going to question the faith of another candidate.” Raphael Cruz
Notice he didn't say "even if it were true". Cruz is still getting away with the original slander while wiggling out of the controversy. SLICK.
Notice he didn't say "even if it were true". Cruz is still getting away with the original slander while wiggling out of the controversy. SLICK.
People who are confused by Cruz's religious hypocrisy don't really understand the mega-church approach to Christianity. At your local mega-church, Jesus is portrayed as a slick business man (and an avid gun owner), passing out the wealth to the believers. He heaps punishment on the poor, sick, and broken hearted because, as the believers are told, these people are lazy and corrupt.
In this twisted version of Christianity, the ends justify the means, which is why Cruz (and Rubio for that matter) can get away with it among the believers. After all, the believers think, winning requires doing unethical things and lying about others, as long as those people are non-Christians (which apparently includes almost all of us). What's important is that candidates speak in so-called Christian "code words" to signal to the faithful their true intentions.
God will forgive them--as long as they win.
In this twisted version of Christianity, the ends justify the means, which is why Cruz (and Rubio for that matter) can get away with it among the believers. After all, the believers think, winning requires doing unethical things and lying about others, as long as those people are non-Christians (which apparently includes almost all of us). What's important is that candidates speak in so-called Christian "code words" to signal to the faithful their true intentions.
God will forgive them--as long as they win.
2
What has never been adequately explained about Sen. Cruz is why he wears cowboy boots made of ostrich skin when lizard would be more in character.
4
Professional courtesy.
2
It is hardly surprising that Ted Cruz has become the Left's devil du jour. He's so easy to hate. There is something intrinsically repellent about him. He looks like a vampire—not his fault, but he really does. His nasal voice doesn't help matters, especially when in Elmer-Gantry mode.
But it is his behavior, both perceived and real, that does him in. The arrogance, the hypocrisy, the religiosity, the lies, the dirty politics, the well-oiled political machine, the plotting for years to become president, the willingness to do anything to become president.
Sound familiar?
Simply replace "vampire" with "witch" and "nasal" alternatively with "screaming," "shrill," or "fake southern drawl, cadence and gerundal-g-dropping when demagoging racism to blacks" and you have… ta-da…Hillary Clinton.
Of course, "religiosity" in her case refers to — hell — retrograde feminism and its Faustian bargain that enables the Clintons to cloak their reflexive abuse of women w/ policy like the VAWA, and that enables false prophets like Steinem and Albright — and their useful idiots — to look the other way.
The retrograde feminists made their Faustian bargain long ago, betraying not only their movement, but all of us. The devil is now getting his due.
But it is his behavior, both perceived and real, that does him in. The arrogance, the hypocrisy, the religiosity, the lies, the dirty politics, the well-oiled political machine, the plotting for years to become president, the willingness to do anything to become president.
Sound familiar?
Simply replace "vampire" with "witch" and "nasal" alternatively with "screaming," "shrill," or "fake southern drawl, cadence and gerundal-g-dropping when demagoging racism to blacks" and you have… ta-da…Hillary Clinton.
Of course, "religiosity" in her case refers to — hell — retrograde feminism and its Faustian bargain that enables the Clintons to cloak their reflexive abuse of women w/ policy like the VAWA, and that enables false prophets like Steinem and Albright — and their useful idiots — to look the other way.
The retrograde feminists made their Faustian bargain long ago, betraying not only their movement, but all of us. The devil is now getting his due.
Quite the pivot from Ted/Vampire to your usual "retrograde feminism/Faustian bargain" plot twist. False prophets, uh hunh.
The devil is in the details, Kay. ;)
" False prophets, uh hunh."
The corrected version not posted refers to "their obedient flock."
The corrected version not posted refers to "their obedient flock."
My comment is to Jacob Weisberg-today's Republicans, especially those of us around when Ronnie Reagan was president, know that he loved America & Americans, deeply. How u folks can't see the havoc Obama has spun is truly bewildering. This is pay back-just look at Trump's numbers.
The devil is not in Ted Cruz.
The devil is in all of us.
If Mr. Cruz won the elections, it would mean that we let him win the election through our intellectual and social laziness and refusal to fight for ourselves, our kids, the future of America and the world.
Hillary Clinton refused the publish her speeches to the Wall Street bankers and Goldman Sachs last night during the town hall meeting broadcasted on the CNN by claiming that she would do it only if ALL the Republican candidates did the same.
It means she publically equaled her to all of them. If they have a very good reason not to publish their private speeches to all the special interest groups, then she has the equally good reason to hide her speeches from the fellow Americans.
If Mr. Sanders cannot expose this obvious vulnerability in the democratic primaries, if our free press cannot accomplish the same objective, if we the citizens cannot understand the obvious, then we are the problem, not Mr. Cruz.
Ted could end up in the White House only thanks to our colossal shortcomings.
In that case no individual is the problem but all of us…
The devil is in all of us.
If Mr. Cruz won the elections, it would mean that we let him win the election through our intellectual and social laziness and refusal to fight for ourselves, our kids, the future of America and the world.
Hillary Clinton refused the publish her speeches to the Wall Street bankers and Goldman Sachs last night during the town hall meeting broadcasted on the CNN by claiming that she would do it only if ALL the Republican candidates did the same.
It means she publically equaled her to all of them. If they have a very good reason not to publish their private speeches to all the special interest groups, then she has the equally good reason to hide her speeches from the fellow Americans.
If Mr. Sanders cannot expose this obvious vulnerability in the democratic primaries, if our free press cannot accomplish the same objective, if we the citizens cannot understand the obvious, then we are the problem, not Mr. Cruz.
Ted could end up in the White House only thanks to our colossal shortcomings.
In that case no individual is the problem but all of us…
64
I watched that Town Hall and with respect, Hillary did NOT equate herself to the Republicans.
Rather she justifiably asked why she, in particular, is being singled out with regard to speeches and transcripts.
And she's absolutely right. Hillary Clinton has been held to an unbelievable standard, far above and beyond that of any other sitting or aspiring politician, since the early 1990's.
This nonsense perpetrates the right wing smear jobs that began with Hillary Clinton's effort to get health care for the American people.
Also, speech transcripts reveal nothing but speech transcripts. If you want to know a person's policy positions, you can listen to them speak publicly, or go to their website, or read about what they've actually done in their lives.
I find this obsession with a couple of speeches as completely absurd as the Benghazi nonsense, or the email nonsense, which again singles Hillary Clinton out from previous Secretaries of State and other officials with great responsibilities. She's the only one taking flak.
Now, why is that?
PS Ted Cruz most certainly is symptomatic of issues within a certain subset of the GOP electorate. Please don't blame that disease on the rest of America and especially not on Democrats, who respect the difference between church and state.
Rather she justifiably asked why she, in particular, is being singled out with regard to speeches and transcripts.
And she's absolutely right. Hillary Clinton has been held to an unbelievable standard, far above and beyond that of any other sitting or aspiring politician, since the early 1990's.
This nonsense perpetrates the right wing smear jobs that began with Hillary Clinton's effort to get health care for the American people.
Also, speech transcripts reveal nothing but speech transcripts. If you want to know a person's policy positions, you can listen to them speak publicly, or go to their website, or read about what they've actually done in their lives.
I find this obsession with a couple of speeches as completely absurd as the Benghazi nonsense, or the email nonsense, which again singles Hillary Clinton out from previous Secretaries of State and other officials with great responsibilities. She's the only one taking flak.
Now, why is that?
PS Ted Cruz most certainly is symptomatic of issues within a certain subset of the GOP electorate. Please don't blame that disease on the rest of America and especially not on Democrats, who respect the difference between church and state.
1
In a nutshell, like you say, a very fine preacher spoke to us 40 years ago of a presidential race, "You get the president that you deserve." I would correct one thing, however, your use of the term "free press". There is no such thing. Madison, in our country's early days, said we need a press to protect the people from big government and big money. Our press is typically very cozy or owned by one or the other.
1
Sophia,
Hillary Clinton unfortunately did equate self to the GOP candidates during the town hall conversation last night.
She just didn’t understand she did it. If you insist that your behavior is governed by the same principles applicable to the republican candidates, then there is no difference between you.
Trust me, when she voted to authorize the Iraq War as the Senator, she did not understand that she would destabilize the entire Middle East but she did it.
When she insisted to attack and dethrone Gadhafi regime in Libya or Assad regime in Syria she did not understand that she would create the enormous breeding ground for the ISIS but she did it.
When she supported the free trade agreements she did not understand that she would force us to compete with the Chinese workers without the basic human rights and environmental protection, thus destroying our job security and slashing our wages, but she did it.
When she accepted the campaign donations from the global corporations she did not understand that she would corrupt our democratic process but she did it.
It’s not our intentions that rule the world but our actions.
I am not close enough to Hillary to know exactly whether she understood the full consequences of her actions or whether she is covering up now, but in any case she is not qualified to serve as the next president.
Hillary Clinton unfortunately did equate self to the GOP candidates during the town hall conversation last night.
She just didn’t understand she did it. If you insist that your behavior is governed by the same principles applicable to the republican candidates, then there is no difference between you.
Trust me, when she voted to authorize the Iraq War as the Senator, she did not understand that she would destabilize the entire Middle East but she did it.
When she insisted to attack and dethrone Gadhafi regime in Libya or Assad regime in Syria she did not understand that she would create the enormous breeding ground for the ISIS but she did it.
When she supported the free trade agreements she did not understand that she would force us to compete with the Chinese workers without the basic human rights and environmental protection, thus destroying our job security and slashing our wages, but she did it.
When she accepted the campaign donations from the global corporations she did not understand that she would corrupt our democratic process but she did it.
It’s not our intentions that rule the world but our actions.
I am not close enough to Hillary to know exactly whether she understood the full consequences of her actions or whether she is covering up now, but in any case she is not qualified to serve as the next president.
There is a long tradition of charlatanism running through the history of The United States. Nothing new except perhaps the press now gives them legitimacy.
Cruz is the spawn of a Cheney mindset shaken with the usefulness of the Old Testaments violent exceptionalism. Very dangerous. The history of grifters and charlatans in the United States is covered in Charles P. Pearce's enlightening book Idiot America, how stupidity became a virtue in the land of the free.
Mr. Cruz is a clever charlatan who needs to be held and challenged to the truth. Oh ya, and mocked at every opportunity.
Cruz is the spawn of a Cheney mindset shaken with the usefulness of the Old Testaments violent exceptionalism. Very dangerous. The history of grifters and charlatans in the United States is covered in Charles P. Pearce's enlightening book Idiot America, how stupidity became a virtue in the land of the free.
Mr. Cruz is a clever charlatan who needs to be held and challenged to the truth. Oh ya, and mocked at every opportunity.
1
It disturbs me greatly that we have in Sen. Cruz the embodiment of the evil and dishonesty of Richard Nixon, as well as the corruption and fabrication of lies of Joseph McCarthy. One could only imagine with horror what kind of scandal a Cruz Administration would bring to the White House. It might easily dwarf the severity of Watergate or the McCarthy witch hunts.
1
Don't forget when Cruz opposed federal emergency dollars for hurricane Sandy recovery, yet months later expected federal dollars for a plant explosion in Texas. He's as two-faced as they come.
2
Though the prospect of Trump as president is hair-raising, I've been surprised at how the media has been so focused on it, giving the impression that Cruz is less dangerous. In fact, Cruz is much worse. His persona is a 2016 version of A Face in The Crowd's Lonesome Rhodes. While Trump is haplessly self-aggrandizing, Cruz is a viper. And it's beginning to look as if finally primary voters are beginning to see what a bad actor he is--directed by a campaign manager who carries a spittoon on his hip.
2
Mr. Cruz's behavior is very familiar to objective observers of religious hypocrisy. It is there for anyone who cares to look. The most self-righteous, Bible-thumping fire-and-brimstone types are always laughably guilty.
Sen. Cruz truly is running for Pastor in Chief. It barely worked in Iowa, and may work in a southern state or two, Hopefully, the country as a whole has evolved beyond this sort of nonsense.
That leaves the Republicans to deal with the vapidity of Trump and Cruz.
Sen. Cruz truly is running for Pastor in Chief. It barely worked in Iowa, and may work in a southern state or two, Hopefully, the country as a whole has evolved beyond this sort of nonsense.
That leaves the Republicans to deal with the vapidity of Trump and Cruz.
2
Cruz's kind of outspoken self-righteousness and false piety--and he shares that with all of the Republican presidential candidates--is nothing more than a bigoted assault on opponents who cannot or will not stoop to the same tactic. At the same time it is intended to seduce those who have bought into that mindless idea that religious swagger guarantees moral genuineness.
Rule of thumb should be that the more a politician waves the Bible and pounds the pulpit and wonders what Jesus would do, the more morally questionable he or she is. All that is usually just a substitute for policy substance and human decency.
Rule of thumb should be that the more a politician waves the Bible and pounds the pulpit and wonders what Jesus would do, the more morally questionable he or she is. All that is usually just a substitute for policy substance and human decency.
2
Not to worry. Cruz's campaign is self-destructing as we speak. I only hope he hangs around long enough to ensure that Marco is also denied because, although he's at least as bad, he's the only Republican who could conceivably beat either Hillary or Bernie.
Since the Constitution is dead and buried, according to some, there should be appropriate services to commemorate the demise of the First Amendment. But I doubt there would be concensus on whose church to hold them in.
2
Any candidate who puts his religious faith front and center in a presidential campaign - regardless of the faith he holds to - has no understanding of why this nation was founded, what our core values are, and is deeply, fundamentally un-American.
The bully pulpit is not a place from which to proselytize. There are other pulpits for that.
The bully pulpit is not a place from which to proselytize. There are other pulpits for that.
1
In casting a film, I think Cruz would make a perfect: anti-communist witch-hunting Joseph McCarthy, devil, zombie, a reincarnation of one of Germany's most odious 1930s Brown Shirts, a slick evangelical TV money-grabbing preacher, a villainous cockroach in a Disney movie.
Evidently, Mitch McConnell is viewed as more likable by his colleagues than Cruz. That is quite a statement, considering the harsh, hardliner right-wing politicians populating Congress these days.
Cruz gets in the low 20% range in primaries and caucuses, and my question is what is it about him that appeals to these people? Donald Trump isn't sufficiently humorless and mean enough for them? Rubio couldn't do enough damage to our government and this country? We don't have enough enemies in the world who hate us already?
Maybe if you get a chance on the campaign trail Frank, could you interview some of Cruz's supporters and let us know what in the world they are thinking?
Anyway, if Cruz fails to get enough votes, maybe there is a movie career for him as the most detestable villain ever on the screen.
Evidently, Mitch McConnell is viewed as more likable by his colleagues than Cruz. That is quite a statement, considering the harsh, hardliner right-wing politicians populating Congress these days.
Cruz gets in the low 20% range in primaries and caucuses, and my question is what is it about him that appeals to these people? Donald Trump isn't sufficiently humorless and mean enough for them? Rubio couldn't do enough damage to our government and this country? We don't have enough enemies in the world who hate us already?
Maybe if you get a chance on the campaign trail Frank, could you interview some of Cruz's supporters and let us know what in the world they are thinking?
Anyway, if Cruz fails to get enough votes, maybe there is a movie career for him as the most detestable villain ever on the screen.
Does anyone one else worry how the rest of the world perceives this seemingly years-long-run-up-to-the-election for President of the United States? The hypocrisy, the sanctimoniousness, intolerance, outright hatred?
Does anyone care how for the last 8 years the Republican Party has become a party of obstructionists and buffoons who think the public is so stupid that we accept their explanations for getting nothing done and blaming President Obama? Who doesn't see what all that obstruction is truly about? Intolerance. Mitch McConnell and his Judiciary Committee reflect the very hatred and petulance found inside all these campaigns.
Why would countries around the world want democracy as their governing model if this is what it devolves into--those who have, those who have not, those who don't care, those that lie, those that don't work for constituents but only for themselves and the next election, those that hold minimum wage workers down by gutting worker rights and keeping thumbs on slavery wages...What ever became of "give me your tired, your hungry, your poor?" as if there is a way out of that morass any longer on these shores. If you listen to the campaigns of these particularly Rabid, Scripture-Quoting Republicans we have lost our moorings--
We can make America great again by pushing the reset button on all the Republican Candidates and all those in office currently.
Does anyone care how for the last 8 years the Republican Party has become a party of obstructionists and buffoons who think the public is so stupid that we accept their explanations for getting nothing done and blaming President Obama? Who doesn't see what all that obstruction is truly about? Intolerance. Mitch McConnell and his Judiciary Committee reflect the very hatred and petulance found inside all these campaigns.
Why would countries around the world want democracy as their governing model if this is what it devolves into--those who have, those who have not, those who don't care, those that lie, those that don't work for constituents but only for themselves and the next election, those that hold minimum wage workers down by gutting worker rights and keeping thumbs on slavery wages...What ever became of "give me your tired, your hungry, your poor?" as if there is a way out of that morass any longer on these shores. If you listen to the campaigns of these particularly Rabid, Scripture-Quoting Republicans we have lost our moorings--
We can make America great again by pushing the reset button on all the Republican Candidates and all those in office currently.
4
A rational party would swat these candidates away like flies. What's most alarming is that not one of them is worthy of serious consideration.
The Republican Party and its supine accomplices in the Democratic Party have gutted the country of true democracy and have destroyed the opportunity for a dignified existence for most Americans.
Conservatives blame this fall on the sloth and moral laxity of lessors and vilify any rational proposals out of the current penury as socialist - the best slander to employ to paralyze government action. Democrats compromise with Republicans to fill their campaign chests with the largess of a supply side economy.
Hillary represents continuity of more gradual decline. Trump peddles restoration to a myogenic, racist and xenophobic past glory. Cruz sees punishment of every perceived enemy as the path to salvation. Rubio believes only is his path. Insurrectionist Bernie offers a resurrected New Deal. The first three will lead to further decay. Bernie won't make it because people are too proud to let themselves see that they have been taken.
So, Hillary will defeat Trump. After four years, the electorate may be so desperate that a messianic sounding candidate like Cruz becomes palatable.
Not yet though.
The Republican Party and its supine accomplices in the Democratic Party have gutted the country of true democracy and have destroyed the opportunity for a dignified existence for most Americans.
Conservatives blame this fall on the sloth and moral laxity of lessors and vilify any rational proposals out of the current penury as socialist - the best slander to employ to paralyze government action. Democrats compromise with Republicans to fill their campaign chests with the largess of a supply side economy.
Hillary represents continuity of more gradual decline. Trump peddles restoration to a myogenic, racist and xenophobic past glory. Cruz sees punishment of every perceived enemy as the path to salvation. Rubio believes only is his path. Insurrectionist Bernie offers a resurrected New Deal. The first three will lead to further decay. Bernie won't make it because people are too proud to let themselves see that they have been taken.
So, Hillary will defeat Trump. After four years, the electorate may be so desperate that a messianic sounding candidate like Cruz becomes palatable.
Not yet though.
As appalling as the candidacy of Donald Trump is, perhaps it was the necessary thing to prevent a Cruz presidency. In my mind, the latter would be the greater evil by far.
I agree with everything in your column discussing the dirty tricks and hypocrisy of Ted Cruz. However, leading all of it off with Cruz questioning the surprising strength of Trump's previously-hidden Christian faith may not have been the best example of Cruz playing fast and loose with the truth. It's probably fair to say that many of us, even casual observers of the Republican primary, were as stunned as Cruz was.
1
I read somewhere recently about the difference between thinking and
reacting. Cruz, Trump and their crowd seem to be trying to turn
reactions into votes. This seems like they are thinking about becoming
the President or at least making a lot of money.
reacting. Cruz, Trump and their crowd seem to be trying to turn
reactions into votes. This seems like they are thinking about becoming
the President or at least making a lot of money.
I don't know why you even bothered to write this, Frank, given that outside the Holy Rollers and the true believers, whom Cruz represents perfectly (IE they wear their faith on their sleeves, but then forget what it actually teaches and are a bunch of mean, angry, nasty people). Cruz is the embodiment of the religious right, and the fact that he even can be taken seriously by 20 some odd percent of the voters in any election sadly tells something about this country.
Then again, Trump winning these primaries is even more scary.
Then again, Trump winning these primaries is even more scary.
1
It is more than appalling how candidates, especially Cruz scream and distort the words of Jesus. the Lord asked us to show our faith in actions, not words. He told us that the rich must let go of the money, that the poor have a better chance of following Him to heaven than the wealthy, that we are to show love and compassion to our neighbors to walk our faith in actions, not words. Cruz desecrates His name in every way. The image that he is promoting leaves the impression that he believes that he is basically the next step before Christ's return. The candidates all spew and twist His words, but Cruz is the most insulting and demon-like than the others. He is evil. Just plain evil. And, it baffles and disgusts me. I do not understand in any way why he is allowed to continue this by all of those that profess their faith in Christ. I just don't get it. Nasty, disgusting, greedy, judgmental behavior are an insult to everything Jesus said. And yet we hear nothing, see nothing from those that claim to believe. Trump is most definitely a lot of stupid and ugly. Cruz is a symbol of everything that represents the Devil and it frightens me more than I can say that he and his words are seen as Christian. It scares me more than I can say that he even has a chance to be the leader of the United States of America, where faith and belief have no place in politics. For those that believe, our relationship with the Lord is with the Lord, not politicians. God please help us. Please.
2
There is plenty of truth in the statement that Cruz is hypocritical. But so are his supporters and so are the media types who polish his antics with a veneer of respect and substance.
Cruz, truth be told, is but another American bred politician who has mastered the art of depraved pandering, a skill set that is especially prized in aspiring Republican politicians. Even the least ethically compromised among us is aware of his hypocrisy. Tell us something we don't know or rather make yourself useful and call out the entire Republican party for making the likes of Cruz politically 'at home'.
Cruz, truth be told, is but another American bred politician who has mastered the art of depraved pandering, a skill set that is especially prized in aspiring Republican politicians. Even the least ethically compromised among us is aware of his hypocrisy. Tell us something we don't know or rather make yourself useful and call out the entire Republican party for making the likes of Cruz politically 'at home'.
2
We are nowhere near the half-way mark in the primaries and caucuses, but Ted Cruz has emerged the most bizarre, the most devious and the most hypocritical of the Republicans.
It is now doubtful that there is anything this Bible-pounding, self-styled Christian fundamentalist would deem too dishonest or too unethical to say or do in pursuit of the nomination.
How far we have fallen in the past two or three decades that someone like Cruz could compete for national office. Let one thing be clear, however, in speaking or writing of Ted Cruz: He is not a national disgrace; he is a Republican disgrace.
It is now doubtful that there is anything this Bible-pounding, self-styled Christian fundamentalist would deem too dishonest or too unethical to say or do in pursuit of the nomination.
How far we have fallen in the past two or three decades that someone like Cruz could compete for national office. Let one thing be clear, however, in speaking or writing of Ted Cruz: He is not a national disgrace; he is a Republican disgrace.
4
Should our next president be someone who plotted to shut down the federal government? ("I, President Cruz, decree that the government be shut down for six months each year. Airports will reopen next summer but Yellow Stone may be delayed.")
Should our next president be someone who did not mind risking a federal default? ("We have reached the debt limit, but we will not raise it like Obama. Instead we shall not issue any more T-bills even if that means the US defaults. Don't worry, the Argentines have done it and there was no global financial meltdown" )
Should our next president move this nation towards a gold standard? ("All professional economists agree that a gold standard would be deflationary to the extreme and bad for wages, but if you have money in the bank, this is exactly what you want. Trust me, I am Ted; and don't call me Rafael.")
Should our next president be someone who did not mind risking a federal default? ("We have reached the debt limit, but we will not raise it like Obama. Instead we shall not issue any more T-bills even if that means the US defaults. Don't worry, the Argentines have done it and there was no global financial meltdown" )
Should our next president move this nation towards a gold standard? ("All professional economists agree that a gold standard would be deflationary to the extreme and bad for wages, but if you have money in the bank, this is exactly what you want. Trust me, I am Ted; and don't call me Rafael.")
1
Amazing the huge push to drug-test welfare recipients but in a world where tons of psychoactive pharmaceuticals are consumed daily, it seems that a nation that is fighting a national epidemic of opioid addiction would find some way to certify that political candidates are "clean."
2
Evangelical Christians do not believe in worthy acts. It is enough for them just to say they believe and spout the bible. So the horrible acts of Ted Cruz are mostly ignored by his base as he spouts his holy words which is enough for his evangelical following.
But the acts not the pretty words are what is most important to qualify one as President except in the topsy turvy world of Evangelical Christianity. The other followers of Cruz who distinguish themselves by huge money donations know he is a liar and hypocrite but over look that because he will further their big money protectionism.
So for Republicans the truth is what they say it is and nothing matters except their election which is the same for any corrupt used car salesman Trump, Cruz and Rubio perfect together, but don't buy a used car from any of them unless you enjoy being hoodwinked and buying a lemon.
But the acts not the pretty words are what is most important to qualify one as President except in the topsy turvy world of Evangelical Christianity. The other followers of Cruz who distinguish themselves by huge money donations know he is a liar and hypocrite but over look that because he will further their big money protectionism.
So for Republicans the truth is what they say it is and nothing matters except their election which is the same for any corrupt used car salesman Trump, Cruz and Rubio perfect together, but don't buy a used car from any of them unless you enjoy being hoodwinked and buying a lemon.
6
I cannot understand how anyone who has read the new testament can find anything Christian about Ted Cruz. Titus 1:16 comes to mind.
So much of a campaign and the candidate turns on the little things. As much as the Republicans keep questioning Hillary Clinton's honesty and trustworthiness, it does seem that they need to get their own house in order before casting wider aspersions. That being said, however, it proves once again the choice Americans often confront in the election booth - choosing the lesser of the evils.
1
The real question is how did Ted Cruz get this far? His nasty, self centered personality is transparent for all to see. Fortunately, the dirty trucks are piling up, and the public seems to be figuring this loser out. He is without doubt the most dangerous politician to hit national stage in decades, and maybe ever.
At least Trump has torpedoed the decadent Bush dynasty(for now), and supports planned parenthood. I would never vote for Trump, but he has already done some great things.
Ted Cruz is a total fraud and evil incarnate. Special thanks to Frank Bruni for this excellent piece.
At least Trump has torpedoed the decadent Bush dynasty(for now), and supports planned parenthood. I would never vote for Trump, but he has already done some great things.
Ted Cruz is a total fraud and evil incarnate. Special thanks to Frank Bruni for this excellent piece.
6
Singling out Cruz for his devilishness only clouds the fact that virtually the entire field of Republicans have gone so far beyond the pale of lies and name calling about each other and everyone else that not one of them should be considered qualified for Presidency, and that's before we even consider their beyond the absurd barely discernable notions of policy.
to distinguish one from the other
to distinguish one from the other
5
I am a Texas pastor and blog regularly about the intertwining of politics and religion. I've been following the Cruz campaign closely and looking at videos that have been posted that indicate that Cruz has received the "anointing" of God to be the next President of the US. In other words, Cruz identifies himself as the Messiah, the one sent to "save" the nation, the one who will "Christianize" us all over again--only with his own brand of Christianity.
He scares the life out of me.
He scares the life out of me.
544
He is perhaps channeling his father who probably has unfulfilled ambitions of being the evangelical messiah who bore a son to that end.
1
Cruz probably considers his own superego to be the voice of God inside his own head.
1
This is nice to hear from a pastor in Texas. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!!
1
Playing the religion card has become a staple of Republican politics, especially during presidential campaigns. Cruz may be playing that card poorly or hypocritically, but that card is at the center of his sales pitch. He is hardly the first candidate to conclude that his best hope was to ingratiate himself with people of faith. Republicans seem to rely on this tactic more than Democrats and they have been more successful at using it to win elections.
I guess the real elephant in the room is the fact that the republican party has factually seized to exist.
They have become a money machine for delegates who safeguard the interests of the happy few.
With this knowledge it not hard to sea why trump has such an easy picking. The so-called angry-voter sees the party for what it is and Mr. Trump only has to reveal the obvious. So Rubio and Cruz, being who they are, don't stand a chance.
This is also a warning for Mrs Clinton. When Mrs. Clinton doesn't find a way to convince the middle class that she is more than a politician (dirty word) but a leader who will not hesitate to take a stand. She will go the same way as the republican opponents of Mr Trump.
This election is about leadership and not about color our the fact that she is female or some other high-standing elitair principle.
So please show leadership, be the wo(man) with the plan and win this election. Give the middle class a perspective. Give them back the American dream.
Because in the end Mr Trump is selling snake oil and that will not only not cure America but it will poison the world.
They have become a money machine for delegates who safeguard the interests of the happy few.
With this knowledge it not hard to sea why trump has such an easy picking. The so-called angry-voter sees the party for what it is and Mr. Trump only has to reveal the obvious. So Rubio and Cruz, being who they are, don't stand a chance.
This is also a warning for Mrs Clinton. When Mrs. Clinton doesn't find a way to convince the middle class that she is more than a politician (dirty word) but a leader who will not hesitate to take a stand. She will go the same way as the republican opponents of Mr Trump.
This election is about leadership and not about color our the fact that she is female or some other high-standing elitair principle.
So please show leadership, be the wo(man) with the plan and win this election. Give the middle class a perspective. Give them back the American dream.
Because in the end Mr Trump is selling snake oil and that will not only not cure America but it will poison the world.
1
TED CRUZ Employs fiendishly devilish tactics while denying them. The more I read about him, the more I am convinced that he is channeling and/or the reincarnation of Joe McCarthy (without the blue eyes and with cowboy boots) with a dollop of Roy Cohen thrown in, bringing to the floor of the Senate a folder stated to contain the names of Communists in the US. Along with the blessings of the late J. Edgar Hoover (who clearly could not have French kissed Obama, who would have been between 10 and 11 years old when Hoover died). Let's face it, of all that Hoover has been rumored to be involved in, French kissing underage boys was not one of them. But this time around, it will not be Communists or Socialists, but non-Christians who are named. Those Christians who do not fit the perverse, distorted, vicious, mendacious distortion of facts that Ted Cruz and his political team practices with abandon. What Cruz will lack will be Hoover's national network of spies who were trained to report to him in Veteran's Lodges and Boy Scout Troops. Yes, FBI field agents were sent around to get insider information (i.e., spying and squealing) about suspected Communist activities. But what would Cruz do? It's highly likely that he would use any pretext to sling mud at and slander his political opponents, while claiming that he is doing it as a "Christian" virtue. Somehow, Cruz's using the word "virtue" comes across more as "travesty" or "perversion." Cruz is a brutal pathological liar.
2
It's been my experience that those who most loudly profess their "morals" are those whose "morals" are most suspect.
Note: I am not conflating "Christian" with "moral", although many of the sayings attributed to a man called Jesus align with what I would call "moral", just that Mr. Cruz does.
It has held true in those who most vociferously decry homosexuality, prostitution, drug addiction and other social issues as the headlines often remind us. How often, then, is this true in the private lives of those who most fervently condemn others, but just never make it into the papers?
Mr. Cruz not only wears his professed religious beliefs on his sleeve, he rams them down the throats of those who share what he professes and those who do not alike - forgetting that as President he would be sworn to be President to us all - of every faith and of no religious faith.
But just like, try as you will to pretend to be your best self while dating, as the relationship matures your true self just starts to leak out in unfiltered moments, then in a stream, and then in a torrent until - there you are - warts and all.
You cannot live under constant scrutiny playing a role, and the real, warty Cruz comes out whenever he's not looking.
Note: I am not conflating "Christian" with "moral", although many of the sayings attributed to a man called Jesus align with what I would call "moral", just that Mr. Cruz does.
It has held true in those who most vociferously decry homosexuality, prostitution, drug addiction and other social issues as the headlines often remind us. How often, then, is this true in the private lives of those who most fervently condemn others, but just never make it into the papers?
Mr. Cruz not only wears his professed religious beliefs on his sleeve, he rams them down the throats of those who share what he professes and those who do not alike - forgetting that as President he would be sworn to be President to us all - of every faith and of no religious faith.
But just like, try as you will to pretend to be your best self while dating, as the relationship matures your true self just starts to leak out in unfiltered moments, then in a stream, and then in a torrent until - there you are - warts and all.
You cannot live under constant scrutiny playing a role, and the real, warty Cruz comes out whenever he's not looking.
1
As one who rarely agrees with Bruni, in this instance we are in perfect alignment as it relates to Cruz. I'd go further. Even without all the obvious supporting facts just watching Cruz speak with his debating team drama is a window into his falseness. To borrow a line from Trump, every time I see him speak I want to punch him in the face. Of course, like Trump, that is merely an expression. But on the other issues here, each party and candidate panders. The Republican candidates who pander to the evangelical voter "base" go over the top. Cruz and Trump pander by calling "Washington" a dirty word. Bernie's dirty word(s) is "Wall Street" sprinkled in with Insurance Companies, Banks, and any other profit generating enterprise who are all "rigged". And Hillary does the same but more softly and with the qualifier that she is in the best position to change that. More than anytime in my life the choices are giving me a headache.
This article and most of the posts here point to one of the core attributes of true liberals. A true liberal does not understand or get irony. Cruz may or may not be be a bum but isn't it ironic that he is being attacked here today by the supporters of a president and a party that routinely attack and denigrate religion and even God himself? The President has failed to respond in any meaningful way to the persecution, torture and murder of Christians around the world, a President that has attacked religious freedom here at home, spoke derisively of people clinging to their bibles. Let,s ask the Little Sisters of the Poor. Let us also recall the last Democrat convention when delegates booed, on national television, the inclusion of the word "God" in the party platform. Let us also recall the countless, daily attacks on religious expression we see by the acolytes of Obama and the Democrat Party. This column seems to be a case of the kettle calling the pot black. But then honesty, logic and consistency are not the strong suit of liberals are they?
1
The demonizing of one candidate from one political by supporters of another party's candidate seems to be the easy way to show support for the candidate favored by the one who is doing the demonizing. But the comments are hardly effective in learning about a candidate's positions, policies, accomplishments, or lack thereof. I have read the same criticisms about Obama as I have read about Cruz. So what do they prove? We could use some independent analysis based on economic factors, among others, to determine effectiveness of actions taken by both candidates/parties. In my experience, that is difficult to find.
1
Swinging right out of the box this morning Maxine, aren't we? Yes, let's paint all "liberals" and party members the same. Kinda like saying all those anti-Obama folks are racist. You do not know what Obama, or liberals, or party members think individually about God, spirituality, the origin of life or much of anything in that arena. What party members may represent is the Constitution, and the need to prevent a state-sponsored religion turning into a theocracy, as the founding fathers intended. And all members of some other party are honest, logical and consistent? Yeah, we can see that in the debates.
Your post is definitely Ironic.
Oh come on Frank. Cruz doesn't use four letter expletives and thus actually believes he is spewing his venom with civility and politeness! Having lived among this concept here in Texas for the last 30 years, I still never get over it. The more common version of this is usually followed by "bless his (or her) heart". It's revolting. At least Trump is overtly rude and doesn't apologize for it--actually refreshing. But he is a thug and no matter how polite any of these candidates (both sides) are, like most politicians they are ALL liars in some way or another. The scariest thing is that some of them actually believe their own lies and live in an alternate reality. Cruz and Trump are the worst of them and neither is qualified to run this country. Take note from Pope Francis what a true Christian's tone should be and ask which of these candidate sounds most like him? Kasich and Sanders come the closest. They are both humble and care about the greater good, even if they disagree politically. No labels. The rest are egomaniacs.
3
excellent assessment Gemma. Back when things were 'normal' folks would recognize the genuine article.
"Then, in South Carolina, Cruz operatives doctored a photograph so that it showed Rubio shaking hands with President Obama in front of the United States Capitol."
The bigger issue in my mind is the matter of whether partisanship has become so poisonous that the simple act of a United States Senator shaking hands with the President of the United States is now a contemptible action in some circles? Would some have preferred for Rubio to have spat in the President's face or to have punched him in the stomach? Has partisanship caused a collapse of basic social protocols and politeness?
The bigger issue in my mind is the matter of whether partisanship has become so poisonous that the simple act of a United States Senator shaking hands with the President of the United States is now a contemptible action in some circles? Would some have preferred for Rubio to have spat in the President's face or to have punched him in the stomach? Has partisanship caused a collapse of basic social protocols and politeness?
7
Yes.
This has been another episode of "Simple Answers to Simple Questions" -- hat-tip, Atrios.
Thank you for joining us.
Be sure to tune in next week, when we answer the question, "Are they really that stupid, blatantly lying, or literally clinically insane?"
This has been another episode of "Simple Answers to Simple Questions" -- hat-tip, Atrios.
Thank you for joining us.
Be sure to tune in next week, when we answer the question, "Are they really that stupid, blatantly lying, or literally clinically insane?"
This column adroitly identifies the revealing personal characteristic that has, it appears, alienated Cruz from the time he was an undergraduate: he is a hopelessly, even delusionally self-righteous individual who simply cannot help dismissing others as sadly inferior. Anyone who has known such a person recalls what an absolutely infuriating attitude this is; and while it is sometimes effective in, say, moments of formal debate, where quick-witted ripostes have some value, in normal human relations it is profoundly insulting and off-putting. And the problem for Cruz is that he just can't help it -- it's who he is: a deeply arrogant man who feels he is religiously special, gifted by God with superior insight. It is a maddening spectacle for most of us.
11
Well let's see. Here we have just about the entire GOP field advocating torture, bombing, war, oppression, bigotry, expulsion of millions including US citizens. We are treated to vicious attacks on women, minorities, immigrants, entire nationalities and wholesale religious bigotry.
Trump's rallies in particular carry an undercurrent of violence, sometimes explicitly verbalized by Trump himself.
The environment? To be exploited and destroyed, for profit of course. Women? to be oppressed, our bodies controlled even if we're dying, even if we've been raped.
I don't see one single Christian among the entire Republican field.
Trump's rallies in particular carry an undercurrent of violence, sometimes explicitly verbalized by Trump himself.
The environment? To be exploited and destroyed, for profit of course. Women? to be oppressed, our bodies controlled even if we're dying, even if we've been raped.
I don't see one single Christian among the entire Republican field.
2
Politics indeed are prone to getting down and dirty. But not like this unless kleptocracy is your mode of comparison.
Cruz?
A level of depravity that's slithered beneath ignorance. A stigma impossible to scrub off once you've shook hands with it.
And so onto reason 99 why Citizens United is taken up so readily by the Kochs and Adelsons of the world: Anonymity murks up the dread links that launder corporate profits into skunking up the entire works. When all else has failed thus far to break the country's grip on rationality, handing over bankloads of money to Ted Cruz must be taken as an obscene show of desperation. Why the mad rush to get this over with now, eh?
What a political party to make a global spectacle of a still powerful nation. What a bunch of old grey elites to raise and spend hundreds of millions of dollars to encourage half of the country's adults to pick between psychopaths for a leader; to accept lying and cheating as a path to power. The last breath from the bunker before shuffling off this mortal coil boys?
The world is watching. We're still smarting from the Bush Reign of Error; our memories can't be clouded by Koch bucks. But put one of Trump, Cruz or Rubio in the White House and we'll be the voters cutting our domestic leaders' political careers short should they be caught so much as negotiating with these catastrophes-in-waiting. You should recognize from modern history how the world resorts to dealing with its pariahs.
Cruz?
A level of depravity that's slithered beneath ignorance. A stigma impossible to scrub off once you've shook hands with it.
And so onto reason 99 why Citizens United is taken up so readily by the Kochs and Adelsons of the world: Anonymity murks up the dread links that launder corporate profits into skunking up the entire works. When all else has failed thus far to break the country's grip on rationality, handing over bankloads of money to Ted Cruz must be taken as an obscene show of desperation. Why the mad rush to get this over with now, eh?
What a political party to make a global spectacle of a still powerful nation. What a bunch of old grey elites to raise and spend hundreds of millions of dollars to encourage half of the country's adults to pick between psychopaths for a leader; to accept lying and cheating as a path to power. The last breath from the bunker before shuffling off this mortal coil boys?
The world is watching. We're still smarting from the Bush Reign of Error; our memories can't be clouded by Koch bucks. But put one of Trump, Cruz or Rubio in the White House and we'll be the voters cutting our domestic leaders' political careers short should they be caught so much as negotiating with these catastrophes-in-waiting. You should recognize from modern history how the world resorts to dealing with its pariahs.
The typical GOP m.o. for presidential elections has been to slander the opposition, that is, to find a weakness, craft a short soundbite, and then repeat it over and over, no matter the truth value. They used that to defeat Dukakis with "welfare queen," and Kerry whose Viet Nam medal they "swifboated." It's being used against Clinton in the "she lies" meme which has actually spread to Sanders supporters. It's not surprising to see Cruz reverting to type, but what is surprising is to see him using the tactic against a fellow-Republican so early in the pre-convention campaigning. He beat the gun.
1
Lemme see if I get this straight. The right wing is against big govt. and govt. intrusion into our lives, right? But, they want the govt. to get busy and, in some unspoken and unclear way, put religion back in the center of American life. They want the govt. to intervene in the personal decisions between every woman and her doctor, but they want to make no provisions at all for taking care of the millions of unwanted babies that would result. They want lower taxes, but they want to keep Medicare, Social Security, disability payments, massive, multi-billion dollar farm subsides and, oh, yes, they want the strongest, meanest, raring to go military in the world, not matter the cost. Are there any contradictions here?
It shouldn't be hard to imagine that religious beliefs mixed in with political choices get mangled. They don't belong together as a matter of first principle, because, taken as one set of thoughts or ideas, they corrupt each other and lead us toward a national calamity. At this point, religion is the bigger loser because it has become the handmaiden of politics.
Cruz could lead to massive losses for the Republican party because people tolerate religious devotion, but they don't want it shoved down their throats. Cruz knows no other method. At this moment, he's a building disaster for religion and religious belief. Who in his right mind would be attracted to any religion so selfish, mean and vile as that professed by Senator Cruz?
It shouldn't be hard to imagine that religious beliefs mixed in with political choices get mangled. They don't belong together as a matter of first principle, because, taken as one set of thoughts or ideas, they corrupt each other and lead us toward a national calamity. At this point, religion is the bigger loser because it has become the handmaiden of politics.
Cruz could lead to massive losses for the Republican party because people tolerate religious devotion, but they don't want it shoved down their throats. Cruz knows no other method. At this moment, he's a building disaster for religion and religious belief. Who in his right mind would be attracted to any religion so selfish, mean and vile as that professed by Senator Cruz?
4
I am appalled at all this phony Christian trickery. I was sick at heart at the Rubio family photo with one kid on one knee. It is disgusting to me, showy, inappropriate for a Presidential candidate. Same with all of them. Never a mention of the Jewish religion or Roman Catholics or Muslims. Not even a Buddhist (which is technically not a religion). I feel this disqualifies them from being candidates. Think of the wise Founding Fathers who made such sense and gave this careful thought and chose to not be a religious country. They have cheapened Christianity with their silly posing. And along with this posing their plans are all about kissing the feet of the 1% and hurting everyone else. They are dangerous men and I hope America comes to its senses. These Republicans are not qualified for office of any kind. Trump is entertaining at everyone's expense. I have been nauseated by him since his appearance in the 80s. I actually joined the Peace Corps so I wouldn't see anymore magazine covers with his pouting face. Now he's everywhere. Thankfully most of the people I know think he's a sick joke. I heard that he was sent to a military school because his parents could not control him. Wait till he meets Putin. None of these men will do any good for a country and they will only benefit the super rich and destroy the rest of us.
1
In any sane Western Democracy with a clear separation of Church and State, political leaders like Cruz and Rubio, who claimed that the Bible had all the answers would be laughed off the stage and assigned to the loony bin of history. Despite incontrovertible evidence on the public record about Cruz's lies, hypocrisy and extremism, his Evangelical supporters continue to "see no evil," "hear no evil," and "speak no evil" about the man who is arguably one of the most "evil" men in politics today. Cruz and his acolytes terrify me.
I don't think Ted is concerned about how people gauge his piety. Rather his strategy is to harness the perceived tribal power of the Evangelicals. Throughout history the tribal power of religions has been a frequent determinant of political outcomes. Unfortunately for him, Trump is proving to be the ultimate tribe buster and/or tribe consolidator. Everybody gets a piece of the cake,
44
The South Carolina Republican exit polls asked people how much it matters that a candidate share your religious beliefs. Trump won support from 31 percent of people who answered "a great deal" or "somewhat," just four points less than he received from those answering "not much" or "not at all." Rubio also polled essentially the same in both groups. Where this question had the most purchase was over support for Cruz and Kasich, where the Texan led the Ohioan 27-6 among those who thought shared beliefs important, while Kasich led Cruz 19-11 among those less religiously inclined. (http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/02/20/us/south-carolina-primary-...
I think pundits and other political observers have probably overestimated the "tribal" aspects of evangelical Protestantism. The evidence this year suggests many voters who identify as evangelicals are nevertheless willing to put aside their religious scruples and vote for someone who claims he can "make American great again."
I think pundits and other political observers have probably overestimated the "tribal" aspects of evangelical Protestantism. The evidence this year suggests many voters who identify as evangelicals are nevertheless willing to put aside their religious scruples and vote for someone who claims he can "make American great again."
I would hate to be a Republican primary voter. The three top vote getters are absurd, each in his own way.
This is not coincidence or bad luck. In order to run for president as a Republican, you have to grovel to the oil companies, banks, and weapons manufacturers. The kind of people who emerge from that process are not men. They are devo.
This is not coincidence or bad luck. In order to run for president as a Republican, you have to grovel to the oil companies, banks, and weapons manufacturers. The kind of people who emerge from that process are not men. They are devo.
10
"Republican, you have to grovel to the...banks...."
Lucky for you, Goldman Sachs has selected Hillary for you to support.
Lucky for you, Goldman Sachs has selected Hillary for you to support.
Watching the GOP circus, I cannot help but recall how my father, who was a moderate republican from Maine, remarked on several occasions that Ronald Reagan was scary and far too much of a radical rightwinger for his taste. Were he still alive, I suspect he would definitely agree with Mr. Bruni's column as Ted Cruz, is by far, one of the most "diabolically hypocritical" candidates to have ever run for the presidency. In fact, in comparison, Cruz makes Richard Nixon appear positively saint like.
As for Trump's lead, I can only say that he is but the less of two evils both of whom were spawned by a Republican Party that has come to represent the worst in the American character including a racist, misognistic, homophobic, nativist, theocratic, anti-science, gun crazed and all around willfully ignorant and often sociopathic segment of the population.
As for Trump's lead, I can only say that he is but the less of two evils both of whom were spawned by a Republican Party that has come to represent the worst in the American character including a racist, misognistic, homophobic, nativist, theocratic, anti-science, gun crazed and all around willfully ignorant and often sociopathic segment of the population.
39
The living personification of what you religionists often refer to as the Anti-Christ.
1
Cruz has clearly adopted the televangelist code of ethics, a set of rules that endorses almost any behavior that advances the holy cause. He has deluded himself into believing that only his presidency can rescue the country from its current fatal trajectory. Thus lies and dirty tricks aimed at false messiahs who seek to thwart his mission qualify as necessary evils, designed to ensure the victory of God's chosen instrument for the redemption of America.
While a degree of cynicism infects Cruz's approach to politics, the rigidity of his campaign strategy suggests that he actually believes much of the above. Unlike the opportunistic Trump, whose message and choice of victims change periodically, Cruz adheres consistently to the theme of American moral decay.
His willingness to alienate virtually the entire leadership of the GOP, moreover, reflects a vision of himself as a man above party, who spurns the process of compromise that enables a democratic political system to function. This contempt for the inherent messiness of our political process makes him a more dangerous man than Trump, whose pursuit of personal glory encourages him to negotiate, to make deals.
The hostility Cruz has begun to encounter, even among evangelicals, may herald the end of his candidacy. His fellow fundamentalists appear to interpret his dirty tricks differently than he does, and other conservatives may feel uncomfortable with the extreme religious tone of his candidacy.
While a degree of cynicism infects Cruz's approach to politics, the rigidity of his campaign strategy suggests that he actually believes much of the above. Unlike the opportunistic Trump, whose message and choice of victims change periodically, Cruz adheres consistently to the theme of American moral decay.
His willingness to alienate virtually the entire leadership of the GOP, moreover, reflects a vision of himself as a man above party, who spurns the process of compromise that enables a democratic political system to function. This contempt for the inherent messiness of our political process makes him a more dangerous man than Trump, whose pursuit of personal glory encourages him to negotiate, to make deals.
The hostility Cruz has begun to encounter, even among evangelicals, may herald the end of his candidacy. His fellow fundamentalists appear to interpret his dirty tricks differently than he does, and other conservatives may feel uncomfortable with the extreme religious tone of his candidacy.
223
But, beware of Marco the Rube. He looks gentler, in a pudgy kind of way, but is just as rotten to the core.
4
"If you don't send me $100 today, the "Lord" will strike me down!" "I'm so sorry I got caught committing sin!" "It's somebody else's fault; I knew nothing about it!"
1
The Texas Caliphate?
1
'And his onetime proclamation that “any president who doesn’t begin every day on his knees isn’t fit to be commander in chief”'
He is also claimed as a great Constitutional scholar - guess he missed that part forbidding a religious test for office.
He is also claimed as a great Constitutional scholar - guess he missed that part forbidding a religious test for office.
90
A religious test would actually insist a candidate belong to a specific church -- a State Church -- or prove in some way their religion.
Senator Cruz was expressing an OPINION, not an legal edict or a test for office.
Liberals do this too. For example, today many opportunities in politics or hiring at places like colleges, are closed to anyone who won't sign on the gay marriage agenda.
Many posters in these forums talk about how they hate religion, and would never vote for a candidate who belongs to a conservative Christian faith (Evangelical, Catholic, etc.). Isn't this the same thing? And isn't it just "opinion"?
Senator Cruz was expressing an OPINION, not an legal edict or a test for office.
Liberals do this too. For example, today many opportunities in politics or hiring at places like colleges, are closed to anyone who won't sign on the gay marriage agenda.
Many posters in these forums talk about how they hate religion, and would never vote for a candidate who belongs to a conservative Christian faith (Evangelical, Catholic, etc.). Isn't this the same thing? And isn't it just "opinion"?
4
Dear "Concerned Citizen" in "Anywheresville",
What exactly is the "gay marriage agenda" that people are forced to sign to qualify for jobs? I'd love to see a copy of it.
What exactly is the "gay marriage agenda" that people are forced to sign to qualify for jobs? I'd love to see a copy of it.
12
“any president who doesn’t begin every day on his knees isn’t fit to be commander in chief”'
This is clearly a religious test, and is therefore unconstitutional. If a president chooses to pray every morning, that's one thing, but Cruz is saying that someone who is not religious "isn't fit to be [President]", which is a religious test. If you're "not fit", your not qualified. Sounds like a test to me!
This is clearly a religious test, and is therefore unconstitutional. If a president chooses to pray every morning, that's one thing, but Cruz is saying that someone who is not religious "isn't fit to be [President]", which is a religious test. If you're "not fit", your not qualified. Sounds like a test to me!
8
"That has been the standard I’ve tried to follow."
Notice that he used the word "tried"....You can't call him a liar. He never said he succeeded! Cute! Cute! Cute!
Around these parts, (Dallas Texas) folks support him because of his anti-abortion politics. That and he once went to a Texas Rangers game, I guess.
Now, Trump maintains that he loves Texas, and that Cruz is a liar. Perhaps they both are, but at least Cruz is cute about it. He also lacks yellow hair. That's civil. Isn't it?
Notice that he used the word "tried"....You can't call him a liar. He never said he succeeded! Cute! Cute! Cute!
Around these parts, (Dallas Texas) folks support him because of his anti-abortion politics. That and he once went to a Texas Rangers game, I guess.
Now, Trump maintains that he loves Texas, and that Cruz is a liar. Perhaps they both are, but at least Cruz is cute about it. He also lacks yellow hair. That's civil. Isn't it?
7
Well around these parts (Austin Texas), we do NOT support Ted Cruz or his politics - we are actually ashamed the he was elected, in a run-off election with a moderate Republican, to represent Texas in the US Senate. Given his lack of respect for that institution and his fellow Senators, it is instructive that Cruz has ZERO backers there.
1
There is nothing remotely "cute" about Ted Cruz.
1
The corner of the political landscape that Cruz and his fellow GOP contenders have managed to paint themselves into is one that is bigoted, misogynist, wrong on science and economics, and generally vile. It is not an accident. The Republican party has coldly calculated, ever since Nixon's southern strategy, Reagan's launching his campaign in Philadelphia, Miss., Lee Atwater's Willy Horton ads, that this is the way to acquire and hold on to power. As the country has gradually changed, Republican tactics have become ever more desperate leading to the state we find ourselves in. The devil in Ted Cruz might be more odious than that in others of his party, but it animates the entire party. The price demanded by the devil poses a real danger that our political system and the nation itself will be ravaged.
59
I suspect the only time Senator Cruz is on his knees is when he is in the presence of someone from the fossil fuel industry.
76
Or going over a demographics map with a televangelist.
2
Or whenever the Koch Brothers show up.
2
There's no doubt that Cruz is a sleaze. Sorry for the word but Cruz's Senate colleagues would affirm it.
But he's up against Egomaniac and Robo-Boy so the playing field is level.
The Republican party is truly remarkable for presenting three such leading candidates, an unparalleled accomplishment.
But he's up against Egomaniac and Robo-Boy so the playing field is level.
The Republican party is truly remarkable for presenting three such leading candidates, an unparalleled accomplishment.
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"There's no doubt that Cruz is a sleaze. Cruz's Senate colleagues would affirm it."
I agree!
Texans elected him not to support any independent policy, but to kowtow to the Republican establishment.
How can anyone on this blog support anyone who made Mitch McConnell mad?
I agree!
Texans elected him not to support any independent policy, but to kowtow to the Republican establishment.
How can anyone on this blog support anyone who made Mitch McConnell mad?
Professed religiosity generally does not signal someone who is nice, or even remotely moral. Religion gives very bad people cover for their meanness and immorality. It is an excuse. When you can blame "God" for the bad things you say and do, it really isn't your fault, right?
Religion gives people cover to say and do the indefensible.
Mathew 6:6: generally says that when you pray, do so quietly and privately. Public prayer and profession signifies hypocrisy. That seems to be the core of Mr. Cruz. He is a total fraud.
Religion gives people cover to say and do the indefensible.
Mathew 6:6: generally says that when you pray, do so quietly and privately. Public prayer and profession signifies hypocrisy. That seems to be the core of Mr. Cruz. He is a total fraud.
51
Ted Cruz looks a bit like a young Joseph McCarty, the disgraced US Senator. What is more Cruz aspires to be the modern day Joseph Goebbels, the propaganda mouthpiece of the Nazi regime. Someone should ask Cruz "You've done enough. Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?" As McCarty was told by the chief counsel for the United States Army who was a victim of McCarty's witch hunt.
19
Have we ever sunk this low in the US before? Have we ever had to choose one worst case or the other worst case? Cruz and Trump are walking nightmares. I can't see Sanders being pragmatic and experienced enough to handle the job. Hilary is a has-been. I am deeply frustrated by both parties incompetence. Obama is going to turn off the White House lights and shut the door and we will all sit there in the dark wondering what happens next. Where are the real candidates? The serious, capable, visonary leaders ready to take on the enormous weight of the role of President. This country is being run like a freak show. There are cowards all through the ranks of both parties. People busy looking the other way and hoping their tidy little lives won't get scuffed up in this nasty race. Complicit in the collapse of the American democracy, is that what the history books will say?
33
Hilary is not a has-been. Sheesh.
I agree it all seems dismal.
The despair over this uninspiring field of candidates may have a silver lining if we question the need, at all, for sweeping political leadership of the historical kind as the pivot point for all affairs of society. Surely the daily competency of people, within and without public institutions, who wrestle with learning new and better ways and are committed to good will at work and in their families are more the anchor of our better future than all these. Our helplessness will abate if we take responsibility to reign in our sucker appetite for public spectacle and novelty as a measure of character and substance, instead of pulling out our hair over the entertainers and opportunists we have summonsed to dance for us.
The despair over this uninspiring field of candidates may have a silver lining if we question the need, at all, for sweeping political leadership of the historical kind as the pivot point for all affairs of society. Surely the daily competency of people, within and without public institutions, who wrestle with learning new and better ways and are committed to good will at work and in their families are more the anchor of our better future than all these. Our helplessness will abate if we take responsibility to reign in our sucker appetite for public spectacle and novelty as a measure of character and substance, instead of pulling out our hair over the entertainers and opportunists we have summonsed to dance for us.
1
It would help a little if people would get off the couch and vote for clear, rational, thinkers who at least appear to be for government and against payola.
That would allow us to tackle problem of modernizing and streamlining government, and moving humans forward. The party of 'blaming the victims' needs to extend it's view past the quarterly earnings reports, and begin to deal with the consequences of 200 years of 'free business lunch'.
That would allow us to tackle problem of modernizing and streamlining government, and moving humans forward. The party of 'blaming the victims' needs to extend it's view past the quarterly earnings reports, and begin to deal with the consequences of 200 years of 'free business lunch'.
1
I'm shocked, shocked to find that Rafael Cruz lies ad nauseam about everything and to anyone.
20
Somebody had to take the fall for Cruz campaign's various shenanigans in Iowa and elsewhere. Cruz was faced with the choice of either firing his communications director or changing his campaign logo to the more truthful "NOTRUSTED."
Poor Rick Tyler took the fall, but unfortunately Rafael Edward "Ted" Cruz is still with us though many in the GOP would like to him to leave.
Bob Dole, apparently no fan of Cruz, still hasn't lost it despite his advancing years. Dole complemented Rubio and knocked Cruz by saying, "he [Rubio] wants to grow the party as opposed to Cruz who — I don’t know what he wants to grow.”
Poor Rick Tyler took the fall, but unfortunately Rafael Edward "Ted" Cruz is still with us though many in the GOP would like to him to leave.
Bob Dole, apparently no fan of Cruz, still hasn't lost it despite his advancing years. Dole complemented Rubio and knocked Cruz by saying, "he [Rubio] wants to grow the party as opposed to Cruz who — I don’t know what he wants to grow.”
6
You forgot to note that Rafael Cruz is (R-Alberta)
1
Yea, I guess that Rubio's OK, if you're into growing weeds.
"LOOK what you made me do!"
1
Here's what bothers me about the comments so far. Everyone seems to take for granted how much of the Christian religion is part of the Republican campaign for President. Why are we subjected to their religion. This is a country where there are many religions. Do the Christians think the President is only a position for the Christians? I am not Christian. Does that mean if a Republican wins he does not feel he is obligated to be my President too? It feels wrong, how they all proclaim their religions so vigorously, when, if elected, they are bound to keep their religion out of our government. What makes someone so dumb as to vote for a President solely based on what religion they are? That is NO indication of what kind of person or President that person will be. I am so very tired of reading about their religion and watching them call down Jesus on everyone. There are millions of citizens who have different beliefs. Actually, isn't arrogance a sin?
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My sentiments exactly.
In recent years we've been treated to a shocking display of religious arrogance, and now it's bubbling over into religious bigotry as well as attempts to impose religious belief onto government functions.
Indeed, one of the Right's favorite slurs against President Obama has been the notion that he is (gasp) a Muslim.
Well, even if he were a Muslim, why is that a problem? What about an atheist, an agnostic, a Buddhist or a Jew?
We need to remember, though, that non-Christians have been discriminated against since Day #1, and WASP's have looked down on Catholics, etc. Religious bigotry is nothing new in America.
But when a certain sect tries to take over the government, that's another story.
In recent years we've been treated to a shocking display of religious arrogance, and now it's bubbling over into religious bigotry as well as attempts to impose religious belief onto government functions.
Indeed, one of the Right's favorite slurs against President Obama has been the notion that he is (gasp) a Muslim.
Well, even if he were a Muslim, why is that a problem? What about an atheist, an agnostic, a Buddhist or a Jew?
We need to remember, though, that non-Christians have been discriminated against since Day #1, and WASP's have looked down on Catholics, etc. Religious bigotry is nothing new in America.
But when a certain sect tries to take over the government, that's another story.
2
That would make it a party of sin! Could it be?
2
Except that these people, Cruz most especially, either truly believe (or at least say they do) that they AREN'T bound to keep their religion out of government. From the local dog-catcher to the highest office in the land, they believe they should (or at least want to) impose their Christian version of Sharia law.
I'm not sure about arrogance, but I do know that hubris is punished throughout the Bible, and Rafael Eduardo "Ted" Cruz is one of the most hubristic individuals I have ever witnessed in public life.
I'm not sure about arrogance, but I do know that hubris is punished throughout the Bible, and Rafael Eduardo "Ted" Cruz is one of the most hubristic individuals I have ever witnessed in public life.
2
Ted Cruz says he likes to sing Broadway tunes. I have two parts for him to play: First, the Snake in "The Apple Tree" Act I. Second, in "Damn Yankees" the part of Applegate, AKA the devil! It would be typecasting.
9
It is no wonder that religious people are devious and underhanded. All Religions by nature are devious and underhanded just as their Gods are. The God of the Old testament is definitely not some loving benevolent creature. He ( or she or It) is a vengeful destructive demagogue with an ego that would give Donald trump a run for his money. Most Hindu Gods are equally deceitful and vengeful. It is impossible for Gods to be any other way, Religion and God, after all are man's greatest inventions. So you are bound to see the the worst of humans in their GODs. Religions have always thrived on lies and mistruths and the overzealous and psychopathic behaviour of its followers--As in the Crusades a long time back and now among evangelical leaders like Cruz...Why is that even a surprise?
17
Not quite. As with all human institutions, and nature itself, religion has it's full spectrum of Yin and Yang.
It's generally, the human reps here on Earth along with their writings and their interpretations that introduce the imperfections into the mix. It would help a lot if 'the creator' upgraded its communication system and maybe took over the 'tonight show'.
I'd miss Colbert, but at least we'd be getting a clear, objective message on a regular basis. Humans need that.
It's generally, the human reps here on Earth along with their writings and their interpretations that introduce the imperfections into the mix. It would help a lot if 'the creator' upgraded its communication system and maybe took over the 'tonight show'.
I'd miss Colbert, but at least we'd be getting a clear, objective message on a regular basis. Humans need that.
I have a good, working knowledge of the Constitution and what is in it. Among other things, I taught US Government in high school. The Constitution was the bases of all of our studies. Not only does God not have a place in our government and politics, there is a specific prohibition of anyone's religious standing being a standard for running any political office in this country. Cruz, Rubio, Trump, et all can believe what they want and practice as such, but not as part of public policy.
43
From the first... Cruz looks like a grown-up Damien from The Omen. Scarlet in every way.
11
See, there is someone worse than Trump.
23
I have to smile at Ted's fierce battle against gay marriage when his trip to New York to raise funds including a visit to a wealthy gay couple he asked for a check.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/us/politics/at-new-york-reception-ted-...
This guy is pure slime.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/us/politics/at-new-york-reception-ted-...
This guy is pure slime.
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Did they give him the money? I'd really like t know.
This doesn't say much for Mati Weiderpass and Ian Reisner
The gay community would like to know.
I think Ted Cruz might be one of the most dangerous public figures that have come along in decades. Whenever I hear him speak on TV all the hairs on my neck stiffen and my gut says "beware."
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Trump's lies are awful, but I think many, like myself, make allowances because of his reality show provenance, and the awareness that most of what he says is
not held with any conviction. Like in the theater, there is a willing suspension of non belief.
This doesn't excuse him. He is despicable. But can an intelligent person really believe that he could build a wall, with the Mexicans paying for it? He doesn't either.
Cruz may have a genuine philosophy of governance. He may not.
But if we were to suffer the calamity of a Cruz presidency, he would govern from the extreme right, with an extreme right Congress.
Trump, I think, wouldn't.
Trump is more dishonest than other Republicans, only by degree.
It is his loathsome affect, along with the hypocrisy, that repels people.
I really can't watch him speak. He is that revolting. I can't remember another politician so revolting to so many.
I can't imagine him beating any Democrat. That's the saving grace.
Since Shakespearean allusions are popular on this thread, my contribution is Richard lll. Laurence Olivier's Richard.
Olivier said he based his performance on the producer Sam Harris.
If Cruz was on the scene back then, he might have chosen him.
There is more than a hint of camp in Olivier's performance. It's fun.
He didn't consider Harris fun, and Cruz is anything but.
He's a human big bad wolf, and he would huff and puff and blow our house down.
There is nothing cartoonish about Cruz, unlike Trump, he is unadulterated evil.
not held with any conviction. Like in the theater, there is a willing suspension of non belief.
This doesn't excuse him. He is despicable. But can an intelligent person really believe that he could build a wall, with the Mexicans paying for it? He doesn't either.
Cruz may have a genuine philosophy of governance. He may not.
But if we were to suffer the calamity of a Cruz presidency, he would govern from the extreme right, with an extreme right Congress.
Trump, I think, wouldn't.
Trump is more dishonest than other Republicans, only by degree.
It is his loathsome affect, along with the hypocrisy, that repels people.
I really can't watch him speak. He is that revolting. I can't remember another politician so revolting to so many.
I can't imagine him beating any Democrat. That's the saving grace.
Since Shakespearean allusions are popular on this thread, my contribution is Richard lll. Laurence Olivier's Richard.
Olivier said he based his performance on the producer Sam Harris.
If Cruz was on the scene back then, he might have chosen him.
There is more than a hint of camp in Olivier's performance. It's fun.
He didn't consider Harris fun, and Cruz is anything but.
He's a human big bad wolf, and he would huff and puff and blow our house down.
There is nothing cartoonish about Cruz, unlike Trump, he is unadulterated evil.
35
Trump is more dishonest.......
Sorry, I meant to say Cruz.
Sorry, I meant to say Cruz.
That's the hallmark of what the Republican party has become! Lack of conviction to anything but oneself is a big plus for Trump because he does espouse some tolerance for lesser humans, but it gets a bit scarier as we move right towards the no conviction + 'take no prisoners' branch of the party.
If Trump tries doing 10% of everything he claims he'd do if elected to the White House, he'd be up on impeachment charges before he gets his luggage unpacked. This guy is totally clueless on the limits of presidential power.
"Devil...Cruz"" an also ran. The very best, sweetest, funnest thing is seeing republicans getting skewered by a life-long NYCer/essentially-careless-quasi-OK-whatevs-"democrat"-for-lack-of-a better-er-um-TRUMP gutting their whole entire party before our collective eyes as easily as the Grinch took Cindy-Lou Who's candy cane without but the mildest little "but...but...". Dee-licious. Not that I'd every want to see his vacuous shape-shifter self actually occupy the WH, but WOW, after all the hard work of DECADES it ends up the republican brand is a cheap, shoddy, worthless inhabitable sham of basic crazee-craziness beyond all reckoning by mere mortal minds. Sweet!
13
I think you nailed it...I hope you nailed it...but I won't bet on it. The chances of seeing Donald Trump actually win the White House look to be 50-50 right now, and still growing. If Democrats give up because they can't stand Hillary, an echo I hear a lot, we will welcome President Trump and we'll all be wondering what the heck happened.
All politicians are hypocritical. Most of them lie at one time or another during their campaigns. The disconnect right now for all candidates is that they have no idea what life has become for the average American. It's a nightmare; no job security, worries about paying for medical bills if one needs any treatment, inadequate pay, a lack of affordable housing, inability to save for anything because of multiple bouts of long term unemployment, etc. It's not happening to all of us but it is common enough that we know someone or know of someone. We know too that it can happen to us.
What this country needs is Senate, a House of Representatives, and a President willing and able to work with each other for the benefit of the American people, all of us, not just the ones who elected them. Representing all of us, not just those who elected you to office is part of a democracy too. That seems to be something that our elected officials have forgotten. Just watch the struggle over the Supreme Court vacancy for a ring side seat on dysfunctional, unrepresentative government. For uncaring, disinterested government, look at how little has been done to help the middle and working classes when it comes to jobs, health care, housing, education, etc. All most of our pols have done is to bow to their campaign donors and the businesses that fund them.
Ted Cruz is merely the worst. The others are not much better.
What this country needs is Senate, a House of Representatives, and a President willing and able to work with each other for the benefit of the American people, all of us, not just the ones who elected them. Representing all of us, not just those who elected you to office is part of a democracy too. That seems to be something that our elected officials have forgotten. Just watch the struggle over the Supreme Court vacancy for a ring side seat on dysfunctional, unrepresentative government. For uncaring, disinterested government, look at how little has been done to help the middle and working classes when it comes to jobs, health care, housing, education, etc. All most of our pols have done is to bow to their campaign donors and the businesses that fund them.
Ted Cruz is merely the worst. The others are not much better.
37
Your comment sums it all up succinctly. But will the country ever get what it needs when we have allowed so much corporate money into the election of multi-millionaires, many of whom have never made an honest dollar in their lives? The only solution is a complete renunciation of Citizens United, term limits on all elected officials AND Supreme Court Justices, with a 10-year ban on any person who served in any branch of government from working for any organization that has contact with sitting government officials.
1
How did negotiating the social contract become the most crooked business in the US?
1
gives NO money to his church
gives < 1% of his income to charity of any kind.
drop the mic.
gives < 1% of his income to charity of any kind.
drop the mic.
78
I did not know what "drop the mic" meant til now...
AND I knew neither of those facts (assuming they're true) about Calgary Cruz.
So thank you doubly for the edumacation.
AND I knew neither of those facts (assuming they're true) about Calgary Cruz.
So thank you doubly for the edumacation.
Thank you so much , Mr. Bruni for exposing Mr. Cruz's "Christian" hypocrisy.
He is by far the most unChristian of all candidates. The Devil himself is no rival for this man.
He is by far the most unChristian of all candidates. The Devil himself is no rival for this man.
50
A bit of an exaggeration here. The Devil is the author of ALL evil and the Father of all lies.
Cruz himself questioned the faith of all the people who don't share his particular fervor when he said that those who don't spend every morning on their knees in prayer aren't qualified to be President. He's somebody who is so intolerant of others' beliefs that he doesn't even recognize when he's questioning their faiths.
43
Respectfully (really, no snark), of course he recognizes that he's questioning their faiths.
He's just blatantly lying when he claims otherwise...
As he lies about so many things.
He is, after all, a Publican.
He's just blatantly lying when he claims otherwise...
As he lies about so many things.
He is, after all, a Publican.
Thank you. But, also be careful with what you wish. An even worse scenario would have Rubio winning the White House and appointing Cruz to the Supreme Court.
20
Scarier still. Trump looks better than Cruz in that context. Trouble is Trump only believes in himself. Rubio believes what he's told to believe and Cruz believes in an old Testament God.
31
An accurate, succinct summation of the differences among them. Trump cannot be controlled and ergo is an anathema to the power brokers in the Republican party. It is not Trump's politics but his personality that scares them.
A Cruz on the Supreme Court would make Sharia Law of the ultra-right wing Christian variety the law for us all. Look to European history and especially the
Inquisition to see how well that works out for people.
Inquisition to see how well that works out for people.
1
Huh...so even the totally clueless are finally showing some small amount of brain activity after figuratively getting hit repeatedly in the head with a bat?
13
For some learners, tough love is the best approach.
I think this column is spot on. Ted Cruz seems to only be about Ted Cruz. I personally don't believe that there is anything honorable about him. Somehow he seems to conveniently forget the golden rule. I don't believe that he treats others as he would want to be treated himself. Please explain to me how these things can possibly show strong moral character. For me they do not!
25
The man is a demagogue. I wonder how long democracy would survive in a Cruz presidency.
32
I believe Ted Cruz has inherited the right to have his face replace that of Richard Nixon's on that famous poster from the 60s -- the one that said in big bold letters: "WOULD YOU BUY A USED CAR FROM THIS MAN?"
59
Nixon actually had a few character points over Cruz - his daughters actually liked him and he didn't go around pretending to be religious. Have you seen the video where Cruz's eldest child literally cringes as he tries to stage an on-camera kiss from her? You'd think he was the creepy uncle instead of her own father. I'd rather sit in a room with Nixon rather than be in the same zip code with the Canadian Cruz.
As someone once pointed out, the devil doesn't wear horns, he presents himself in the form of an angel, and it's only gradually that you see he has a heart of stone. But his loyal followers just listen to his words, which sound golden, and follow him into perdition.
32
"When fascism comes to America, it'll be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross..."
1
This is why we should all support the Truss Ted campaign.
18
Trump, Rubio, and Cruz
No matter the pick, you lose
Hypocritical and odious
Ignorant and sanctimonious
Religious nuts on the loose
No matter the pick, you lose
Hypocritical and odious
Ignorant and sanctimonious
Religious nuts on the loose
67
Getting caught is probably the main reason Cruz fired his spokesman.
43
Cruz as President would be a daily sermon from the worst self-absorbed televangelist you can imagine. Pass.
52
You forgot to mention Ted Cruz's attendance at the National Religious Liberties Conference where pastor Kevin Swanson advocated putting gay and lesbian couples to death. "The event was really a 'KILL THE GAYS' call to arms" as Rachel Maddow described it... and any legitimate candidate running for the office of President wouldn't be caught dead at an event like this, but Ted Cruz was there... defending the right of religious people to hate and the call for a minority group to be put to death.
104
Am very glad this was brought up in the comments section regarding this article. I saw the video where Pastor Swanson was very emotional and almost hysterical in his hateful rhetoric toward gay marriage and gays themselves. Swanson called for the death penalty for those who are gay. Ted Cruz and Bobby Jindal were there standing right beside him. Why has no "journalist" or reporter asked Mr. Cruz about this?
1
Ted Cruz has dead shark eyes. The way he so deliberately pauses before every preening, self-righteous utterance makes my blood run cold -- the guy is a stone cold creep.
So this is what it looks like when you anthropomorphize bacterial decay. Huh.
So this is what it looks like when you anthropomorphize bacterial decay. Huh.
89
Ted Cruz: “any president who doesn’t begin every day on his knees isn’t fit to be commander in chief.”
United States Constitution, Article VI: "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."
United States Constitution, Article VI: "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."
126
Cruz knows Article VI and properly used it against Carson a few months ago. Since that time he has deteriorated into an unabashed pandering opponent of this key provision of the United States Constitution.
Silly rabbit.
Constitutions are for Democrats.
Constitutions are for Democrats.
But he didn't say why. Perhaps looking for his contacts?
I'm pretty sure that Ted Cruz is the anti-Christ. Just saying.
40
@SLJ, Esq. - Unfortunately, I believe that post has already been taken. Remember, the year 2000 AD was when the Anti-Christ was due, and he came in the form of GWB, smiling and lying to us, leading this nation into an unjustified war in the Middle East which has now resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths, millions of displaced people, bankrupted the US, and destroyed democracy as we knew it with the "PATRIOT" Act, extra-territorial renditions, and torture. The "new" Middle East will not settle down for generations - if ever. If the Anti-Christ was destined to destroy the world, GWB and his minions have done a rather efficient job so far. However, if the Anti-Christ needed a side-kick, Cruz is well qualified as such.
1
I thought Dick Cheney was the anti-Christ
1
What more can you expect? Cruz is the illegitimate love child of Richard Nixon and Joe McCarthy - in political temperament, in vicious hyperbole, and even in looks.
53
Actually not so sure why we're shocked or disappointed in the good Christian, Senator Cruz. He is behaving like too many so-called Christians. Not all Christians, mind you - just those who so proudly and self-righteously wear their (form of) Christianity on their sleeves and their crowns on their self-anointed heads ---- while they cram it down your throat!
27
Ted Cruz is one scary guy. He seems to have no clue about how our government operates.
26
Ted Cruz is not just a manipulative hypocrite; he is a mean, self-centered, calculating fraud, and he will do ANYTHING to get his way. As a Texan I am more than just ashamed to have him representing Texas in the Senate... I am afraid for all of us.
70
me, too.
Ted Cruz reminds me of the character played by Paul Dano in the movie "There Will Be Blood." Pretty creepy.
16
As a frequently self-professed "Christian," surely Senator Cruz is familiar with these passages from Matthew 7, 15-20 (KJV):
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Now, he might want to look in the mirror. That might work well, too, for his political supporters.
Wherefore are his fruits?
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Now, he might want to look in the mirror. That might work well, too, for his political supporters.
Wherefore are his fruits?
23
The fruits of Ted Cruz are clear. They show that he does not follow what Jesus taught. Anyone can claim to be Christian in this country, no matter what they preach. Ted Cruz is just another Christian who ignores Jesus' teachings.
That would be "where" are his fruits, not "wherefore"="why". Otherwise, spotteth on.
Cruz is no less hypocritical than the Evangelicals that he represents. Here is a short list of some of the people who rose to prominence in Evangelical circles; Jim Baker, Ted Haggard, Jimmy Swaggart, Robert Tilton. Jesus warned of false prophets; Evangelicals have a pretty good record of picking them. After listening to both Trump and Cruz on the campaign trail, as a practicing Christian myself, these two sleazy politicians seem to have less than a passing acquaintance with the teachings of their Lord and Savior.
34
Cruz must be kept as far away from the Oval Office as possible.
16
Cruz still doesn't realize he's far too ugly to be an American president. I've a list of problems with this ridiculous demagogue longer than both my arms but they all pale in comparison in electoral terms to the anchor that is his arrogant, smirking, hideous face.
My personal peeve with him is the idea that the absurd improvisational theater competitions in which he participated at Princeton qualify as real debates; they do not. NDT is debate. But I digress.
If you want some insight into Cruz's true nature, listen to him at the Supreme Court defending a Texas court's decision to sentence a man to 16 years in prison for stealing a calculator at: https://apps.oyez.org/player/#/rehnquist10/oral_argument_audio/23512
In the end, though, it's not his ugly inside that will do him in. It's the ugly outside that voters won't abide. Nixon learned this lesson half a century ago but Cruz will have to learn it again.
So I don't lose sleep worrying about Ted Cruz. In fact, I'm glad he's around to play his part in the long, slow implosion of the GOP. These days, he and his clownish colleagues truly are the greatest show on earth!
My personal peeve with him is the idea that the absurd improvisational theater competitions in which he participated at Princeton qualify as real debates; they do not. NDT is debate. But I digress.
If you want some insight into Cruz's true nature, listen to him at the Supreme Court defending a Texas court's decision to sentence a man to 16 years in prison for stealing a calculator at: https://apps.oyez.org/player/#/rehnquist10/oral_argument_audio/23512
In the end, though, it's not his ugly inside that will do him in. It's the ugly outside that voters won't abide. Nixon learned this lesson half a century ago but Cruz will have to learn it again.
So I don't lose sleep worrying about Ted Cruz. In fact, I'm glad he's around to play his part in the long, slow implosion of the GOP. These days, he and his clownish colleagues truly are the greatest show on earth!
16
Ted Cruz would make a fitting subject for a Sinclair Lewis novel. Elmer Gantry Part II?
7
As usual, a nice column from Mr. Bruni, who has the most elegant ways of not mincing words.
Hypocrisy such as Mr. Cruz's is always worth pointing out. He professes, ostentatiously and constantly, to be a Christian but, from what I've seen of his public utterances, doesn't seem to have heard much of the side of the Christian message about kindness to the poor, about abjuring war, about the unlikelihood of being simultaneously godly and rich, and about loving one's neighbor as oneself.
But the subject of proving one's faith through one's behavior, in the context of a political race, really dodges the issue. Or, rather, emphasizes an extraneous issue.
The Constitution, and the founders' writings about it, make ever so clear that they meant to keep government out of religion AND religion out of governance. This political race, like almost any other, is not about, and should not be about, the expression of anyone's faith, or who who most closely matches his or her behavior to the tenets of his or her supposed faith. It's about power: Who gets to decide what, about whom, by whose rules, and to whose benefit or expense.
I'd actually prefer that all politicians, of every spiritual persuasion, be required to shut up about religious matters in their public utterances. For several decades now I've been quite sick and tired of "faithiness" in public life.
Hypocrisy such as Mr. Cruz's is always worth pointing out. He professes, ostentatiously and constantly, to be a Christian but, from what I've seen of his public utterances, doesn't seem to have heard much of the side of the Christian message about kindness to the poor, about abjuring war, about the unlikelihood of being simultaneously godly and rich, and about loving one's neighbor as oneself.
But the subject of proving one's faith through one's behavior, in the context of a political race, really dodges the issue. Or, rather, emphasizes an extraneous issue.
The Constitution, and the founders' writings about it, make ever so clear that they meant to keep government out of religion AND religion out of governance. This political race, like almost any other, is not about, and should not be about, the expression of anyone's faith, or who who most closely matches his or her behavior to the tenets of his or her supposed faith. It's about power: Who gets to decide what, about whom, by whose rules, and to whose benefit or expense.
I'd actually prefer that all politicians, of every spiritual persuasion, be required to shut up about religious matters in their public utterances. For several decades now I've been quite sick and tired of "faithiness" in public life.
17
It is strange that the Cruz campaign resorted to this tactic. Did they not think that someone--anyone--would not be smart enough to check the facts? If they thought they could get away with this, then that tells you what they really think of those reading their Twitter feeds--that they are the very suckers Donald Trump paints them out to be. Fortunately, we have not sunk that low.
In the end, I don't really care whether my Commander-in-Chief bows down on his knees or not. But I do care whether he shows basic human courtesy and sticks to the facts. Is that too much to ask these days?
In the end, I don't really care whether my Commander-in-Chief bows down on his knees or not. But I do care whether he shows basic human courtesy and sticks to the facts. Is that too much to ask these days?
14
What I find sickening is the idea Cruz's supporters are so racist they actually believe that showing someone shaking hands with Obama will cause voters to switch to Cruz in disgust.
22
Ted Cruz's god is Ted Cruz. If the country were mostly atheists, I'm sure that Senator Cruz would proclaim he's an atheist!
12
Cruz is the smartest and most principled, by far, than any leading candidate from either party. He will make a great President, but unfortunately his biggest strength is also his biggest weakness - he is a purist - much like Sanders.
And we find nothing wrong with hurling our pitchforks at such candidates. What a shame !
And we find nothing wrong with hurling our pitchforks at such candidates. What a shame !
"Cruz continues to congratulate his campaign for its high-mindedness even though his allies and operatives spread an erroneous report, during the Iowa caucuses, that Ben Carson was dropping out of the race. And they had the niftiest bit of counsel for Carson voters. Switch to Cruz!"
Yeah, that is a real principled stand.
Yeah, that is a real principled stand.
Why even bother with a column on this specimen? I suppose the NYTimes has to acknowledge his political existence, but in any other walk of life he'd be dismissed as a slithering creep. It's fantastic what you have to put up with in a democracy.
8
One of my great joys this political season has been to watch Trump share his opinion of Cruz. It's not often the words 'hypocrite' and 'liar' are showered so generously upon a fellow candidate. Donald has the broom and the dustpan which will whisk TrusTed out the campaign door. We can savor the process.
5
Mr. Bruni, well done. Mrs. Kieth, my English teacher of 53 years ago, would likely have given you a C+ for this work (there was no grade inflation fifty years ago) and you would have been proud.
She would have given Trump an A - not on content - on succinctness.
Cruz is a liar.
That is all you needed to have written.
She would have given Trump an A - not on content - on succinctness.
Cruz is a liar.
That is all you needed to have written.
8
I'm a little surprised at Mr Bruni's naivete. It doesn't take a lot of life experience to realize that sanctimonious religious zealots who tub-thump their own moral purity while hectoring the less pious usually aren't very nice people.
10
The classic Cruze is not to outright lie, but to indirectly imply something that is obviously false. So he says, "Even if it were true...we would not use this against my opponent." Fill in the blank...even if it were true that my opponent is an atheist, a child molester, etc, etc. He really thinks voters are stupid and easily manipulated. His arrogance is so overwhelming, he repeatedly overreaches since he cannot imagine he would be unable to get away with even the most transparently vile behavior.
7
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks" - William Shakespeare. I think Cruz points to his godliness to hide his true nature.
7
The religious sentiment that comes across from Cruz and his Republican rivals for the nomination is little more than the assertion of ethical superiority and unearned wisdom. They are an awful bunch of simple-minded hypocrites, who sense they can lie and smear anybody as long as they wrap their deceits in assurances of their personal (religious-based) righteousness. One would think they'd choose to grow up rather than be born yet again. And one would hope that serious, grounded Christians would reject them for the clear harm they do to the reputation of Christianity, itself.
5
The Republican candidates have made their Christian faith part of their campaign. I think it's about time that the press starts asking the candidates how their faith will inform their presidency.
Personally, however, I fear that Mr. Cruz and the rest of the candidates own a defective copy of The Bible. You see, Christ helped the poor and he helped the sick. Based on the candidates words and actions, I must assume that their copies must be missing some very important passages.
I urge all of them to obtain a copy of the New Testament published and distributed by the Gideons. It is, however, the King James version, which isn’t, for example, quite as easy to read as Karl Marx’s The Communist Manifesto. If the candidates take the time out of their busy schedules to read the chapters in the New Testament titled “Matthew,” “Mark,” “Luke” & “John,” they will begin to understand who this Jesus Christ person is. Hint: he’s about love and helping mankind.
If they are not up to the challenge of reading King James, they should think about picking up a copy of The Bible for Dummies, which is available for purchase online and at bookstores everywhere.
Personally, however, I fear that Mr. Cruz and the rest of the candidates own a defective copy of The Bible. You see, Christ helped the poor and he helped the sick. Based on the candidates words and actions, I must assume that their copies must be missing some very important passages.
I urge all of them to obtain a copy of the New Testament published and distributed by the Gideons. It is, however, the King James version, which isn’t, for example, quite as easy to read as Karl Marx’s The Communist Manifesto. If the candidates take the time out of their busy schedules to read the chapters in the New Testament titled “Matthew,” “Mark,” “Luke” & “John,” they will begin to understand who this Jesus Christ person is. Hint: he’s about love and helping mankind.
If they are not up to the challenge of reading King James, they should think about picking up a copy of The Bible for Dummies, which is available for purchase online and at bookstores everywhere.
9
I was delighted to read your expose on Ted Cruz! I savored every word which aptly describes his unsavory character and behavior. Hopefully those who are on his bandwagon will read your article and think twice before ever electing him as our next President, if for some unfortunate reason he is nominated.
5
An unnecessary hatchet job.
1
Your definition of "hatchet job" apparently includes accurately reporting statements by Cruz. Pointing out just how far Cruz's behavior is from his image is pointing out how much of his popular appeal is based on a lie. It's really esy to sort this out. Ask yourself - did Cruz actually say and do these things? If yes, why do you support him. If no, THEN it's a hatchet job.
My experience is that "ostentatious Christian" is a synonym for "huge hypocrite".
13
Dear Frank, the devil in Senator Cruz is in the details. Senator Cruz is Ivy-League educated lawyer who somehow has become a tea-party non-establishment candidate. Senator Cruz is backed and funded by 4 billionaires (per CBS News story) who have interests that resonate in the orations and sermons from the sanctimonious Senator. The Senator uses a potent potion of snake oil, bible quotes, tea party pablum and strategic "mistakes" such as robocalls. doctored photos and errant emails and tweets to advance their interests, even at odds with many in our state. The Senator, who thankfully is spending more time creating havoc on the road than in DC on our behalf, truly believes it is a call from the heavens (or rich folks spending like pennies from heaven) to be the one "true voice" on women's "rights", oil and gas drilling expansion with the bonus of earthquakes, and affairs abroad such as his charm campaign in Tehran and Baghdad. The small details, such as coming across like the late junior senator from Wisconsin, not filing paperwork to disclose millions lent from big financial firms, to his penchant for prevarication and strategic "oops" along with his plumbers (staffers) seems that while he claims some guidance from Reagan, he and his campaign are more like Nixon. None of the carnival barkers roaming Nevada tonight are much better, sadly. It would be nice if he would not show the flag in flames as a campaign icon, but it may be a subtle sign of distress to come should he win.
11
Frank loves Marco
The main reason I don't go around talking my Christian faith to strangers is that I don't want them misjudging Jesus or the Christian faith by some of my words and actions. Fellow Christians will understand that none of us is perfect in our discipleship and always stand in need of forgiveness and productive soul-searching, but non-Christians might just look at us and say, "If that's what a Christian is, I don't think I'll go there." So Cruz, Rubio, and all the others on the Republican stage who are trumpeting their faith and carrying their Bibles on the campaign trail must have more confidence than me that all their words and actions are so pleasing to God and worthy of Christ that any lost soul in the multitudes they speak to will see the light through them. There is a thin line between confidence and arrogance, I'd say, and humility trumps all.
10
One needs only to watch the video of a college-age Ted Cruz saying that his goal in life is "world domination" to get a sense of his real character. More recently, a reporter interviewed people who knew Cruz in college and noted that five separate people -- completely unprompted -- used the word "creepy." I think there's a very good chance that Cruz is a pathological sociopath. His willingness to shut down the government, without remorse, and cause 20 billion dollars in harm to the economy should be a major red flag. He shows no guilt, will say anything to get ahead, has alienated his Republican colleagues in the senate, and believes he is completely right and chosen by God for his role. He scares me more than Trump, and that is saying something.
28
I bet Cruz supporters thought Eli Sunday, in There Will be Blood, was the good guy.
3
Mr. Bruni
We are talking about presidential candidates who are arguing about the bible.
Can you get serious? Please!
I see nothing but down the tubes for the usa. I am moving to cambodia ASAP.
Love and Peace
Joe Brown
We are talking about presidential candidates who are arguing about the bible.
Can you get serious? Please!
I see nothing but down the tubes for the usa. I am moving to cambodia ASAP.
Love and Peace
Joe Brown
4
Its not like Ted Cruz is going anywhere. He's losing to Donald Trump of all people. Talk about a career ender. How do you ever recover from that?
3
Am I the only one, at age 67, who remembers John F. Kennedy AND Richard Nixon decrying bringing up religion during a presidential run? If memory serves, JFK spoke to ministers to assure them he was first and foremost an American, and upheld without equivocation the tenet of Separation of Church and State (to make sure the protestant ministers understood that he would not in any way be beholden to the Vatican). When he won the Democratic primary in West Virginia, it was thought that his Roman Catholicism was no longer an issue of any kind, much less a valid issue. Now, evangelicals are determining who wins? Candidates must "appear" at Liberty University to explain themselves to evangelical minions? Voters are blatantly admitting they will vote only for those candidates who share their religious views? What's happened since I was 12? And why are those openly political churches still enjoying nonprofit, tax exempt status?
32
I remember it too. And even as a Catholic, I'm appalled when I hear candidates state we are a Christian nation or when I Hear a priest telling me how to vote.
12
Socialist religion.....tax exempt for groups with political agenda disguised under a religious name.....how more naïve can we be...
I wouldn't worry that much about what Cruz says or doesn't say. It's true that all his Senate colleagues detest him, but on the other hand, so do most total strangers.
7
To me, Ted Cruz just oozes slime.
10
There is in the land a 'brand' of Christianity sometimes called 'Dominionism.' Roughly based on Genesis 1:27 where God calls humans to have dominion over all the earth, Dominionists (who generally not not go by that name) see the inevitability of a Christian theocracy in which the public sphere would give way to a private, 'Christian' one, in which schools, the state, and all its apparatuses would operate on a fundamentalist 'Christian' perspective under the 'rule' of God and in anticipation of the final 'Kingdom of God on Earth,' and in which there would be no room for other points of view, including those of moderate and 'liberal' Christians who understand the faith quite differently.
I fear Mr. Cruz is aligned with that movement and that his ascendancy to the presidency would be a disaster worse even than that of Trump's. How have we come to such a place?
I fear Mr. Cruz is aligned with that movement and that his ascendancy to the presidency would be a disaster worse even than that of Trump's. How have we come to such a place?
15
He is echoing his seditious fire and brimstone father. But underneath Ted's pious brand of phony Christianity, is an evil man so ambitious he would break every Christian tenet if it meant he could win the nomination. God help us if he ever gets anywhere near the Oval office.
17
Let's put things in perspective. The oleaginous Rafael is a senator, sure, but he's a senator from Texas don't forget. It's not exactly a paragon of political thought going on down there in the Lone Star state.
George W, Rick Perry, and a host of other mind-numbing bumpkins, have held offices way above their mental capacities. Cruz is actually an anomaly. He's a smarty pants with two Ivy League parchments tucked away in his gun holster, yet he acts like some good old boy just jawing it up with the yokels. No hat, no cattle. Just faith healing shameless demagoguery.
DD
Manhattan
George W, Rick Perry, and a host of other mind-numbing bumpkins, have held offices way above their mental capacities. Cruz is actually an anomaly. He's a smarty pants with two Ivy League parchments tucked away in his gun holster, yet he acts like some good old boy just jawing it up with the yokels. No hat, no cattle. Just faith healing shameless demagoguery.
DD
Manhattan
16
Another week in this campaign comes and another editorial from Bruni on Ted Cruz. I'm so burned out from reading them that I'm going to pass entirely on this one. Ted Cruz IS the devil - each and every thinking person in America knows that. It's not our fault that a majority of Texans are NOT thinking Americans and therefore they elected him to represent them in the United States Senate. That's their problem and I've heard enough about this beast to last several lifetimes. Time to move ON.....
7
you should say that to the millions of brainwashed voters who still "adore" Cruz.
There's a lot I dislike about Cruz, but am I the only one who notices an increasing trend in the Times toward sensationalism, propaganda, and lowest-level emotional attacks?
It's not enough to have a reasoned editorial about why we shouldn't vote for Crus. No, he is the Devil. He is evil incarnate. He diabolically hypocritical. Delusional. With a campaign manager who is malicious.
I realize that this language is in part a response to Cruz's own farming of himself as Godly. But really? To descend to his level, or worse?
I think *that's* hypocritical--to oppose a candidate for his behavior, and then to attack him in a thoroughly similar fashion, or worse. I don't care how righteous you feel doing so. This sort of attack doesn't convince me at all. I read the Times for reasoned discourse. If I want the equivalence of Fox for the left, I'll find it on any number of blogs or FB threads.
It's not enough to have a reasoned editorial about why we shouldn't vote for Crus. No, he is the Devil. He is evil incarnate. He diabolically hypocritical. Delusional. With a campaign manager who is malicious.
I realize that this language is in part a response to Cruz's own farming of himself as Godly. But really? To descend to his level, or worse?
I think *that's* hypocritical--to oppose a candidate for his behavior, and then to attack him in a thoroughly similar fashion, or worse. I don't care how righteous you feel doing so. This sort of attack doesn't convince me at all. I read the Times for reasoned discourse. If I want the equivalence of Fox for the left, I'll find it on any number of blogs or FB threads.
3
The Times must now reckon with Rupert and his formula of wreck everything just to let nothing change UNLESS it changes for the increased comfort of the billionaire class. Look at all the great English language papers and media outlets swallowed by Rupert Murdoch and how they have suffered. If the NYT doesn't play ball, either Rupert will buy them and put them out of business or just put them out of business. And NO major media extant is so liberator independent that it will happily side with progressives or populists: their editors who make high 6 and 7 figure salaries, are also of the monied ranks NOT win favour of change.
It is truly amazing how the NY Times can assiduously go after the only Republican candidate who was born in Canada.
Canadians live, on average, 2 years longer than Americans. Canada has the Number 1 banking system in the world (for 7 years in a row) - the US ranked 53rd, just behind Slovenia. If an American college football program was top-rated for 7 years in a row, the campus would be swamped by coaches from other colleges trying to find out what made the program so successful.
If Ted Cruz can bring some Canadian ideas to the USA, it might not be such a bad thing. Oops, Ted is trying to hide any and all connections with Canada. Too bad.
Canadians live, on average, 2 years longer than Americans. Canada has the Number 1 banking system in the world (for 7 years in a row) - the US ranked 53rd, just behind Slovenia. If an American college football program was top-rated for 7 years in a row, the campus would be swamped by coaches from other colleges trying to find out what made the program so successful.
If Ted Cruz can bring some Canadian ideas to the USA, it might not be such a bad thing. Oops, Ted is trying to hide any and all connections with Canada. Too bad.
1
Are you joking...What ideas from Canada did he bring? He is against everything Canada stands for: healthcare, education, civility, no guns, free choice for women..........Canadians are just so happy that Cruz is not a citizen anymore.....
Can't we please encourage Texas to secede? Texans elect dunces like Rick Perry but now they have outdone themselves by sending to the Senate a man so morally corrupt, so nakedly ambitious, he makes Tricky Dick Nixon look like a paragon of probity. Cruz is a mendacious, pandering, revoltingly oleaginous psychopath. You Texans elected him, you deserve him. Please spare the rest of us and leave the Union. We promise not to go to war to get you or your dumb as a tumbleweed state back.
22
When Rick Perry ran four years ago (oops), I thought there was a petition sent to Obama requesting secession. I kept thinking "Have at it!"
1
Martin Sheen played a wacko, fatalist politician in the movie The Dead Zone- that's who Ted Cruz reminds me of.. He's a controlled loose canon and I think just crazy enough to launch a preemptive strike on Iran. We shouldn't worry so much about radical Jihadists when we have our own religious fanatic in a tight race for the GOP nomination. This guy is scary and he has close to 30 million Americans hanging on his every word- even scarier!
18
The most recent dustup was that a Cruz video falsely portrayed Rubio saying he didn't think the Bible had all the answers, whereas Rubio did in fact say the Bible had all the answers.
In any rational party, Rubio would be thanking Cruz for making him look more thoughtful and rational than he himself claims to be.
In any rational party, Rubio would be thanking Cruz for making him look more thoughtful and rational than he himself claims to be.
11
I don't think I've ever seen a column with such a dramatic pronouncement, which then describes episodes that are so utterly mild and inconsequential. Called McConnel a liar? Questioned Trumps faith when Trump explicitly denounced the central tenant of the Christian faith? Heavens no! Next you're gonna tell me Cruz said the sky was blue when it was in fact a slightly off-blue!
I mean, are you kidding me? We have a candidate who actively tried to destroy the lives of victims of sexual assault, who lied to families of killed family members, and who could not follow basic legal rules on incredibly sensitive correspondence, and you are upset that Cruz gets in his party's face sometimes? Is this a serious column?
I mean, are you kidding me? We have a candidate who actively tried to destroy the lives of victims of sexual assault, who lied to families of killed family members, and who could not follow basic legal rules on incredibly sensitive correspondence, and you are upset that Cruz gets in his party's face sometimes? Is this a serious column?
2
Although not noted in the national press recently, early in the campaign several commentators observed that Senator Cruz bears a remarkable resemblance to Senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin.
Unfortunately, it is more than a physical similarity.
Unfortunately, it is more than a physical similarity.
14
The fact he said “any president who doesn’t begin every day on his knees isn’t fit to be commander in chief” is not just disingenuous, it's plainly sinister. Whether we're dealing with a sociopath or worse, he's the kind of politician who believes whatever asinine thing he says when he says it - and with fanatical intensity. He makes me very nervous.
23
"He directs you to his halo as he surreptitiously grabs a pitchfork." Amazing line.
My dad is a diehard Republican and he recently told me that he would never vote for Ted Cruz simply because he "didn't like his face." Although there are many MANY other reasons to cite, my dad's is kind of my favorite.
My dad is a diehard Republican and he recently told me that he would never vote for Ted Cruz simply because he "didn't like his face." Although there are many MANY other reasons to cite, my dad's is kind of my favorite.
10
Repeating Trump's words on his faith is not questioning his faith.....that is Trump describing his own lack of faith.
I've been sensing a certain sociopath component in Cruz's demeanor for some time now - a cruel and sneering sense of entitlement that has bothered me from the start with this guy, I've jokingly mentioned to friends that should Cruz receive the party's nomination, I could readily envision the bumper sticker: Caligula for President. But that's not to say I dismiss Cruz in all and any capacity as a public servant. He is well known for his intelligence, some even suggest brilliance. At this point, I doubt the public has any interest in letting Cruz anywhere near the Oval office, which is exactly how it should be given his lack of statesmanship. But I also believe that if can find humility and redirect his energy towards goals that truly serve and give back to the American public, he may someday become a highly worthy, respected and admired statesman. I believe Ted Cruz has the ability to grow up.
50
Funny, that is also how one can describe Hillary Clinton.
3
I don't share your optimism. I think the guy is permanently damaged.
1
Interesting points, Chris. And I agree with you except for one thing...if he is a sociopath...then the introspective changes are not likely, maybe not even possible.
1
Cruz's hypocrisy extends to his immigration plans. His family, as well as Marco Rubio's, were beneficiaries of preferential treatment given to Cuban refugees.
11
I expect the next round of Republican vote pandering will begin with free whiskey for everyone.
1
Whether one believes in the devil or not, the scariest thing about Cruz is the extent to which his bigotry and hatred have found favor in the ranks of the so-called Christians on the evangelical right.
35
The only ones in that group who don't find favor with his attitudes and statements are those who like the same behavior from Donald Trump.
Amen, amen, amen.
Some of the biggest scams ever pulled off in this country have been done so by so-called "evangelists". I wouldn't put too much stock in the title. Cruz only proves that point.
9
Princeton graduate and clerk for a Supreme Court Justice Ted Cruz, in lawyerly fashion, chose his words to deliberately avoid the subjunctive to express a condition contrary to fact when his says "even if it was true" rather than "even if it were true". He lessened doubt about the falsity of the statement and created the meme, "...it was true..."
Very clever, Mr. Cruz – too clever by half.
Very clever, Mr. Cruz – too clever by half.
9
Either that or he doesn't know how to use the subjunctive. Either way, he isn't fit to be a senator, never mind a president.
Lets face it he is a sick twisted man who says whatever he thinks is what may get he elected no matter what if it is true or false. he is a sleaze bag.
13
Trump and I agree on only one thing - Ted Cruz is the biggest liar in the world. His fake piousness. his Elmer Gantry religious fervor makes him, also, the world's biggest hypocrite.
As another commenter said today about Cruz - Jesus weeps.
As another commenter said today about Cruz - Jesus weeps.
19
Frank, how does it feel to be part of the Republican Establishment these days?
We know you are upset by your party being hijacked by the best carnival barker since PT Barnum. But as you know this is no longer your father's GOP anymore.
Now we know about your feelings towards the pompous wannabe preacher who is the best political dirty trickster since Tricky Dick Nixon. As an Establishment type you must be breathing a little easier since Ted Cruz now seems to be sinking fast.
So who is going to the the GOP's Great White Hope?
Maybe a certain good looking Cuban kid? Do you have the chops to make him look like a moderate in spite of his record? Can you make someone who can't even balance his personal checkbook look like he can balance our country's checkbook?
Or do you think that maybe the governor of Ohio will be the Establishment's savior? Are there enough smoke and mirrors obscure the fact that he actually helped the citizens of Ohio by taking advantage of "Obamacare"?
Or maybe it is Dr. Ben Carson. He who could separate conjoined twins but couldn't separate truth from reality?
I guess all you can do now is pray that "The Donald" can be slowed down enough so that a certain Speaker of the House can get drafted to be the GOP's sacrificial lamb next November.
I don't envy your position one bit.
While I support Bernie Sanders 100% Hillary Clinton will also do right by me so I am covered there.
But like they say in sports, there's always next season!
We know you are upset by your party being hijacked by the best carnival barker since PT Barnum. But as you know this is no longer your father's GOP anymore.
Now we know about your feelings towards the pompous wannabe preacher who is the best political dirty trickster since Tricky Dick Nixon. As an Establishment type you must be breathing a little easier since Ted Cruz now seems to be sinking fast.
So who is going to the the GOP's Great White Hope?
Maybe a certain good looking Cuban kid? Do you have the chops to make him look like a moderate in spite of his record? Can you make someone who can't even balance his personal checkbook look like he can balance our country's checkbook?
Or do you think that maybe the governor of Ohio will be the Establishment's savior? Are there enough smoke and mirrors obscure the fact that he actually helped the citizens of Ohio by taking advantage of "Obamacare"?
Or maybe it is Dr. Ben Carson. He who could separate conjoined twins but couldn't separate truth from reality?
I guess all you can do now is pray that "The Donald" can be slowed down enough so that a certain Speaker of the House can get drafted to be the GOP's sacrificial lamb next November.
I don't envy your position one bit.
While I support Bernie Sanders 100% Hillary Clinton will also do right by me so I am covered there.
But like they say in sports, there's always next season!
6
Ummm, I don't think Bruni is a Republican.
1
I am shocked. Shocked, I say, to find out that a Republican candidate for president is a hypocrite. I never could have imagined such a thing.
22
I've got the feeling the Christian evangelical movement is finally going down the sewer drain with its fossilized faux spiritualism and ignorance. Surely it will thrash around and cause more damage on its way to the trash heap, occasionally raising its reptilian head to frighten the masses during times of crises or change. Thank you and bless you Mr Cruz and Mr Rubio.
8
Trump is worse.
McConnell is no better.
McConnell is no better.
Compared to Trump, who doesn't believe half the things he says, Cruz doesn't say half the things he believes. Therein lies his danger.
31
I couldn't agree more. With his sleazy ways and astounding levels of hypocrisy, I believe that he is more dangerous than Donald Trump, which is a feat in of itself. When you are proud that your colleagues dislike you, that should be an immediate red-flag. When you are spreading lies about another candidate in order to gain favor in an act of desperation, that should be extremely alarming to voters. I am still having trouble truly imagining what type of person would vote/caucus for him, or for that matter, any of the candidates for the Republican Party. This whole campaign/election cycle has just gone to show that Democrats will win again in 2016, and in some ways, I guess I can thank Ted Cruz for that.
9
So he's a hypocrite - so what? All professional politicians are, it's part of the game.
To me any candidate who is openly religious is unqualified. Someone who makes as ostentatious a show of it as Cruz (or even Rubio) is prima facie a fraud. I wouldn't lend such a man one dollar.
19
Ted Cruz reminds me of Jimmy Swaggart, the God-shouting, apostacy-declaring, morally upright practitioner of the art of John for local prostitutes in the 1980s and buying his way out of problems with church money. The difference: Cruz hangs around with a different breed of prostitute and hasn't been caught with his fingers in the campaign cookie jar. Yet.
6
If there ever was a wolf in sheep's clothing, Ted Cruz is it.
He's a sanctimonious, self-aggrandizing, power-hungry hypocrite.
Thanks, Texas.
He's a sanctimonious, self-aggrandizing, power-hungry hypocrite.
Thanks, Texas.
21
Ah, Texas. The gift that keeps on giving. If they try to declare their independence again, can we please just let them? Better yet, can we ask them to leave?
How Ted Cruz have come up to this point is beyond me. What I understand no one has time for him in congress. When he speaks he sounds theatrical and insincere . Interestingly Senetor Bob Dole the last republican I ever voted for saw through his difficulties with honesty.
2
I begin my day by getting on my knees and praying that no GOP candidate – especially Ted Cruz – gets anywhere near the White House.
Am I a being hypocrite or am I just hedging my bets?
The unmasked piety of Ted Cruz who so brazenly carries out his dirty tricks is truly alarming, because when caught, Ted does not seem at all affected by his actions.
A true Christian would express some regret and a lot of responsibility for his actions. Ted does not seem to realize how easy it is to get caught in today's 24/7 society.
I simply do not understand Ted Cruz, nor do I want to. I've seen enough, hard enough, and heard enough testimony from others to make me appreciate how widely this religious Pharisee is hated the Senate.
Am I a being hypocrite or am I just hedging my bets?
The unmasked piety of Ted Cruz who so brazenly carries out his dirty tricks is truly alarming, because when caught, Ted does not seem at all affected by his actions.
A true Christian would express some regret and a lot of responsibility for his actions. Ted does not seem to realize how easy it is to get caught in today's 24/7 society.
I simply do not understand Ted Cruz, nor do I want to. I've seen enough, hard enough, and heard enough testimony from others to make me appreciate how widely this religious Pharisee is hated the Senate.
136
I have come to the conclusion that he is not difficult to understand if you label him a sociopath.
2
Not only Pope Francis is right about Trump, his observation that people who are too busy building walls instead of bridges are no christian can also be transferred to any candidates, Republican or not. So that basically rules out all the extremists including Cruz.
Cruz may very well fall on his own sword but why news media are giving Trump a free pass. Worse, they are giving him free publicity which may surpass all the candidates, present and previous. You have to wonder if they are afraid of Trump's bullying, like what he did to Ms Megyn Kelly.
People said they would stand up to bullies but history tells a different tale. Not until in his waning years did people dare to touch Roy Cohn, a feared individual even after McCarthy was thoroughly discredited. History could repeat itself again if news media don't stop for a moment to look in the mirror
Cruz may very well fall on his own sword but why news media are giving Trump a free pass. Worse, they are giving him free publicity which may surpass all the candidates, present and previous. You have to wonder if they are afraid of Trump's bullying, like what he did to Ms Megyn Kelly.
People said they would stand up to bullies but history tells a different tale. Not until in his waning years did people dare to touch Roy Cohn, a feared individual even after McCarthy was thoroughly discredited. History could repeat itself again if news media don't stop for a moment to look in the mirror
35
Cruz follows the bible--the old testament part. Lots of good tactics to be found there.
7
John Lennon was a genius. It is absolutely terrifying that Ted Cruz could possibly be our next President. It is a good thing that Trump is running because without him, imagine what could happen.
8
If Cruz's hypocrisy catches up with him, it will only be because he's attacking fellow Republicans, and because the right-wing media does try to defend its own. But no Republicans ever pay any price for their daily lies & distortions about Obama and the Democrats, because mainstream journalists would never dream of asking them to explain themselves.
69
Cruz looks eerily like Eddie from the Munsters. Child stars are known to develop emotional problems, so I'm glad he finally got a job.
13
Cruz looks like Uncle Fester; Eddie Munster is Speaker of the House.
1
The Eddie clone is Speaker Ryan...Cruz is a ringer for Tailgunner Joe McCarthy.
I thought everybody knew that!
I thought everybody knew that!
1
I think he looks like Grandpa from the Munsters.
Ted Cruz suffers lymphatic edema caused by wearing cowboy boats intentionally too small as is the cowpoke custom. Tight boots causes the lymp glands to swell up and that increases bile and stomach acid. He is constantly dyspeptic, ill-tempered and disgruntled. Worse, I'm just the messenger, Senator Cruz is actuall two inches shorter than claimed as he wears lifts inside the cowboy boots. He is actually too short to be legally President in America but by wearing these lifts he compounds the lymphatic edema and his caustic personality. No one has ever seen him with his boots off except his highly paid Texas boot maker and his mother years ago. The insert lifts are supposedly made from cow utter layers glued together that totals slightly more than two inches. Terrible way to have to live wearing fancy cowboy boots and crunching your toes into those tiny points.
43
You lost me at "cow utter (sic) layers"
And I don't think he mother likes him very much; she gave him such looks of incredulity, both scornful and pathetic, on the B-roll uploaded on to YouTube a few months back for use by his campaign or PAC to make heartwarming videos of the candidate and family together. His own mother couldn't believe the directions he was giving her -- even if this weren't true, no matter how it looks. Mothers will love unconditionally but that poor woman looked -- as improbable as this might seem -- like she regretted ever giving him life.
Donald Trump is doing the nation a service by calling out the lies of Ted Cruz. Cruz reminds me of another unlamented liar, Senator Joe McCarthy.
14
Unbelievable! Cruzie living by the "golden rule"; treat others like you want them to treat you? If he really believes this, how will he treat ISIS, as a CRISTIAN? He has vowed to bomb them to death... so is that how he wants them to treat him? I'll wager that no journalist will ever confront him on this, ever... unfortunately for all of us.
6
Mr. Cruz is The Salem Witch Trials personified.
13
Frank, I have tried to put out of mind the years I spent in a fundamentalist, very fundamentalist, church pew. But one of the things that will stick with me until my final breath is the teaching that the only sin God would not forgive is hypocrisy. I can see a future edition of Webster's or the American Heritage Dictionary with a picture of Ted Cruz to illustrate the definition of the word.
Cruz's use of the cadences, inflections and timing of southern evangelical tent preachers is pure theater. He no more believes the words that fall from his lips or the million-plus words in the bible than he believes in Santa.
As for Cruz's hatred of gay marriage, there is a reason. And it has nothing, and everything, to do with scripture, and hypocrisy.
Cruz's use of the cadences, inflections and timing of southern evangelical tent preachers is pure theater. He no more believes the words that fall from his lips or the million-plus words in the bible than he believes in Santa.
As for Cruz's hatred of gay marriage, there is a reason. And it has nothing, and everything, to do with scripture, and hypocrisy.
33
Great. Pick one: The candidate who lies and is devious about everything, the candidate who uses a canned speech with nothing but banal platitudes and fear-mongering, or the candidate who just makes crazy stuff up as he goes along, confident in the short attention spans of his supporters and the gullibility of the media.
Talk about a Hobson's Choice!
Talk about a Hobson's Choice!
30
As an atheist citizen of this country I have been told by Ted Cruz that I and my fellow non-believing brethren, about 16% of US citizens, should never be allowed to become President. Now I am in the political foxhole and praying to Cruz's mythological God that GOP voters will see Ted Cruz for what he is-- the anti-Christ.
29
Ted Cruz seems oddly detached from reality, and from having any sort of conscience. I disagree with many politicians and trust even fewer, but there is something empty about him. He is a dangerous man.
44
John Boehner said it all when he said publicly he was tired of dealing with "that Jacka-s Cruz". I wish Boehner were running.
5
Ted Cruz sees himself as the Conservative Messiah, crucified by the Washington Cartel and the Media. He can't win, but he can achieve a certain solipsistic political martyrdom.Ted Cruz is the face of political corruption. I wish he would grow one of those pencil thin Hollywood 1930's mustaches, so there would be perfect symmetry between his appearance and character.He has already shown us ,with his daughters participation in a political attack ad, that sanctimony is the last refuge of hypocrites. His cowboy boots, Joe McCarthy vocal tones, announcing his candidacy at a mandatory "attend or be fined,"meeting of students at Liberty University, and the loans from Goldman Sachs, paint a vivid self portrait of iconic sleaze.
47
Do you miss something here? Ted is blessed. So, his conduct is innocent. We must forgive him.
4
Oh, it's more than just being blessed. Whatever Cruz says or does is at the direction of Jesus and God. Therefor it cannot be wrong. This a fundamental truth of fundamentalist christians (and fundamentalists of all religions)--anything and everything the say and do is done because they have been so directed by god (allah, yahweh, etc.). And if, by chance, it hasn't been so directed, well, they just ask, and of course receive, forgiveness. Then they go about their merry immoral and hypocritical way again.
Parenthetically, it is doubtful Cruz has a religious bone in his body. He's a cynical, twisted, and very smart hypocrite who knows how to lie his way to power, and glory, and a lot of money.
Parenthetically, it is doubtful Cruz has a religious bone in his body. He's a cynical, twisted, and very smart hypocrite who knows how to lie his way to power, and glory, and a lot of money.
OMG, come on Frank, take off the gloves. This guy is a Walker/Snyder/Kasich and Scott branded republican built from the ground up to sow the seeds of destruction. He is evil incarnate. Call it like it is. He's not fooling anyone.
37
The person Cruz reminds me most of is Richard Nixon, and of course the physical similarity is also there. And so the dirty tricks aren't surprising a bit. "When will they ever learn; when will they....ever learn?"
12
If Ted Cruz were an idiot, I'd dismiss him.
But he's smart, so I fear him.
But he's smart, so I fear him.
516
The idiots are the ones who vote for Cruz.
3
A person can be a smart idiot.
1
If Democrat politicians were solid and able to think outside the box, I would be not be too worried about the potential of a cleverly fanatical Cruz.
But for many years the Democrats have been cowards and in denial about it, so I would be concerned about their caving to the likes of a President Cruz.
But for many years the Democrats have been cowards and in denial about it, so I would be concerned about their caving to the likes of a President Cruz.
1
This reprehensible character is showing his true colors on a national stage. Is it too much to ask that he lose the primary in his home state of Texas on March 1st? Or that the voters of Texas turn him out when he is up for reelection in 2018? I will be glad to never have to look at that smarmy mug again. Or listen to that voice that grates on me worse than nails on a blackboard, especially when he's reading "Green Eggs and Ham" to his children on my dime. I console myself with the knowledge that he will never be elected POTUS.
22
Frank, Cruz is not "suffering from delusions or amnesia". He's simply a liar.
We are the ones who are suffering.
We are the ones who are suffering.
35
Cruz Christianity is similar to GOP Christianity -- say one thing and do another. Cut aid and programs to help the poor, sick and homeless while proclaiming a strong love of Jesus Christ. The fact that Cruz Christianity is now aimed at the GOP candidates running for off is not surprising. These "shenanigans" work.
18
I am just waiting to hear anything Christian from any of the GOP candidates. I have no need of a Christian president. I would prefer an atheist, but a professed atheist would never be elected in this faux Christian nation.
20
The man is utterly delusional with his belief that God is calling for him to be president of the United States. If there is a wise God, the ultimate proof of it would be for Cruz to fail utterly, miserably, smitten by the very people whom he considers his natural constituency.
17
He just says it, he doesn't believe it.
This man scares me more than even Donald Trump. That's saying something.
37
When I grew up, being Christian did not mean asking God for help to make you rich, boasting about yourself, denigrating the poor, or advocating torture and war. But those were the good old days, not the good old days that modern conservatives pine about, they were different good old days.
18
I remember watching Karen Hughes during the last days of the Bush Campaign, and then upon W's election, and having a real sense of foreboding about not just her, but about the years to come. There was just something about the sneer in her smile. Intangible, sure, but I was right. I see the same thing in Cruz. Something not quite right, something else, something of deeper motives, something not about us at all, but about him, and only him. This is dangerous.
29
Could someone explain the Republican voter's mindset to me? I just can't wrap my my around it.
First you have Trump, policy absent, vulgar and willing to alienate just about everyone in the electorate.
Second you have Cruz, who gets so down and dirty his mantra "TRUS'TED"
is so ironical I actually think his supporters are on drugs.
Then there's Rubio, the establishment's darling, as unqualified for the Presidency as I am.
Apparently you get a pass with the Republican base if you can cook bacon on your rifle while holding the bible, deny climate change while your state is sinking, and insult everyone who looks at you crosseyed.
Hello? Any Republicans care to answer? I'd really like to know.
Oh, and please spare me the Kasich is a moderate mantra, I'm an Ohioan, I know the facts.
First you have Trump, policy absent, vulgar and willing to alienate just about everyone in the electorate.
Second you have Cruz, who gets so down and dirty his mantra "TRUS'TED"
is so ironical I actually think his supporters are on drugs.
Then there's Rubio, the establishment's darling, as unqualified for the Presidency as I am.
Apparently you get a pass with the Republican base if you can cook bacon on your rifle while holding the bible, deny climate change while your state is sinking, and insult everyone who looks at you crosseyed.
Hello? Any Republicans care to answer? I'd really like to know.
Oh, and please spare me the Kasich is a moderate mantra, I'm an Ohioan, I know the facts.
273
This is the logical consequence of the Southern Strategy. Cruz and Trump very precisely mouth the deeply held (though illogical) opinions of some 30% of American whites and are hoping they can scrape together enough other voter to win the presidential election. Cruz thinks evangelicals and racists will get him there, while Trump looks for wider appeal by saying whatever hate-itude comes to mind and unerringly stoking the stupid vote. The competition comes from the overlap of there respective target groups. It has been observable for the last four election cycles. Idiocracy in action. Don't underestimate its appeal.
Oh, and don't forget the rabid demonization of Hillary, which has been so unrelenting for so long that millenials don't even understand that they are repub tools when they announce that they "just don't trust" her.
Oh, and don't forget the rabid demonization of Hillary, which has been so unrelenting for so long that millenials don't even understand that they are repub tools when they announce that they "just don't trust" her.
210
Thanks for the truth.
2
Thank you Suzanne.
A very well reasoned reply to my mini-rant and absolutely true.
A very well reasoned reply to my mini-rant and absolutely true.
6
With Cruz and Trump clobbering each other fresh faced Marco appears, stage right.Is that Hizzoner lurking behind the curtain? Best political theater in my lifetime.
2
"John Lennon’s infamous claim — an outrage to American Christians in the 1960s — that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus."
Frank, you surprise and disappoint me; Lennon's comment was not a "claim"—it was a lament.
Frank, you surprise and disappoint me; Lennon's comment was not a "claim"—it was a lament.
18
When an entire campaign operation comprised of election subverting thieves, aspiring, and future, war criminals, like the George W. Bush campaign, and they don't like you, that is the equivalent of flunking out of maggot school.
27
Beware of individuals that praise their own 'sainthood', as it sounds awfully fishy. Ted Cruz is a nasty charlatan, and not even his own republican party can stand him. I bet you can get almost 100% concurrence we are dealing with a hypocrite.
39
I long for the days when a politician's religion was something they kept to themselves. I would take Nixon over any of the current GOP candidates. As a born-again atheist, I am scared to death of people like Cruz and Rubio who wear their religions on their sleeves and promise to take this country back. From whom? Do we not count? Will I be free in a Cruz or Rubio presidency to reject all theology or will I be living in a Taliban-like country that requires me to follow their lead and pray to their made-up gods?
874
I agree with your comment in as much as I am unwilling to envision a country being led by people who are denouncing Sharia, while trying to enact their own version of it.
The only quibble I have is this: it might be my own cynicism, but I don't really believe that either Cruz or Rubio are wearing *their* religions on their sleeves. I think they are parading around wearing whatever religion sells themselves on their sleeves. Underneath, I think the Emperor is naked. Which is worse, believing it and forcing it on the nation, or not believing it and forcing it on the nation?
The only quibble I have is this: it might be my own cynicism, but I don't really believe that either Cruz or Rubio are wearing *their* religions on their sleeves. I think they are parading around wearing whatever religion sells themselves on their sleeves. Underneath, I think the Emperor is naked. Which is worse, believing it and forcing it on the nation, or not believing it and forcing it on the nation?
3
Except that Nixon was a Quaker, and a good bit of his behavior was so un-Quakerly (to put it mildly) that many Quakers still cringe when his name is mentioned.
2
Correct. Dick Nixon never looked so good. I want to be FREE of others' religion, and for that matter, I want others to be free of mine (FWIW, I'm a Deist).
1
The more un-Christ-like a candidate is, the more he draws the Christian evangelical vote. It's a race away from the Sermon on the Mount for Trump and Cruz and the vocal parts of American Christianity are cheering them on with vigor. No wonder church attendance has been falling for decades.
47
You're not hallucinating, Frank, Ted Cruz is smarmily sanctimonious and the perpetrator of ungodly shenanigans (dirty tricks) while wearing his devout halo and wings during this awful Republican campaign for the Presidency. Senator Ted's zealous evangelical Christianity has no place at all in the Republican fight for the Presidency! Rafael Cruz has hung his hopes on his religion - Christianity - to propel him into the White House, or at least to propel him through Super Tuesday. Fat chance. Cruz, born in Canada of a Cuban father did not relinquish his Canadian citizenship till he decided to sprint for the Presidency in 2014. That he vowed he was "pretty certain Mitt Romney actually French-kissed Barack Obama" is beyond vile insolence. Rafael Cruz has appalled his colleagues in the Senate and outraged all Americans who think. His grotesque shenanigans (counting Dr. Carson out before Iowa caucus, showing a photoshopped picture of Rubio and Obama shaking hands in front of the Capitol) were profoundly sleazoid actions. Malicious as the guy he resembles, "The Indecent" Senator Joe McCarthy who brought the US down in the HUAC investigations of 1950s, Cruz's conduct deserves the opprobrium of all americans, regardless of race, religion, ethos. Why does he constantly invoke the Bible, Jesus Christ, and his faith? His religious tenets are separate from our government in the US. The sum and substance of Ted Cruz is that he is a hypocrite and not a decent man.
100
because he is an american christian
I have very low expectations when it comes to your average politician telling the truth. Most politicians will say whatever they think will garner them the most votes.
Ted Cruz falls way below the low bar I have for political integrity. They most polite term I can use to describe Cruz is disingenuous.
A better term would be pathological liar, the definition of which is someone one doesn't know when they are lying or telling the truth. That seems to be a good assessment of the way Cruz and his campaign has operated.
He is also a pious hypocrite of the worst kind. He would be a complete disaster if he were to be elected POTUS.
Ted Cruz falls way below the low bar I have for political integrity. They most polite term I can use to describe Cruz is disingenuous.
A better term would be pathological liar, the definition of which is someone one doesn't know when they are lying or telling the truth. That seems to be a good assessment of the way Cruz and his campaign has operated.
He is also a pious hypocrite of the worst kind. He would be a complete disaster if he were to be elected POTUS.
56
Sure, Ted Cruz is America's hypocrite du jour, de la semaine, de l'année. But his tactics are so cartoonish that they border on hilarity. For example, that doctored monochrome photo of Rubio's head grafted onto somebody else's body conducting a left-handed (get it?) handshake with somebody else's body grafted below President Obama's head was so pathetically amateurish as to be laughable.
For heaven's sake, if he wants to be a sleaze ball, candidate Cruz could at least try to be competent about it. No, but wait, we need something to amuse us during this otherwise dreary campaign of empty preening.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
For heaven's sake, if he wants to be a sleaze ball, candidate Cruz could at least try to be competent about it. No, but wait, we need something to amuse us during this otherwise dreary campaign of empty preening.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
7
Cruz said Obama shouldn't be president because his mother was American but his father wasn't. Now, he says that doesn't matter, when it applies to him. The man is a lying sack of offal -- and the sad thing is that he gets away with it.
........................
Sen Cruz of Texas sets the example of remarkably crass politics. His state is ranked first for the number of people with no healthcare coverage at all ... fully a third of its population ... a condition which he has deliberately precipitated by refusing provisions of the ACA.
........................
Sen Cruz of Texas sets the example of remarkably crass politics. His state is ranked first for the number of people with no healthcare coverage at all ... fully a third of its population ... a condition which he has deliberately precipitated by refusing provisions of the ACA.
28
Ted is testing the waters more openly than others that the voters are stupid uninformed drones and his sound bits will be effective both in gathering support and in dismissing his opponents. It seems to a frightening degree he may be right. God have mercy on us.
6
These are the actions of a candidate who would make a supremely incompetent president.
Thanks, but no thanks.
Thanks, but no thanks.
7
One of the many reasons I enjoy Mr. Bruni's columns is his lack of calumny and demagoguery.
Ted Cruz is a problematic candidate not only because of his conservatism, but because of his hypocrisy.
We tolerate a certain necessary amount of hypocrisy in u our candidates, as we do in Hillary. When Hillary is asked if she will level with the American people, she looks too earnestly in our eyes, and states, "I'll try never to lie." We all know she will trash the truth to be President and never level with us.
But Ted, he uses "truth" so cavalierly and righteously, that Hillary could pick him as a running mate and the two would instantly bond.
Interesting political season. Thank you, Mr. Bruni.
Ted Cruz is a problematic candidate not only because of his conservatism, but because of his hypocrisy.
We tolerate a certain necessary amount of hypocrisy in u our candidates, as we do in Hillary. When Hillary is asked if she will level with the American people, she looks too earnestly in our eyes, and states, "I'll try never to lie." We all know she will trash the truth to be President and never level with us.
But Ted, he uses "truth" so cavalierly and righteously, that Hillary could pick him as a running mate and the two would instantly bond.
Interesting political season. Thank you, Mr. Bruni.
3
You've pretty much described the modus operandi of a mythical being named Satan. In New Testament terms he's evil tempter who followed Jesus into the wilderness. Conniving, darkly charming, two-faced and full of passionate intensity, Cruz is turning into, or perhaps has always strived to be, the embodiment of that being.
18
I cannot see any characteristic in Sen Cruz other than generalized anger and contempt.
I have no insight into what, if any, religious component is involved.
I have no insight into what, if any, religious component is involved.
7
Ted Cruz is a transparently evil man. It is astounding to me that anyone has been taken in by him. It is a frightening commentary on the GOP that there are so many of them.
15
The disconnect between Cruz's religious pronouncements and his acts brings to mind two different things. The first is antinomian Calvinism; if one is predestined to be saved by God, it does not matter how one actually lives one's life. The second is that anyone wanting to write a Faustian tale could hardly find a better protagonist in modern day America than Ted Cruz.
9
Why can't any of the Republicans just talk about their ideas, what they would do for the country if they were elected? Why do they have to waste our time fabricating insults and rudeness so substantial you could cut it with a hack saw?
11
He is reminiscent of the character in Bronte's "Wuthering Heights" who is described as "the most self-righteous old hypocrite who ever ransacked the Bible, taking the blessings for himself and flinging the curses on his neighbors."
21
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6. Maybe Mr Cruz and other Republicans should abide by this rule.
19
I may be shot by some god-fearing Christian for saying this, but I have known many people who went to cruz's babtist high school in Houston, and it seems to me that scheming and conniving must be at the core of the curriculum there.
9
"When fascism come to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross".
Well, it has arrived in force on these shores in that very fashion.
The Republican party as a whole is a mirror image of Marie le Pen's National Front in France, with the difference that the National Front only received 35 seats in the French parliament of about 570 seats.
Well, it has arrived in force on these shores in that very fashion.
The Republican party as a whole is a mirror image of Marie le Pen's National Front in France, with the difference that the National Front only received 35 seats in the French parliament of about 570 seats.
19
Cruz is just another snake oil salesman. The lying during this Republican primary season is remarkable.
Today Marco Rubio said that Obama wanted to give the Guantanamo Naval Base back to Cuba, an outrageous statement that was totally made up. There was nothing in Mr. Obama's statement that even vaguely hinted at that, just a lie to gin up hatred and distrust.
America is at a very dangerous cross roads when people such as Trump, Cruz and Rubio are serious contenders for the nomination of a major political party.
God bless America, we need all the help we can get.
Today Marco Rubio said that Obama wanted to give the Guantanamo Naval Base back to Cuba, an outrageous statement that was totally made up. There was nothing in Mr. Obama's statement that even vaguely hinted at that, just a lie to gin up hatred and distrust.
America is at a very dangerous cross roads when people such as Trump, Cruz and Rubio are serious contenders for the nomination of a major political party.
God bless America, we need all the help we can get.
18
And "God helps those who help themselves." For the sake of the country, get yourself and everyone you know to the polls. Only sheer numbers will overcome the danger we're in right now.
I am not a fan of Donald Trump. I deplore his bombastic oratory and divisive bigotry. However, I am not only not a fan of Ted Cruz, I am frightened by him. He represents everything that I think is wrong with America today. He cannot separate church from state. He is bombastic and narcissistic. If their is a diametric opposite of charm....that's Ted. This obviously has not been lost on his Senate colleagues. Why is this man in the race for the presidency? Has this country become so soured that it would give the nuclear codes to this megalomaniac.
I find it curious that if he ever became President, I would start making serious plans to move to Canada. Interesting twist.
I find it curious that if he ever became President, I would start making serious plans to move to Canada. Interesting twist.
22
Ted Cruz reminds me of no one else as much as old "Tricky Dick" Nixon.
He has that same Machiavellian, tell people whatever they want to hear approach.
He suffers from the same regular exposures of his behind-the-scenes machinations, hypocrisy, wheeling-dealing and general ugliness that revealed Nixon as who he truly was; a petty criminal with power and, at least initially, invisibility about his ways.
Cruz is not as bright as Nixon, nor as clever, or driven, fortunately. But he is as profoundly evil as Nixon was, this I am certain of.
Doesn't help that he's a Canadian masquerading as a Texan. We had another northerner pretending to be a southerner for President not too long ago; he threw away trillions of our tax dollars on useless wars, to fund his buddies at Halliburton, Blackwater/Xe/Akademi/Constellis Group, KBR and others. And then he tanked our economy on the way out.
The rich were expecting his brother to win, handily. That's off the table now. Cruz is their next best shot.
Can you even begin to imagine the kind of damage he will inflict on this failing nation?
He has that same Machiavellian, tell people whatever they want to hear approach.
He suffers from the same regular exposures of his behind-the-scenes machinations, hypocrisy, wheeling-dealing and general ugliness that revealed Nixon as who he truly was; a petty criminal with power and, at least initially, invisibility about his ways.
Cruz is not as bright as Nixon, nor as clever, or driven, fortunately. But he is as profoundly evil as Nixon was, this I am certain of.
Doesn't help that he's a Canadian masquerading as a Texan. We had another northerner pretending to be a southerner for President not too long ago; he threw away trillions of our tax dollars on useless wars, to fund his buddies at Halliburton, Blackwater/Xe/Akademi/Constellis Group, KBR and others. And then he tanked our economy on the way out.
The rich were expecting his brother to win, handily. That's off the table now. Cruz is their next best shot.
Can you even begin to imagine the kind of damage he will inflict on this failing nation?
15
The insufferableness of the dogma-drenched. Those who drink the kool-aid - religious, political, or what have you, always think theirs is the best, the real thing. Therefore, the ends justify the means.
6
Is it something in the water in Texas?
Cruz, Shrub, DeLay, Perry- they're all forked tongued!
Cruz, Shrub, DeLay, Perry- they're all forked tongued!
18
You ought to add the Bush family to your list of people who have been drinking questionable water in Texas.
Snidely Whiplash really is Snidely Whiplash. From his heartless policies and bellicose foreign policy to his unctuous words that evoke the ghosts of Salem. He would a Democrat's dream opponent.
6
He should focus on being President for all of the people, not just fundamentalist Christian ideologues. There should not be a faith-based litmus test for Presidential candidates. Of course, the separation of church and state is anathema to Cruz, who is part of the gang of theocrats (except for Trump, who is just posing as one to get votes) running to be President.
6
Ted Cruz proves that God does not exist. It's impossible to imagine that an omnipotent God would remain silent while the diabolical Raphael Edward Cruz runs around the Country claiming to speak for HIM.
11
Perhaps God is waiting to see which repulsive repub gets nominated before speaking up. Perhaps, this is a test to see how many of us apply the lessons of charity, humility, and loving our neighbors as we would ourselves as we decide on our next president.
I' sorry to repeat....but this aged retired Lutheran pastor is appalled at the trolling use of religious baiting, using a theology we used to call "God's Will Theology". I'll choose to Not go....except to also express my amazement at the fabrication and lies used so creatively....only toward the purplous of winning an election to become the highest level Non-servant in our Country.
13
I see so much wisofom and historical awareness in commentors' words this morning....the way I see them every day in this chaotic "race to political stardom". I commonly apologize that a Stroke has limited my mind's capacity.
But I still know enough to care and care enough to know. As a 79 year old retired Lutheran pastor, I wish to suggest that we have a delemna of fearful proportions present because ( like it or not) "Religion" and "Politics" IS being mixed.....and very successfully....by not only some smart, but crafty and wiley
Power-driven people. Success is the motivation, not Service. Hubert Humphry used to say, "It's sad...what Bad things you have to do...I in order to get Elected to do Good things". But he was Serving with Bob Dole and George McGovern, who "crossed the line"' and could actually Talk with each other. I have friends and relatives who can't do that today. Meanwhile, we have politicians mixing religion and politics, using God's Will theology as part of the Lure. The brilliant Theologians, like C.S Lewis, Reinhold Niebuht,etc. of WWII...are not present or
evident today. It's Lent, and the Historical Jesus has been relegated to simple myth or metaphor.
But I still know enough to care and care enough to know. As a 79 year old retired Lutheran pastor, I wish to suggest that we have a delemna of fearful proportions present because ( like it or not) "Religion" and "Politics" IS being mixed.....and very successfully....by not only some smart, but crafty and wiley
Power-driven people. Success is the motivation, not Service. Hubert Humphry used to say, "It's sad...what Bad things you have to do...I in order to get Elected to do Good things". But he was Serving with Bob Dole and George McGovern, who "crossed the line"' and could actually Talk with each other. I have friends and relatives who can't do that today. Meanwhile, we have politicians mixing religion and politics, using God's Will theology as part of the Lure. The brilliant Theologians, like C.S Lewis, Reinhold Niebuht,etc. of WWII...are not present or
evident today. It's Lent, and the Historical Jesus has been relegated to simple myth or metaphor.
1
This columnist has been vigilant toward the threat of which Cruz is merely the soggy tip, but I hope he will never recoil from pursuing this impostor on grounds of redundancy. Redundancy is not only natural in a climate in which the candidates all believe we have no memory, it is vital and indispensable in a columnist responsible enough to survey every day's renewal of a chronic, tenacious, mortal threat to humanity.
6
As with many delusional religious zealots, Cruz sees only his truth and others hypocrisy.
I do worry that he will attempt to turn this country in to a Christian Caliphate.
I do worry that he will attempt to turn this country in to a Christian Caliphate.
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Ted Cruz is not going to be President. Mainstream Republicans fear (and loathe) him more than they fear Trump.
8
The First Amendment establishes not only freedom of religion but freedom from religion. Mr Cruz and the Republican right don't understand this basic concept.
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As I'm reading this I'm wondering: How many of Frank Bruni's readers would ever consider voting for Ted Cruz anyway? And of that minuscule number, how many would support Cruz based on his supposed rectitude and righteousness? I mean, Frank, you're a great writer, but how do you perceive your audience and your potential to influence?
3
As of now, I have listened to three Republican friends, some powerful in the Corporate World, and they are apparently casting their vote for Cruz. What happens in the privacy of the polling booth is another matter, but we may be running out of time. Damage to the credibility of the American voter.
How can anyone stand Ted Cruz as a president? I mean really, These bible thumping Evangelical types are the scariest. This guy will have mandatory prayer every day a law...PLEASE!
4
Ted Cruz is unusual in one way - he has managed to become a serious Presidential candidate without even a veneer of likability to hide his narcissistic ambition. As he has proven during his short Senate career, the best interests of the US and its people aren't even a consideration compared to his hunger for power and attention. Given his past actions the current lies, dirty campaigning, denials, etc are about what I'd expect from such a serpent. The idea that he hopes to win the nomination through the support of evangelical Christians is the crowning cynical strategy of a very scary candidate.
21
Frank, you're a sharp analyst with a lively prose style. But I think you need to give it a rest with Cruz. Yes, he's a reptile. NYT readers get that. We need your insights in other areas. There's an important race on the Democratic side, for example, and despite received opinion at your workplace, either candidate could win it. Cruz hasn't even a hypocritical, medicine-show, knife-in-the-back evangelical's holy show, look-at-me prayer of taking the nomination on his side.
3
In an earlier exchange with a friend: 'Well, Feenix, it would be the right time to send a note to kind friends who are Republicans. No need to mention politics. They have helped and supported you in your work. Water. Tell them you attended a panel of international experts in India, tell them that you are looking forward to seeing them when passing through New York, or elsewhere. Since you asked, will forward again the forecast from Blackstone Group of Cruz riding on the coat-tails of Hillary Clinton. It is uncanny. In the meantime, it is difficult not to go into denial over these inconceivable Republican nominees. Long gone are the days of the exchanges between the campaign managers of Carter and Reagan, long gone. I vowed in my life never to sing 'those were the days, my friends', and I am not about to begin. America will rise.
Yes, Ted Cruz is vile. Off the charts vile. But really, in the current climate where--think of it--a picture of a United States senator shaking hands with the president in front of the Capitol is considered a shameful thing to do because the president is, what, a Democrat? Black? wearing the wrong tie?
In the current Republican party everyone is demonic, and they've plunged the country into a nightmare. Is Trump, giving vent to his childish taunts, really any worse than McConnell refusing to even consider allowing our president to do his constitutional duty? McConnell may not be sticking his tongue out at Obama (and the country), but he may as well be. Is Cruz, who has made the entire country shudder as one body, doing anything more extreme than those governors who refuse to let their citizens have health care, especially if that health care comes from Planned Parenthood? The only people seeking to serve, on that side of the aisle anyway, are nakedly in it for the power, and in the worst of them, the chaos they can create once they have it.
Yes, Ted Cruz is vile. So are the rest of them.
In the current Republican party everyone is demonic, and they've plunged the country into a nightmare. Is Trump, giving vent to his childish taunts, really any worse than McConnell refusing to even consider allowing our president to do his constitutional duty? McConnell may not be sticking his tongue out at Obama (and the country), but he may as well be. Is Cruz, who has made the entire country shudder as one body, doing anything more extreme than those governors who refuse to let their citizens have health care, especially if that health care comes from Planned Parenthood? The only people seeking to serve, on that side of the aisle anyway, are nakedly in it for the power, and in the worst of them, the chaos they can create once they have it.
Yes, Ted Cruz is vile. So are the rest of them.
23
From the title of your op-ed, I am taking courage and saying The Devil IS Ted Cruz. And his sanctimonious, ingratiating goody-two shoes, false persona tries the limits of one's patience and disgust. That Ted Cruz is still in the running is scaring even the scariest of Republicans. Trump or Cruz? I would pick Trump for after all, is it not better to pick the Devil you know than the Devil you don't?
4
I could care less about Cruz's faith. We're still a secular country, aren't we? Or am I just naive? So why, Frank, an otherwise good piece, but why do you want him to show it?
Cruz did get one thing right: McConnell is a liar. And far worse.
Of course, so is Cruz. His whole campaign is a deception - just one of the regular good ol' boys despite Ivy League schooling, a Goldman Sachs wife, a $1 million law job, and on and on. And, oh yeah, he's such a strict constitutionalist that he just signed the Senate Judiciary Committee's treasonous letter saying they won't even hold a hearing on a Supreme Court nominee. Puh-leaze.
I guess this is why no one can stand him. All the Republican candidates are unfit for the Presidency, but Cruz is clearly the most dangerous. He needs a warning label. How do these people live with themselves?
OK, rant over.
Cruz did get one thing right: McConnell is a liar. And far worse.
Of course, so is Cruz. His whole campaign is a deception - just one of the regular good ol' boys despite Ivy League schooling, a Goldman Sachs wife, a $1 million law job, and on and on. And, oh yeah, he's such a strict constitutionalist that he just signed the Senate Judiciary Committee's treasonous letter saying they won't even hold a hearing on a Supreme Court nominee. Puh-leaze.
I guess this is why no one can stand him. All the Republican candidates are unfit for the Presidency, but Cruz is clearly the most dangerous. He needs a warning label. How do these people live with themselves?
OK, rant over.
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