What does it say about the people of Texas that they continue to elect this organism?
4
Cruz has been the most destructive and obstructive member of US Senate during his tenure. He wouldn't hesitate for one minute to inflict harm on citizens of 49 other states.
Texans should be helped,but they should also toss him out.
Texans should be helped,but they should also toss him out.
3
If not for Trump, Cruz would be the biggest liar in Washington. When it's re-election time it's ok to feed at the public trough.
1
But his father was responsible for the Kennedy assassination! The president said so, so it must be true.
2
This is why people hate politicians. He makes sleazy, fast credit, purveyors of crappy used cars look ethical and sincere. And comparatively Lovable.
2
Texas voters seem election-after-election compelled to provide the U.S. Senate with its most despised Member. There was John Tower, then Phil Graham and now Ted Cruz. It is a tradition that Texas voters will hopefully break in the 2018 elections.
2
Hypocrite Cruz needs to admit his two faced failure and resign, the sooner the better.
Followed by all of his ilk.
We need leadership for a country not a politician beholden to special interests...or conflicts of interest.
Followed by all of his ilk.
We need leadership for a country not a politician beholden to special interests...or conflicts of interest.
2
So it's OK for folks in the northeast, battered by a natural disaster, to get ignored. But oh, let's lavish billions on the good ol' boys of Texas because they were hit by an, um, er, whatchamacallit? Oh right, a natural disaster.
What a revolting, two-faced display. This con man man is the walking, breathing definition of a cynical hypocrite.
What a revolting, two-faced display. This con man man is the walking, breathing definition of a cynical hypocrite.
5
Not only shame on Ted Cruz for his hypocrisy when it came to hurricane aid, but shame also on the voters in Texas that supported him. They liked his positions on limited government and not giving aid to others but are now asking for the same for themselves. Yes, we should help them in their time of need and we need to remind them when others need the same. The Golden Rule anyone?
7
Ted Cruz is the definition of an opportunistic politician. "Unity, love and compassion"? Only if he can benefit in some way. Beware if you accept a bottle of water from him...you might get tangled in the strings attached.
4
Ted Cruz is as hypocritical as they come, a pseudo-pious nincompoop trying to turn the country into a theocracy. Many Texans cannot wait to get rid of him.
Beto O'Rourke deserves every ounce of support voters can give him. Donate, work for his campaign, and, most of all, get out the vote in 2018! Texas Democrats are notoriously gerrymandered out of power, but we can work like hell to counteract it. O'Rourke is a genuinely good man. We Texans deserve better than Cruz.
Beto O'Rourke deserves every ounce of support voters can give him. Donate, work for his campaign, and, most of all, get out the vote in 2018! Texas Democrats are notoriously gerrymandered out of power, but we can work like hell to counteract it. O'Rourke is a genuinely good man. We Texans deserve better than Cruz.
6
Unity, compassion, love... the very words sound ridiculous coming out of the mouths of people like Ted Cruz. Helping Texas is the right thing to do because our tax dollars are WELL SPENT when they are used for the promotion of the general welfare.
Ted Cruz should stop trying to rebrand himself into some kind of "compassionate conservative" because he comes off as (to quote a Fight Club) "a predator posing as a house pet." It was right to help New Jersey and New York in the past, it is right to help Texas in the present and it WILL BE right to help when others around the country fall on hard times in the future. Yet, Cruz and people like him just seem incapable of wrapping their heads around any form of compassion that does not work to their direct benefit.
He's not the only one. Some people who cannot imagine being slaughtered can't muster up enough compassion to overcome their fear of refugees (Christie, for instance, is even scared of baby orphans). Some people are incapable of understanding the need to treat the LGBT community as equals change their tune when such bigotry affects their own family. Draconian drug laws were all the rage until the problem became heroine instead of crack and started infecting suburbia.
Cruz and zealots like him are a lost cause, but the rest of us need to understand that what happens anywhere could happen here. Being in need of aid is not a moral failing, but withholding aid out of selfishness or sanctimony is.
Ted Cruz should stop trying to rebrand himself into some kind of "compassionate conservative" because he comes off as (to quote a Fight Club) "a predator posing as a house pet." It was right to help New Jersey and New York in the past, it is right to help Texas in the present and it WILL BE right to help when others around the country fall on hard times in the future. Yet, Cruz and people like him just seem incapable of wrapping their heads around any form of compassion that does not work to their direct benefit.
He's not the only one. Some people who cannot imagine being slaughtered can't muster up enough compassion to overcome their fear of refugees (Christie, for instance, is even scared of baby orphans). Some people are incapable of understanding the need to treat the LGBT community as equals change their tune when such bigotry affects their own family. Draconian drug laws were all the rage until the problem became heroine instead of crack and started infecting suburbia.
Cruz and zealots like him are a lost cause, but the rest of us need to understand that what happens anywhere could happen here. Being in need of aid is not a moral failing, but withholding aid out of selfishness or sanctimony is.
13
Oily born-again Ted...chameleon opportunist parlaying the misery of lost lives...and those who have lost everything into cynical redemption.
Just one more double-dealing menace calling the shots...
Just one more double-dealing menace calling the shots...
13
what a time for a good ol' salt of the earth photo op! I hope the security detail accompanying him can help keep from getting water on his pants. nevermind, we know they are the republican equivalent of dockers stain defenders. nothing's gonna stick!
5
What is this? A conservative with a social conscience?
2
Where were the Birthers when this foreign-born Canadian ran for the Republican nomination for president?
12
I never had much respect for this man to start with, but I lost what little I had when he kissed up to Donald Trump after Trump insulted his wife. This man has no shame. Anything for power. People like this need to be kept away from positions of power. He should be a high school civics teacher at MOST!
4
When I consider the Canadian-American Ted Cruz and Donald Trump, the first thing that comes to mind is a modification of the old question "When a liar tells you the other guy is lying, do you believe him?"
4
It didn't take Ted Cruz long to do a complete about-face when it came to voting AYE for federal funding to help rebuild his home state after a catastrophic natural disaster. I wonder if the bill was loaded with lots of pork--that was his excuse for voting NAY when New York needed those same federal funds after Hurricane Sandy so we could get our lives back to normal.
However I can't blame Ted Cruz for securing all that Federal money because that's what Texas expects him to do. I am angry at New York politicians who also voted AYE to give Texas access to all that Federal cash. New York politicians want to look noble because they're so anxious to be loved by everyone else. No hard feelings Texas--you're getting billions because New York is determined to buy your love.
However I can't blame Ted Cruz for securing all that Federal money because that's what Texas expects him to do. I am angry at New York politicians who also voted AYE to give Texas access to all that Federal cash. New York politicians want to look noble because they're so anxious to be loved by everyone else. No hard feelings Texas--you're getting billions because New York is determined to buy your love.
1
What a phony ! The hypocrisy of Mr. Cruz is simply breathtaking. After his mind bending reversal of alleged principles when he ultimately supported Trump, one would expect Texans would be on to him, and reject his candidacy this time around. Time will tell
5
Sens. Bob Corker, Steve Daines, Mike Enzi, Joni Ernst, Deb Fischer, Jeff Flake, Lindsey Graham, Chuck Grassley, Ron Johnson, James Lankford, Mike Lee, John McCain, Jerry Moran, Rand Paul, James Risch, Ben Sasse, and Pat Toomey all voted against the bill.
Three other Senators, Florida's Marco Rubio, Alaska's Dan Sullivan and New Jersey's Bob Menendez, who is currently on trial for corruption and bribery, did not vote.
Voters should remember their names when they come up in their states and how they stood up for their fellow citizens. Look up the Congressional Reps who voted no as well.
Three other Senators, Florida's Marco Rubio, Alaska's Dan Sullivan and New Jersey's Bob Menendez, who is currently on trial for corruption and bribery, did not vote.
Voters should remember their names when they come up in their states and how they stood up for their fellow citizens. Look up the Congressional Reps who voted no as well.
7
Senator Cruz bears a heavy cross as he walks the path trodden by so many. Forlorn and woebegone politicians in the pursuit of high office and lucrative k street second chapters.
His coronation in 2012 as "the anointed one" began a new chapter in Ted's mission. Reverend Raphael Cruz, his father foretold from the pulpit that day of great things to come.
Imbued with new powers we see the transformation
of Ted in his quest to "Cruz on into 2020".
Amen.
His coronation in 2012 as "the anointed one" began a new chapter in Ted's mission. Reverend Raphael Cruz, his father foretold from the pulpit that day of great things to come.
Imbued with new powers we see the transformation
of Ted in his quest to "Cruz on into 2020".
Amen.
It is almost impressive in a perverse kind of way that someone as completely unlikable as Ted Cruz could find success in the schmoozy world of politics. How can someone with so few friends get so many votes?
21
All this guy cares about is running for President and getting attention to himself. Totally ambitious ... How he got elected in the first place baffles the mind. it is easy to see right through him. Christie is absolutely right ( and I hate to say that ). I don't think Cruz is very smart or nice.
Orange, NJ
Orange, NJ
4
I'd be willing to go down to one Senator for the State of Texas, if we could trade both Ted Cruz and John Cornyn for someone like Susan Collins of Maine or Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. But no Mainer or Alaskan in their right mind would go for such a trade.
.
Until then: I'm supporting Beto O'Rourke. You should, too, if your a Texan. Ted Cruz has done nothing but serve as a far-right, tea party soldier. He doesn't speak for us; and he never has.
.
Until then: I'm supporting Beto O'Rourke. You should, too, if your a Texan. Ted Cruz has done nothing but serve as a far-right, tea party soldier. He doesn't speak for us; and he never has.
9
The first thing he should do is stand up in the Senate, holding hands with Cornyn, and sing 'Mea Culpa' regarding funding for Sandy disaster!
4
If Ted Cruz didn't have double standards, he'd have no standards at all! His conservatve principles are designed strictly for his own personal benefit. Texas deserves better and so does the Senate.
8
He seems to enjoy playing the villain, I fear he might already be pigeon holed in that role, and it is going to stick. Sorry it is villains for you Ted, forever.
1
Ted Cruz is a truly gifted individual. He stands head and shoulders above politicians of his generation. No one has raised hypocrisy to such an art form, no one has mastered shameless self-promotion, camouflage naked ambition with fake morality, changes colors better than a chameleon and inspires pure loathing and hatred like he does. Texans would do the whole country a favor if they defeat him in the re-election.
10
Hey look! It's the servile puppy dog who said he wasn't going to be Trump's servile puppy dog. That's the principled Ted Cruz we all know and love.
1
The White House asks for $7.85 Billion and the Senate approves $15 Billion? Hey Ted, pork much?
1
Oh, wait. Let me think.
When hurricanes hit American shores, it hurts people? Is this what Sandy was like? I thought Sandy was God's wrath for heathens.
Nope. I was right. Sandy WAS God's wrath. Harvey was an actual meteorological event and therefore requires our love, compassion, and government cash.
Whew! That was a close one!
Now, about this 'Irma' I keep hearing about. Just how close to Houston is it going to come...
When hurricanes hit American shores, it hurts people? Is this what Sandy was like? I thought Sandy was God's wrath for heathens.
Nope. I was right. Sandy WAS God's wrath. Harvey was an actual meteorological event and therefore requires our love, compassion, and government cash.
Whew! That was a close one!
Now, about this 'Irma' I keep hearing about. Just how close to Houston is it going to come...
1
Hypocrisy at its peak.
But never mind that: all genuine basketball players urgently want to know: in the Cruz bipartisan basketball game, is the 'basketball ring' the same height it is in Indiana?
But never mind that: all genuine basketball players urgently want to know: in the Cruz bipartisan basketball game, is the 'basketball ring' the same height it is in Indiana?
2
I happily pay the additional 6.5% in state tax not to live in a state where I'd be represented by someone like Ted Cruz.
6
Just goes to show that being dogmatic and doctrinaire is OK in theory but doesn't do really well in reality.
Harvey and Irma and possibly other hurricane disasters are going to force Republicans to think twice or even three times about tax reform when
hundreds of billions in aid are going to be needed to help in the recovery. Sometimes you make promises and things happen over which you have no control and your plans must change and theory goes out the window. Promises are important but leaders need to be flexible when the situation demands it. When you're talking about the utter devastation caused by two monster hurricanes within a month I think people's needs right now are much more important than tax breaks for the wealthy. Time for the most dogmatic Republicans to get real and take care of business on the ground and forget about pure theory. People's needs right now are always more important than theory.
Harvey and Irma and possibly other hurricane disasters are going to force Republicans to think twice or even three times about tax reform when
hundreds of billions in aid are going to be needed to help in the recovery. Sometimes you make promises and things happen over which you have no control and your plans must change and theory goes out the window. Promises are important but leaders need to be flexible when the situation demands it. When you're talking about the utter devastation caused by two monster hurricanes within a month I think people's needs right now are much more important than tax breaks for the wealthy. Time for the most dogmatic Republicans to get real and take care of business on the ground and forget about pure theory. People's needs right now are always more important than theory.
1
Some people like snakes, scorpions and dung beetles, too. I worry about those people.
2
This is a terrifically well-written article. "Pauses pregnant enough to require bed rest" made me laugh out loud. More, please.
3
Perhaps the only benefit derived from Donald Trump's election was his defeat of Ted Cruz's candidacy. All of the terms used to describe the classic sleazy politician are manifest in Ted Cruz: deceitful, narcissistic, self-interested, flip-flopper and zealot all make the long list.
Mr. Cruz was raised by a fire and brimstone preacher mired in an extreme religious philosophy. He knows no separation of church and state albeit his claim of strict adherence to Constitutional values. When my wife turned to me after one of the presidential debates, she said, "this is one very dangerous guy to our democracy."
At least Trump wasn't (and isn't) shy about showing us all of his dubious personality traits. Cruz, on the other hand, is attempting to re-write his story. Any epiphanies Mr. Cruz may have had may be filed solely under "I'll do anything to be re-elected"- (emphasis upon "anything.")
Mr. Cruz was raised by a fire and brimstone preacher mired in an extreme religious philosophy. He knows no separation of church and state albeit his claim of strict adherence to Constitutional values. When my wife turned to me after one of the presidential debates, she said, "this is one very dangerous guy to our democracy."
At least Trump wasn't (and isn't) shy about showing us all of his dubious personality traits. Cruz, on the other hand, is attempting to re-write his story. Any epiphanies Mr. Cruz may have had may be filed solely under "I'll do anything to be re-elected"- (emphasis upon "anything.")
2
Here is a simple thing Cruz could do: He could apologise to New York state and New Hampshire residents for his lack of understanding the devastating effect of natural disasters (both immediate and long term) and the need for the Federal government to help step in both for the emergency as well as the recovery and now having experienced first hand with his constituents.
The high road would be to do so, the road of ego and politics may prevent him from saying he was wrong.
The high road would be to do so, the road of ego and politics may prevent him from saying he was wrong.
2
The astonishing hypocrisy of Cruz and his fellow Republicans to plead for federal aid for their own when rejecting it for others proves another point: if Cruz and his other white male colleagues could carry children, they'd be supporters of abortion. The only principle these guys have is self-interest.
One of the most respected of recent Senators was Arlen Specter. He was abrasive and had plenty of enemies. But he was a talented lawyer of influence. As far as inconsistency he may have won the prize. He entered the Senate as a Democrat, converted to a Republican and then converted back. It is unlikely that Cruz's legacy will have much to do with his voting consistency or his abrasiveness. Senators are normally respected if the quality of their thought warrants it.
Cruz and Christie play half court. Neither one of them has the strength to heave one up from the foul line. Speaking of foul line....pork anyone.
When Lyndon Johnson addressed us as "my fellow Americans" he was believable(I was young). I suspect most Texans(my fellow Americans) don't feel the same about Ted. The Yankee thing tends to blind some.
When Lyndon Johnson addressed us as "my fellow Americans" he was believable(I was young). I suspect most Texans(my fellow Americans) don't feel the same about Ted. The Yankee thing tends to blind some.
I had thought Alabama had the worst politicians, but Cruz is even worse.
67
This guy irritates everybody, always finding a way to make himself more unlikable. He lied about "pork" being the reason he voted against Sandy aid.
45
I do not get the thinking of conservatives. They are more than happy to spend tax dollars when it comes to helping the victims of natural disasters in their states. But what about the people in their state and across the country who are homeless, hungry, skimping on medicine etc. because jobs pay too little and the cost of housing, medicine etc. is too high. I think calling any conservative compassionate is an oxymoron.
66
I think some conservatives may think that way; most want programs tightened because of fraud and abuse. Others want homeless , hungry and elderly to be provided for. The majority of citizens want people to take more responsibility in their lives ; it's hard because so many are stuck in the endless cycle of poverty. I get it. I also get that what we have been doing isn't working. If you are not employed that's s problem. If the government is subsidizing you with more that a $15 hour job would.... no wonder young men age 18 /40 are unemployed. And so it goes....
Saint Ronnie made the phrase "compassionate conservative" popular, and gave the Far Right (before they became the lunatic Far Right) something to hide behind and pretend they were far more decent than they are.
1
Just like Donald--fully formed adult, by all accounts a very nasty guy. Don't expect change-- he is just saying what suits his purposes under these circumstances.
33
Ted Cruz & John Cornyn successfully, along with other Texas elected representatives, weakened the EPA reporting laws for chemical plants. They along with Trump, are moving at a brake neck speed to undo all of the Obama Administration environmental rules that keep Americans safe. Arkema had a chemical explosion after Hurricane Harvey in which Arkema STILL hasn't reported what substances the first aid responders and police were exposed to that made them ill and sent them to hospital. And they call Republicans the party that cares about all life.
65
Thank you for putting out the facts. Take 'em down!
2
I support the aid because I am a human being first. I detest giving Texas the aid, and whatever credit and good wishes might come to Cruz, because he voted to withhold the same help from my state when we were in trouble.
74
The first time I saw Ted Cruz in action was during a debate with his Democratic rival when Cruz ran for the Senate. I was thoroughly appalled at his unjustified insinuations, distortions of fact, and lies. Nothing since has changed my perception. Except that because of the Lyin' Ted quip, I do have to admit there is at least one thing for which I agree with Trump.
Lyin' Ted and The Mooch --- Harvard Law School might need to consider its admissions process.
Lyin' Ted and The Mooch --- Harvard Law School might need to consider its admissions process.
71
No change.
Given that everyone is in favor of government relief for victims of Harvey, Irma etc, Cruz is too. He will then conveniently exclude such relief from the rest of his agenda and his supporters will give him a pass for doing so.
Given that everyone is in favor of government relief for victims of Harvey, Irma etc, Cruz is too. He will then conveniently exclude such relief from the rest of his agenda and his supporters will give him a pass for doing so.
17
instead of photo ops and ruminating on heroes, Mr. Cruz would have done better to work on zoning regulations in Texas. This flood shows the impact of Texas' lack of "government interference" with unbridled expansion, no thought to environmental OR human impact of this philosophy of less is more with environmental and zoning regulations. The people of course suffer, but then they keep electing these idiots.
62
I hope Texans wake up and vote this clown out of office he and his ilk have been part of the problem and not a solution.
105
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Ted Cruz' response to Chris Christie will get him re-elected next year. Heck, I'd consider voting for him for that and I moved out of Texas to get away from his hypocritical, sniveling face.
11
Mr. Trump is ignorant, amoral and dangerous.
Mr. Cruz is not so ignorant, ever more amoral, and far more dangerous.
Mr. Cruz is not so ignorant, ever more amoral, and far more dangerous.
87
Raskolnikov's insight to the future is chilling. Choose your cause for 2018...and act wisely.
Ted Cruz is a self-serving, self-righteous, self-important fraud. Nothing more; nothing less.
131
Ted,
You do not need to win NY or NJ to be President. You do have to win Ohio. This Ohioan will never vote for you. Your callous disregard for the lives of ALL Americans will not engender good will among Ohioans.
Texas, what you choose to do with Senator Cruz in the future is your choice. I respect the right off all citizens to elect their own representatives.
You do not need to win NY or NJ to be President. You do have to win Ohio. This Ohioan will never vote for you. Your callous disregard for the lives of ALL Americans will not engender good will among Ohioans.
Texas, what you choose to do with Senator Cruz in the future is your choice. I respect the right off all citizens to elect their own representatives.
31
Ohio helped give us Trump, by a wide margin. They'll vote for Cruz, too, because that's how the upper Midwest is going.
Vice news reports Texas has a $10.3 Billion rainy day fund but Governor Abbot refuses to call back the legislature so it can be used for Hurricane Harvey relief. (Hey gov -- you just had the ultimate "rainy day.") Also, Ted Cruz did everything he could to block federal relief for Hurricane Sandy victims.
Hey Ted, perhaps as penance you need to arrange to get Texas' money on the table before the rest of us pay for more federal relief. An apology to the citizens of the rest of the country would be in order too before we taxpayers send the billions of dollars Houston wants to remake its fossil fuel kingdom.
Hey Ted, perhaps as penance you need to arrange to get Texas' money on the table before the rest of us pay for more federal relief. An apology to the citizens of the rest of the country would be in order too before we taxpayers send the billions of dollars Houston wants to remake its fossil fuel kingdom.
59
Cruz the "outsider" with his "résumé that tickles all corners of the Washington establishment: Princeton, Harvard, Supreme Court clerk, the George W. Bush campaign, the George W. Bush administration."
You can't make this stuff up.
You can't make this stuff up.
25
Of course, I am not at all fond of the fact that Donald Trump is President. Yet, I am thankful every day that our President is not Ted Cruz - the living embodiment of pure Machiavellian evil on par with Lee Atwater.
46
"I like Ted Cruz more than most of my other colleagues like Ted Cruz. And I hate Ted Cruz." -Al Franken
73
It wasn't too long ago, after the 2012 presidential election, that the succession movement started to become popular again in Texas. Then Texas Governor Rick Perry spoke of it at his public rallies. He's still around somewhere. Wouldn't this be an excellent time for the state of Texas to secede from the Union? Then Texas could show not only the country, but the world, how they can handle their problems, be it storm damage, or preventing people from voting, by themselves, at the local level, without all that annoying interference form the federal government. The Republic of Texas would then be a sovereign nation, which would mean, as another Texas governor, George W. Bush explained "that when you're sovereign, that means you're sovereign". Just think of all the money we would save. As an added bonus, we would rid ourselves of an opportunistic huckster like Ted Cruz.
54
Huckster would then move to another place, say Canada, and do his work there. No hurricanes to worry about either.
2
Is it possible for the federal government to expel a state?
3
Houston floods, and look who comes creeping out of the sewers, putting on his most contrite, humanitarian mask? I happened to see the first live interview of Cruz in the shelter where he was challenged about his Sandy vote, and his visage noticeably changed from faux-compassion to political snake. His is one act I will never, ever buy.
113
Please STOP trying to parse Cruz's behavior!
He's a duplicitous, self-serving demagogue of the very worst sort, and no amount of window-dressing PR photo-ops can change that!
He's a duplicitous, self-serving demagogue of the very worst sort, and no amount of window-dressing PR photo-ops can change that!
100
I still have the 2015 Cruz NPR interview echoing in my head (google "NPR ted Cruz climate change").
My hope is that his kids grow up to be scientists and tell him at every opportunity, "You are poison dad. Stay away from my kids !"
My hope is that his kids grow up to be scientists and tell him at every opportunity, "You are poison dad. Stay away from my kids !"
38
An ugly cross of Eddie Haskell and Chuckie, Ted does what Right wing ideologues do: call down the wrath of God, spit sodden implications of treason, sputter indignation at the approaching end of times brought on by anyone who dares to debate, let alone disagree with, his cruel political ideology.
Then, when tragedy or convenience strike, he behaves in identical manor. Always for a very, very good reason.
He told suffering victims of Sandy to pound sand and made agreement a test of worthiness, allegiance to his heartless orthodoxy proof of worthiness to live, then puts on the designer hair shirt of the anti-Christ and begs for aid that was coming anyway.
Only in Ted's wee mind was there doubt of rescuing Houston. Houston which, Ted-like, is already gobbling up the cash, and squeaking out their unique and heroic character as the only city in history that, beset by massive misfortune, has citizens who help one another.
As if New York sat on its hands eating cannoli, waiting for government to come and fix things.
Its likely his home territory still loves him, believing as they do they had justification for their "Let them freeze in the dark" attitude toward the nation that now sacrifices mightily to restore a city that brought the worst of this episode upon itself through arrogance and commitment to the easy buck.
Rescue Houston, yes. Help 'til they cant stand it. But don't fall for the Cruz burlesque. And never forget he sets the standard for much of Republican behavior.
Then, when tragedy or convenience strike, he behaves in identical manor. Always for a very, very good reason.
He told suffering victims of Sandy to pound sand and made agreement a test of worthiness, allegiance to his heartless orthodoxy proof of worthiness to live, then puts on the designer hair shirt of the anti-Christ and begs for aid that was coming anyway.
Only in Ted's wee mind was there doubt of rescuing Houston. Houston which, Ted-like, is already gobbling up the cash, and squeaking out their unique and heroic character as the only city in history that, beset by massive misfortune, has citizens who help one another.
As if New York sat on its hands eating cannoli, waiting for government to come and fix things.
Its likely his home territory still loves him, believing as they do they had justification for their "Let them freeze in the dark" attitude toward the nation that now sacrifices mightily to restore a city that brought the worst of this episode upon itself through arrogance and commitment to the easy buck.
Rescue Houston, yes. Help 'til they cant stand it. But don't fall for the Cruz burlesque. And never forget he sets the standard for much of Republican behavior.
47
He makes Eddie Haskell look like Prince Valiant. I wonder how many people are Googling Eddie Haskell right now lol.
I'm from Houston. I follow every politician who represents me on Facebook -- Federal, state, local, Democratic and Republication. In the days after Harvey, Cruz was the only one to post multiple times a day, multiple pictures of himself gladhanding people. (Others posted information about how to contact FEMA if your house got flooded or where the latest evacuations were happening or stories about first responders.) But Cruz? He posted more pictures of himself than the most self-absorbed 13-year-old. That's because he's up for re-election in 2018 and his upstart Democratic challenger El Paso Congressman Beto O'Rourke has been outraising him (while refusing to take money from PACs). (Go, Beto!) And the latest I saw had Cruz with a 38% approval rating amongst Texan adults, though as one journalist (from the Atlantic, I think) put it, Cruz could drown a box of kittens and that 38% would still vote for him -- and they will vote. The rest of us have to too!
116
Hurricane Harvey! An opportunity to advertise your brand! It probably doesn't even occur to Ted that his transparent self serving behavior is an embarrassment. Does he actually think the average American doesn't recognize him for what he is?
14
Ted Cruz is a disgrace. How anyone representing a state on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico can vote against hurricane relief is beyond me. I am no fan of Chris Christie, but he has the facts on his side this time. If more Texans come out to vote in 2018, we can be rid of "Lyin' Ted" (just about the only 2 consecutive words Trump has said that I agree with). Go Beto!
3
There's that 38% number again. Trump's current floor of support. Roughly the same amount NSDAP got in Germany in 1932. I think if Genghis Khan sacked Indianapolis today 38% would support him as a strong and decisive leader of manly men. It appears 38% of the human race is hopeless.....
3
There is such a thing as karma. The text book example is now named Ted Cruz. He voted against Hurricane Sandy aid now his state is under water from an even worse Hurricane. There is an old saying we all know it "What goes around comes around". This adage really refers to righteous justice. If there is any real justice left in this country Ted Cruz will NOT be a United States Senator after next years elections.
38
Cruz is the second most reprehensible person in the Senate after Mitch McConnell. He is a rank opportunist and his words about Trump are probably every bit as true about him. He is too smart to really believe half of what he says.
More importantly, he has done nothing for Texas until Harvey and he only helped the aid plan to try to look like he was doing something before the election. If he is re-elected, he will return to exactly the kind of divider and obstructer that the American people loath.
It is unfortunate that the Times did not focus on the long litany of divisive actions including the Government shutdown he orchestrated. It is indeed fortunate for him that those who know him or are political aware represent only a small portion of the Texas electorate.
More importantly, he has done nothing for Texas until Harvey and he only helped the aid plan to try to look like he was doing something before the election. If he is re-elected, he will return to exactly the kind of divider and obstructer that the American people loath.
It is unfortunate that the Times did not focus on the long litany of divisive actions including the Government shutdown he orchestrated. It is indeed fortunate for him that those who know him or are political aware represent only a small portion of the Texas electorate.
38
Ted Cruz nauseates me. I think he is more disgusting that Trump, because at least with Trump there's no sanctimony.
Citizens of Texas need to understand what "representative" means -- when you pick somebodies like Cruz, Lamar Smith, Abbott and Trump to represent you then understand that people get the message.
The whole Texas shtick amounts to the rude one-finger salute, and you shouldn't be surprised when everyone you've done that to closes the door in your face when you come knocking.
Citizens of Texas need to understand what "representative" means -- when you pick somebodies like Cruz, Lamar Smith, Abbott and Trump to represent you then understand that people get the message.
The whole Texas shtick amounts to the rude one-finger salute, and you shouldn't be surprised when everyone you've done that to closes the door in your face when you come knocking.
65
Didn't vote for him in 2012, not voting for him in 2018. Rafael knows the words that will endear him to the very conservative voter knowing he cares not a whit for him or her. Sadly those voters will reelect him next near.
24
Cruz is the embodiment of the red state conservatives, the tea party purists and the like, in that their fundamental nature is selfish. They benefitted from expanded Medicaid under ACA, yet wanted to trash it, arguing that others were getting gold plated medical care for nothing while they had to pay (fact: medicaid is the same for everyone on it). When NYC area was dealing with Sandy, federal aid immediately got turned into "pork", now that Houston and SE Texas took a major hit, suddenly Cruz is "Mr. Compassionate". I am sure Marco Rubio is going to be passionately arguing for the hundreds of billions that will be needed to rebuild FlorIda, after for years promoting the "government is evil" and the Tea Party Mantra. What this boils down to is conservatives are against the government, unless, of course, it benefits them. I saw a great cartoon, it shows a victim being pulled out of flooding by a helicopter, and the person saying "The Angels are saving me", and a voice from the helicopter saying "No, its the government".
I truly hope that when this aid package comes up, that the NY and NJ delegation during the debate, stand on the floor and say "We stand with our Texas citizens in solidarity and in reaching out a helping hand, which is the right thing to do, something that was not afforded to many of us by their representatives when Sandy hit our area hard". Sadly, I doubt the people in Texas will care, they will get the aid they deserve, and forget where it came from.
I truly hope that when this aid package comes up, that the NY and NJ delegation during the debate, stand on the floor and say "We stand with our Texas citizens in solidarity and in reaching out a helping hand, which is the right thing to do, something that was not afforded to many of us by their representatives when Sandy hit our area hard". Sadly, I doubt the people in Texas will care, they will get the aid they deserve, and forget where it came from.
50
Pretty sure Texas didn't take the expanded Medicaid and in the current crisis, no doubt many Texans need that benefit. But why should their governor care? He's standing on some alleged principle while, also, not using his $10 billion rainy day fund. Didn't it rain in Texas?
1
We sure hope Congress isn't as stingy as Cruz was when it came to doling out money for New York and New Jersey for the damage done by Sandy!
14
It is a good thing that President Trump alerted America to the fact that Cruz' father was part of the conspiracy to murder JFK. He is right in his element in the Republican party.
11
I am betting on and supporting Beto. DACA will be a huge issue and Cruz is arrogant and inaccessible to his constituents. These hurricane moments are just photo ops. His office fax machine is almost always turned off so as not to receive letters from constituents.
42
Right. And his email box is always filled up, or at least that's the message one gets. Vote "no" on Cruz.
17
A story only possible in Hollywood.
A catastrophe gives a marginally talented actor a chance to be cast in a role with which he is completely unfamiliar -- "Person With a Heart."
Then, in a plot twist almost too absurd to be plausible, the audience -- despite the actor's inability to speak lines from the script with any real honesty -- ends up hailing his performance as riveting and believable.
Moral?
It's the audience. The audience is the problem.
A catastrophe gives a marginally talented actor a chance to be cast in a role with which he is completely unfamiliar -- "Person With a Heart."
Then, in a plot twist almost too absurd to be plausible, the audience -- despite the actor's inability to speak lines from the script with any real honesty -- ends up hailing his performance as riveting and believable.
Moral?
It's the audience. The audience is the problem.
19
And the audience has been and will continue to be red-state Texans, who seem to buy his brand of ...you name it, but it isn't good.
9
It will be enlightening to see the how the rugged individuals in the GOP, as well as the "tough love" advocates like Limbaugh and Hannity begin to summon up the crocodile tears that they will lavish on Ted's beleaguered constituents both Anglo and Hispanic.
I hope that the fake media duly notes their rank hypocrisy.
I hope that the fake media duly notes their rank hypocrisy.
25
He said GOD told him to run for President.
The man is a grifter and a liar.
Anything uttered from his lips needs to be filtered thorough that sieve.
Nice job Texas. He's yours.
By the by, how is that $10 billion dollar Texas rainy day fund sitting with y'all?!
The man is a grifter and a liar.
Anything uttered from his lips needs to be filtered thorough that sieve.
Nice job Texas. He's yours.
By the by, how is that $10 billion dollar Texas rainy day fund sitting with y'all?!
91
We have a joke in my family, made frequently and deservedly at my expense.
Every time I apologize for pulling some kind of nonsense, I declare the introduction of "The New Me." This "New Me," I promise with tongue firmly in cheek, will never again dare to (fill in the infraction).
This started years ago, when we were treated to the introduction of "The New Nixon."
And we have continued it as a standing satirical tribute to the absurd idea that anyone can turn on a dime and introduce a brand-new Tom, Dick, Harry, Louise, Sally, or Martha.
Incremental changes in attitudes and behavior? Absolutely. But never a "New Me" or a "New Anyone."
Now Ted Cruz 2.0 cometh.
Right.
Every time I apologize for pulling some kind of nonsense, I declare the introduction of "The New Me." This "New Me," I promise with tongue firmly in cheek, will never again dare to (fill in the infraction).
This started years ago, when we were treated to the introduction of "The New Nixon."
And we have continued it as a standing satirical tribute to the absurd idea that anyone can turn on a dime and introduce a brand-new Tom, Dick, Harry, Louise, Sally, or Martha.
Incremental changes in attitudes and behavior? Absolutely. But never a "New Me" or a "New Anyone."
Now Ted Cruz 2.0 cometh.
Right.
13
Texas, wake up and get rid of all these GOP buffoons running your state. These are some of the smallest human beings in our country, and like many small souls, they like to bully and swagger and dismiss those who they think of as "the little people." They need to be turned out to pasture while Texas still has a pasture.
Texans got lucky this time in terms of getting aid to recover from a massive hurricane. But if the people of Texas continue to put Cruz and his cronies and others of their ilk in office, I doubt you should count on federal largesse in the future. I'm from Southeast Texas--my hometown is under water--but I think most Americans will say that Texas should stick to its "small government" ideals and clean up its own messes, given that it cares so little about stepping in to help other states with their natural disasters.
We reap what we sow. Surely "Good Christian Cruz" remembers that verse?
Texans got lucky this time in terms of getting aid to recover from a massive hurricane. But if the people of Texas continue to put Cruz and his cronies and others of their ilk in office, I doubt you should count on federal largesse in the future. I'm from Southeast Texas--my hometown is under water--but I think most Americans will say that Texas should stick to its "small government" ideals and clean up its own messes, given that it cares so little about stepping in to help other states with their natural disasters.
We reap what we sow. Surely "Good Christian Cruz" remembers that verse?
29
When Jews study the Torah the biblical stories have attached to them midrashim, stories and legends which explain the meaning of the biblical texts. One of the best known is the story attached to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
The story takes place just before the final destruction of Sodom and starts with Abraham pleading with God to give Sodom one last chance to show why it shouldn't be destroyed. God hears Abraham's plea and agrees to allow the finest minds in Sodom to present their case for divine mercy.
The finest sophists present their case arguing that Sodom's treatment of strangers is justified because if Sodom was empathetic and treated those seeking shelter and refuge with compassion and charity all those seeking shelter would come to Sodom and deplete Sodom of its resources and the children of Sodom would have nothing left for themselves.
When I listen to Ted Cruz, Jeff Sessions, the GOP Freedom Caucus and all those calling for a wall to I can't help think about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. I can't help but think about those that pride themselves on their rigorous defense of the bible. I cannot help but think that my bible and the bible of Jesus of Nazareth tells us Sodom was destroyed not because debauchery greed or impurity or even of the way it treated strangers. Sodom was destroyed because of sophistry and the attempt to justify the unjustifiable.
There are ways to help the afflicted that don't involve blame and adding to their affliction.
The story takes place just before the final destruction of Sodom and starts with Abraham pleading with God to give Sodom one last chance to show why it shouldn't be destroyed. God hears Abraham's plea and agrees to allow the finest minds in Sodom to present their case for divine mercy.
The finest sophists present their case arguing that Sodom's treatment of strangers is justified because if Sodom was empathetic and treated those seeking shelter and refuge with compassion and charity all those seeking shelter would come to Sodom and deplete Sodom of its resources and the children of Sodom would have nothing left for themselves.
When I listen to Ted Cruz, Jeff Sessions, the GOP Freedom Caucus and all those calling for a wall to I can't help think about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. I can't help but think about those that pride themselves on their rigorous defense of the bible. I cannot help but think that my bible and the bible of Jesus of Nazareth tells us Sodom was destroyed not because debauchery greed or impurity or even of the way it treated strangers. Sodom was destroyed because of sophistry and the attempt to justify the unjustifiable.
There are ways to help the afflicted that don't involve blame and adding to their affliction.
28
Excellent....just excellent.
13
Hurricane Harvey has cemented Cruz' re-election next year. Any hope that Democrats had of taking his seat has just evaporated.
Really? It's cemented the fact that he's a hypocrite. Everyone who is for small government and opposed federal relief for Sandy and other non Texas disasters, should live up to their beliefs and not accept federal money that you would deny others. Hypocrites.
11
I don't know where you are getting your information, but my information is quite different. I grew up in Texas, still keep in touch with school friends, and still have extended family there. And a lot of the registered Republicans I know in Texas are entirely fed up and ready to quit the GOP.
I suspect the tide is about to turn in Texas. It's way overdue.
I suspect the tide is about to turn in Texas. It's way overdue.
9
I agree with Trump wholeheartedly about very few things. But in reference to Cruz, "Lyin' Ted" is most definitely among those very few things. If it's possible to trust anyone less than Trump, it is most definitely this guy in first place.
33
The Senate should pass a bill entitled In Spite of Ted Hurricane Harvey Relief Bill, just so that everyone knows that any and all money coming to Texas from the Federal government has nothing at all to do with Cruz. The lies he spoke and the politics he played while trying to deny funding for Hurricane Sandy relief were disgusting, and his constituents should be constantly reminded what kind of person Cruz really is.
40
He seems like an angry, arrogant, contemptuous, hateful person.
Also, [[“Here’s the thing you have to understand about Ted Cruz,” Mr. Franken writes. “I like Ted Cruz more than most of my other colleagues like Ted Cruz. And I hate Ted Cruz.”]]
Based on that, Al Franken has my vote for president in 2020.
Al Franken/Cory Booker 2020...think about it.
Also, [[“Here’s the thing you have to understand about Ted Cruz,” Mr. Franken writes. “I like Ted Cruz more than most of my other colleagues like Ted Cruz. And I hate Ted Cruz.”]]
Based on that, Al Franken has my vote for president in 2020.
Al Franken/Cory Booker 2020...think about it.
69
Franken would be a good candidate; he strikes me as a "unity figure" who could bridge the competing factions of the Democratic Party. (Sherrod Brown of Ohio is another.) He is up for re-election to the Senate in 2020 and has to decide which office he wants to seek that year. But if he were to seek the Presidency, the Democratic Party could do a lot worse than to nominate him.
Booker, on the other hand, strikes me as nothing more than a publicity-seeking corporate shill who represents the worst of the so-called "New Democrats." He shouldn't be anywhere near the national ticket, and I would support a primary challenge against his Senate re-election bid in 2020.
Booker, on the other hand, strikes me as nothing more than a publicity-seeking corporate shill who represents the worst of the so-called "New Democrats." He shouldn't be anywhere near the national ticket, and I would support a primary challenge against his Senate re-election bid in 2020.
10
Franken/Klobuchar. Yes, I know they're both Minnesotans. That's what makes it such a great ticket!
1
[[Booker, on the other hand, strikes me as nothing more than a publicity-seeking corporate shill who represents the worst of the so-called "New Democrats."]]
Interesting. I didn't get that vibe off him. I was disappointed that he supported Clinton in '16, but I've heard him interviewed a few times and he seems to have genuine passion for helping people and a good grasp of a range of issues.
Whichever way the Dems go, I hope there is more competition and less of an attempt at a coronation. And I hope no one from the Clinton clan gets within a mile or a microphone or a podium.
Interesting. I didn't get that vibe off him. I was disappointed that he supported Clinton in '16, but I've heard him interviewed a few times and he seems to have genuine passion for helping people and a good grasp of a range of issues.
Whichever way the Dems go, I hope there is more competition and less of an attempt at a coronation. And I hope no one from the Clinton clan gets within a mile or a microphone or a podium.
Shameless self-promotion explains every bit of Ted Cruz's behavior. Viewed through that lens, everything he does makes perfect sense.
14
"Mr. Cruz appraised Mr. Trump as a 'pathological liar' divorced from basic morality, suggesting that with a Trump primary victory that night, 'this country could well plunge into the abyss.' ... But ... Mr. Cruz endorsed his former rival anyway." Like Mr. Trump, Mr. Cruz has only one goal: self-promotion. Here in Texas, we have seen repeatedly that Mr. Cruz will miss no chance to pander in pursuit of that goal. As the article enumerates (partially).
169
"Unity...Love and compassion" from Ted Cruz, but only for those who are people who could vote for him. Will this experience make him more compassionate towards the next group that experiences a disaster? My guess: NO.
14
Pity his political career wasn't swept away in the floods along with his self-serving lies and hypocrisy.
80
If Cruz had said a few days back, "You know, I was wrong about Sandy. I regret that", I would give him the time of day.
But he didn't.
I would like nothing more than to see him disappear from the political scene.
But he didn't.
I would like nothing more than to see him disappear from the political scene.
120
My goodness! Such hostility toward poor Mr. Cruz, simply because he's abusive, mean-spirited, rigidly dogmatic, obviously hypocritical, and a world-class jerk. However, I must add some observations.
The Sandy relief bill really was piled high with un-related pork. Texas doesn't have an income tax, but makes up for it, in its penurious and regressive fashion, with "user fees" and a huge sales tax. A fair number of blue states are just as willing as Texas and Florida to kick the can down the road rather than raising taxes enough to guard against hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. I haven't noticed that New York has forbidden the re-building of homes and businesses that were destroyed by Sandy in areas that will surely be flooded again by any future storms. Oregon is burning down right now, and I suspect no one there will outlaw building homes in that state's forests.
Finally, Cruz was elected in large part by many millions of campaign dollars from northeastern industrialists.
The Sandy relief bill really was piled high with un-related pork. Texas doesn't have an income tax, but makes up for it, in its penurious and regressive fashion, with "user fees" and a huge sales tax. A fair number of blue states are just as willing as Texas and Florida to kick the can down the road rather than raising taxes enough to guard against hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. I haven't noticed that New York has forbidden the re-building of homes and businesses that were destroyed by Sandy in areas that will surely be flooded again by any future storms. Oregon is burning down right now, and I suspect no one there will outlaw building homes in that state's forests.
Finally, Cruz was elected in large part by many millions of campaign dollars from northeastern industrialists.
8
Ripping some drywall off for the cameras and worrying about his reelection bid do not indicate a "new" more compassionate Ted Cruz. As SNL put it best, this "son of immigrants who hates immigrants" will most likely never become a compassionate human being. As with far too many of his fellow Republicans, giving a hoot about anyone but himself, his power, and his net worth will not come unless it literally touches home. Dick Cheney for gay marriage? Well, only when his own daughter wanted one and even then, that tolerance was thrown out the window when his other daughter was trying to get elected to Congress. Then, they joined forces against it! So, it goes with Ted Cruz. He's not a new man. He's a man seeking reelection.
15
Thank you, Matt Flegenheimer, for this hilarious phrase: “Almost every one of them ripped,” he marveled on the Senate floor, holding for dramatic pauses pregnant enough to require bed rest. “
19
I always think Ted and Mike Pence are repressing something.
4
Senator Cruz needs to do his job now, as do all the Republican legislators that through away the citizens in search of some ideological Xanadu in the clouds.
What Republican legislators (and Trump) have forgotten is that they represent every single citizen in their districts and their states. They do not only represent Republicans or right wing people or evangelical hypocrites or white people or the wealthy.
If there is a Cruz 2.0, then good. Texans need him now. Not the cruel Republican who refuses to look at people in need and the vulnerable (including those who need healthcare, women who need the freedom to make their own reproductive choices, minorities, DACA kids, and others). But the actual public servant.
We would welcome the return of public service on the part of dogmatic Republicans and Trump. They were elected to serve the best interests of all Americans.
What Republican legislators (and Trump) have forgotten is that they represent every single citizen in their districts and their states. They do not only represent Republicans or right wing people or evangelical hypocrites or white people or the wealthy.
If there is a Cruz 2.0, then good. Texans need him now. Not the cruel Republican who refuses to look at people in need and the vulnerable (including those who need healthcare, women who need the freedom to make their own reproductive choices, minorities, DACA kids, and others). But the actual public servant.
We would welcome the return of public service on the part of dogmatic Republicans and Trump. They were elected to serve the best interests of all Americans.
6
Unfortuately, the phrase "When a man tells you who he is, believe him," has already been taken.
10
I have no doubt that Ted Cruz will run (and lose) for president every 4 years until he's 80. He's the proverbial bad penny.
9
I remember Texas lawmakers, particularly Houston lawmakers, being against Sandy relief here in the Northeast. One of the many reasons why I will not be donating one single penny to Houston relief. But I will donate a "Good luck!"
6
MB, I would remind you that the government is not the people. The people of Texas did not try to deny funding to the people impacted by Sandy. It was Texas politicians who are to blame for that. By not donating anything to the people impacted by Harvey, you're only hurting them, not the Texas politicians.
4
I would remind you that many of those Texas politicians were re-elected after their vote by the same people in Houston who now seek government relief.
8
Houston is a Democratic city in a red state. Out of the seven Texas Reps who voted against Sandy relief and are still in Congress, only one, Randy Weber, is from a Houston district. It's pretty inexplicable how a guy who represents Galveston can vote against hurricane relief, politics or not.
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/08/then_and_now_the_texas_lawm...
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/08/then_and_now_the_texas_lawm...
1
Make sure to ask the corporations for help w the contaminants flowing through the community.
11
Texas prides itself on personal responsibility. Ted Cruz, as a Tea Party conservative, has espoused much of the same. Disasters do happen. So what happens when an entire state, state and local leadership disregard the coalition of experts, building associations, and insurance interests that came together in the 90's to quantify the effects of catastrophic floods and the things that were required for mitigation? In fact, it was not just ignoring the experts -- the response was a glib "we need different experts".
The bottom line for mitigation, which includes such pesky regulatory items as zoning laws, updated and expanded flood area maps with corresponding and costly (real) insurance requirements, relocation and buyouts of areas known to flood, (etc)? Quantification shows every dollar spent on mitigation saves $5 in aid. [“Sharing the Challenge ,” prepared by Army Brig. Gen. Gerry E. Galloway, 1994]
Yes, give Texas aid, but Texas needs to work towards these flood mitigation priorities to show personal responsibility to the future. One day there will be no money for disaster relief.
The bottom line for mitigation, which includes such pesky regulatory items as zoning laws, updated and expanded flood area maps with corresponding and costly (real) insurance requirements, relocation and buyouts of areas known to flood, (etc)? Quantification shows every dollar spent on mitigation saves $5 in aid. [“Sharing the Challenge ,” prepared by Army Brig. Gen. Gerry E. Galloway, 1994]
Yes, give Texas aid, but Texas needs to work towards these flood mitigation priorities to show personal responsibility to the future. One day there will be no money for disaster relief.
14
I totally agree and there are still Texas representatives today (e.g. Ted Poe) saying that we just need to find a way to provide more water outflow after these huge rain events. They do not want to address wetlands losses and development which is increasing the risk along with Climate Change.
5
Ted Poe also said eighty percent of Houston homes have no flood insurance and those people are on their own, they'll just have to eat the loss. Saw him and heard him with my own eyes and ears.
I mean, he knows his state floods, he knows that people, poorer people who can't afford flood insurance, will lose their homes, and this is somehow a non-issue? They're on their own? I guess it's that "personal responsibility" thing.
That 10 billion dollar "rainy day" fund better go towards helping those people.
I mean, he knows his state floods, he knows that people, poorer people who can't afford flood insurance, will lose their homes, and this is somehow a non-issue? They're on their own? I guess it's that "personal responsibility" thing.
That 10 billion dollar "rainy day" fund better go towards helping those people.
1
Ted has proved that he is as fake as the two headed guy at a carnival. When New York was on the ropes Ted was quick to stand on his so called conservative principles. Now that Karma has shown him that it really exist Ted is singing a different tune. Our fellow citizens are in need of help and I for one think we should give it but Ted needs to pay a price for his past actions. Ted was against Trump before he was for him and against helping Hurricane victims until his state became one. Ted's education must have omitted civics class. Ted really needs to eat some humble pie on this one.
13
As long as there's Fox News, it'll be "he said, she said."
6
It is true that people in NJ don't care much for Christie. But we are in agreement with him on this point.
6
The Republican part of Texas is hopeless. Don't try to confuse the Lone Star tough guys with facts. A rational person would think a disaster like this would lead to planning and zoning changes, and an appreciation for the value tax dollars can return.
Nope. Texas will never change. Videri quam esse!
Nope. Texas will never change. Videri quam esse!
12
Recent American political history tell us one thing: fully-baked adult politicians do not change. The list of times that Americans of various stripes declared Trump a chasten man from the campaign to the weight of the presidential office is now very, very long. Yet, Trump tweets and raves everyday to show that he is who he is: a narcissistic, low-information bumbler-in-chief. This is true for both parties. Hillary Clinton's gearing up for her book tour, and she'll blame everyone else but herself for her colossal loss, triangulating the entire way as a selfless victim of Russians and conservatives and Bernie Sanders and millennial progressives and remind us why she lost.
We all know who Ted Cruz is: a snarky know it all whose personal philosophy comes from the toxic mix of Ayn Rand and the Austrian School where rich makes right. He's a son of a Cuban refugee who, through the generosity of the nation and the fruits of the civil rights struggles was educated at Princeton and Harvard, but did not hesitate to throw Dreamers under the bus as if the statuses of a child of a refugee and a child of an undocumented immigrant is an earned trait! Cruz's ability to see only what's in his narrow self-interest and his willingness to grovel to power (as he did to Trump after his victory) will never change. If Texans know what's good for them, they'll throw him out as the country did in 2016. A randomly chosen Dreamer would make a better POTUS than Ted Cruz.
We all know who Ted Cruz is: a snarky know it all whose personal philosophy comes from the toxic mix of Ayn Rand and the Austrian School where rich makes right. He's a son of a Cuban refugee who, through the generosity of the nation and the fruits of the civil rights struggles was educated at Princeton and Harvard, but did not hesitate to throw Dreamers under the bus as if the statuses of a child of a refugee and a child of an undocumented immigrant is an earned trait! Cruz's ability to see only what's in his narrow self-interest and his willingness to grovel to power (as he did to Trump after his victory) will never change. If Texans know what's good for them, they'll throw him out as the country did in 2016. A randomly chosen Dreamer would make a better POTUS than Ted Cruz.
10
I am still confused as to how Cruz can claim to be a "natural born citizen" as required by the Constitution. We learned in Civics class that it meant someone born on American soil (which included embassies, territories and possessions). Cruz was born in Canada and I notice that he ducks the natural born citizen question every time it is brought up.
9
Once we're done with the mold remediation in Houston, it'll be time to take care of slime remediation--voting Ted out of office in 2018. He voted for Harvey relief, and how could he not, but he's still sponsoring S. 87, a bill that would prevent cities and counties that refuse to turn local officials into federal immigration officers, from accessing the kind of grants for public works and economic development programs that Houston, for one, will hope to apply for once the immediate emergency has passed.
Ted Cruz: slimier than an ice box after 6 days in standing floodwater.
Ted Cruz: slimier than an ice box after 6 days in standing floodwater.
20
Texas and Florida rely on property taxes. You should get a break once the hurricanes destroy your property of course. That should affect the bottom line of the states. OF course, you will pay a lot of sales taxes once you need to replace all your belongings.
Time will tell.
Lying Ted will do anything to get attention even drag his wife to the White House for dinner with Trump even after Trump made fun of his wife during the campaign. Snake in the grass slithering around for more attention.
8
Very much like his President, except far more articulate. Ted Cruz will always do or say what he feels is in his own self-interest. If this means temporarily pretending to care for others, that is simply part of the Ted Cruz act. This is the only certainly about this deceitful, dishonest and self-serving excuse for a man.
7
This Texan says it is time for Mr. Cruz to go. Beto for Senate in 2018!
16
Ted Cruz is a hypocrite and a liar. It has always been about him. He just got beaten at his own game by a bigger lair and hypocrite.
That being said, the citizens of Texas should not suffer for his sins. However, most politicians in Texas, with no taxes and a 10 billion dollar rainy day fund the governor refuses to touch , couldn't be any more tone deaf to the situation they find themselves in. Instead of don't mess with Texas, Texas is a mess.
That being said, the citizens of Texas should not suffer for his sins. However, most politicians in Texas, with no taxes and a 10 billion dollar rainy day fund the governor refuses to touch , couldn't be any more tone deaf to the situation they find themselves in. Instead of don't mess with Texas, Texas is a mess.
7
You know any time your opinion on a subject aligns with Chris Christie's, it requires a lot of soul searching, but not this time.
Ted Cruz is a truly repulsive character and reptilian in manner. People refer to "Ted V2.0, 3.0, etc.", instead I prefer to view him as merely shedding another layer of skin, just like the snake he is.
Ted Cruz is a truly repulsive character and reptilian in manner. People refer to "Ted V2.0, 3.0, etc.", instead I prefer to view him as merely shedding another layer of skin, just like the snake he is.
12
So Cruz has found religion
3
Lying Ted, don't ask for my tax dollars to bail out your constituents. Maybe Texas should have an income tax, maybe they should spend their 10 billion dollar rainy day fund, maybe evangelicals can start a $100 billion go fund me drive, maybe your benefactors the Koch brothers can both have a massive CVA.
310
Dear Mr. Cruz,
May you be re-elected Senator of the great state of Texas many times over - and beat Robert Byrd's record. But don't you even slime your way back into the presidential theater by rebranding yourself as a national do-gooder.
May you be re-elected Senator of the great state of Texas many times over - and beat Robert Byrd's record. But don't you even slime your way back into the presidential theater by rebranding yourself as a national do-gooder.
10
Trump was right about one thing: Lying Ted Cruz
77
Even when this not be related to the article itself, I have a question and would like an answer if possible?. A lot was said about president Obama not being an American because he was born somewhere not in America, but Mr Ted Cruz was born in Canada but was an American because his mother was an American, President Obama's mother was from Kansas no?. What is the difference?, please.
7
The only difference is skin color. Seriously.
5
I would be happy to give Texas (and Florida) federal assistance unencumbered by Washington pork, if these states would step up their efforts to help themselves. Specifically, by enacting a state income tax, a luxury they are enjoying while they are asking us in the 43 states that do have such a tax to subsidize their tax free life style. Which is made even more aggravating by their use of their no-tax status to lure businesses and to encourage well to do individuals to become "residents" in order to dodge taxes in their home states.
226
More smarmy every day, Ted. We remember you very clearly in the New York area. Hypocrite.
154
T.C. 3.0 should make its appearance the day after Mr. Cruz is re-elected in 2018. And that iteration will take the form of whatever construct Mr. Cruz adopts to compete for the Republican presidential nomination in 2020. Which will be followed by TC 4.0 if he wins the nomination. And TC 5.0 if he ... well, you get the idea.
8
I hope Texans put their best interests at heart and cruz on by Ted at the ballot box next time.
26
We are trying hard to do exactly that- Go Beto!
1
The same Ted Cruz who stood on a debate stage and disparaged "New York values" now would have us believe that he opposed post-Hurricane relief for NY and NJ because of how the bills were written?! Please. It was not about pork. It is about Cruz's disdain for people with whom he doesn't identify.
272
Agreed I just can't stand the guy but we need to take the high ground and assist our fellow americans in Texas.
5
Dear Ted - We remember fondly how kind you were to all of us in New York and New Jersey after Sandy devastated our area. Now you come, hat in hand, begging for help for YOUR ravaged city. Tell you what, Ted. You can have everything that the good people of Houston need, on the precondition that you take a solemn oath never again to run for public office, since you are too mean-spirited and too self-righteous to serve the public good.
Is it a deal - Ted?
Is it a deal - Ted?
393
He who thinks by the inch
And talks by the yard
Should be kicked by the foot
And talks by the yard
Should be kicked by the foot
194
I agree with Cruz's freshman year roommate at Princeton on this one; I'd rather have our next President picked at random from a phone book than have Cruz as President.
292
Now this will put Cruz out of his comfort zone. He will need to fake compassion and empathy to boost his chances of re-election.
26
He only look as far as his president for a role model.
3
Just another conservative hypocrite, opposed to spending unless there's something in it for them.
169
Sadly, the days of politicians with principles and moral standing are along behind us. Does Cruz's hypocrisy on storm aid coming before an election year really surprise anyone? He is not the first to have opposed Sandy relief only to be pro relief when the storm affects his constituents. There were republican congressmen in Florida (Mica, Miller, Buchanan, Bilirakis, Posey, Rooney, Southerland, Nugent, Webster, Ross, Yoho, DeSantis, Radel) who voted against recovery funding for Sandy who I am sure will not be asking for funding for Florida. It is a shame that these Republican congressmen only show compassion for those that vote for them.
39
The only group(s) Mr. Cruz has or ever will assist are corporations and other business executives. He can photo op all he wants but he cannot change history.
42
Texans need to bow down to every Democrat who will gladly vote yes for Texas recovery funds. But-- of course they won't. Ted Cruz is a Donald Trump lite- caring little about anyone other than his own political fortunes. "Lying Ted" is one of the few utterances from Trump's mouth that is correct.
116
"Lying Ted" is one of the few utterances from Trump 's mouth that is correct. You nailed it! That's exactly how I feel. Thanks.
2
Ted Cruz is at the cutting edge of a trend over the last few decades of the pandering politician. Trump may be the evolutionary epitome of this trend. These politicians who have no particular principles but select their stands on issues based on poll numbers, litter the Washington swamp. The idea of real leadership seems to have disappeared in both political parties. This depressing reality is what gave some voters their enthusiasm for Bernie Sanders over a Hillary Clinton who spouted vaguely center-left nothings while pandering to the 1%.
18
In fact, if Cruze were not up for reelection and from the actual city and state struck by a hurricane, he would still be going on and on about fiscal responsibility and hearty individualism. He seems beyond the general opportunistic elected official. I am surprised he has not found some phrase in the U.S. Constitution to justify his ambition.
28
I've heard it said by someone in the Texas delegation that funding aid is a good thing, it's those horrible other things that get tacked onto the aid bill that they object to. Sorry, Texans, but this is how democracy works: When you need something, you help to fund something that someone else needs, too. Your assumption that your needs are real and everyone else's needs are fake reflect a basic grasp of the reality of how things work. This is not a swamp, this is how people with diverse interests mediate among various competing needs.
85
It's a thought.
2
Time for Ted Cruz to lose his job and be replaced by a rational sensible humane person. The days and years for a Ted Cruz type of person to throw meaness and unnecessary chaos into our national nervous system have come and gone. In fact there was never a good time for someone like Ted Cruz.
Our present political disarray and wretched national leadership are in no small part linked to this disgracefully unfit opportunist. Time to leave, Ted.
Our present political disarray and wretched national leadership are in no small part linked to this disgracefully unfit opportunist. Time to leave, Ted.
21
Ted Cruz has show his stripes countless times as he is the ultimate opportunist. He cares little about his constituency.
There is no doubt in my mind that he would have made an excellent preacher in one of the Southern Mega Churches.
There is no doubt in my mind that he would have made an excellent preacher in one of the Southern Mega Churches.
19
Cruz is the very definition of "politician," and why so much of this country is fed up with Washington politicians.
5
There are good politicians whom we need and there are smarmy, mean, hypocritical politicians like Ted Cruz whom we do not need. The job of the citizen is to differentiate -- and then to vote.
3
No disrespect to the victims of the storm, who deserve all the help they can get, but buried way down the list of tragedies sourrounding Hurricane Harvey is the fact that Ted Cruz wasn't in Houston to get swept away when it hit.
21
How about “I rise today in support of a strong and competent federal government that is there for _all of us_ when we need it."
17
Cruz is a disgrace and it is shameful that he has been elected as a US Senator no less. I doubt very much he is man enough to apologize for the "Sandy" vote. His constituents are now in the same mess as the victims of Sandy. His excuse then was there was fraud going on. There will be fraud going on in the Texas relief also. Cruz is a fraud!
29
Really? This is the week to write a damage-control piece for Ted Cruz? Give it a rest.
10
Ted Cruz has historically proved to be a smarmy self-promoter. His grand-standing government shut down caused a colossal loss of tax dollars.
However, if he wants to actually do his job and help the people of the State he represents, then better late than never. I would love to see him learn some humility and pivot to serving the people rather than his ego.
However, if he wants to actually do his job and help the people of the State he represents, then better late than never. I would love to see him learn some humility and pivot to serving the people rather than his ego.
103
There were people who lost their jobs during Cruz government shutdown. Cruz didn't care.
7
So you are just asking the leopard to change its spots?
1
He is incapable of changing, period!
houston!? i thought calgary was his home town.
as for his basketball prowess.....wasn't he the guy who didn't know what a basketball net was called?
franken has it right.
as for his basketball prowess.....wasn't he the guy who didn't know what a basketball net was called?
franken has it right.
54
I hope nobody will be fooled by this guy's PR tour of Texas, doing photo ops of community service and gushing over men's physiques.
And if you think it's odd that demanding unencumbered Federal assistance for Texas "will not test the bounds of his conservative orthodoxy" then remember Galbraith's famous quote: “The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.”
And if you think it's odd that demanding unencumbered Federal assistance for Texas "will not test the bounds of his conservative orthodoxy" then remember Galbraith's famous quote: “The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.”
157
For God's sake. Do we need to normalize Cruz? He's reprehensible. "New York values" indeed. Part of the problem in American politics- there's no one strong enough to keep the sanctimonious in their rightful place, which is quiet. It's really a tell on the modern Democratic party that the only people blasting Cruz for his blatant hypocrisy are equally reprehensible characters like Christie. I suppose Democrats are too afraid to offend, as if any one who's a fan of Cruz would ever even consider voting Dem.
16
All politicians are against something until that something is in their favor. So don't ask why they change, opportunism is in their DNA. Also don't thin that Cruz is handing out water to people as a sign that he has, all of a sudden, discovered compassion for the underdog. It has as much merit as baby-kissing. He is an dangerously ambitious politician.
290
Dangerous is the correct way to describe him.
9
He's one of the worst people I've ever come across.
He's in the category where you'll find such disgusting people as Richard Nixon, Newt Gingrich, Pat Buchanan, Mitch McConnell, and Paul Ryan -- smarmy demagogues all, a rogue's gallery of grifters, a danger to themselves and others. God sent them here to stop us from making progress and being happy. I think it was God.
He's in the category where you'll find such disgusting people as Richard Nixon, Newt Gingrich, Pat Buchanan, Mitch McConnell, and Paul Ryan -- smarmy demagogues all, a rogue's gallery of grifters, a danger to themselves and others. God sent them here to stop us from making progress and being happy. I think it was God.
3
I almost spat my Lucky Charms!