Sometimes you don’t say bad things about someone because doing so would alienate potential supporters. If I’m at a close friend’s house - someone who is a devout Catholic - I’m just not going to badmouth the current Pope a la “he’s the anti-Christ”, regardless of my views on the matter. Cruz would be unwise to say critical comments about the Pope because they largely function in two separate areas, and while true some things just don’t need be said under the circumstances.
‘Sometimes you don’t say bad things about someone because doing so would alienate potential supporters.’
There is a middle ground. I read the statement Cruz put out yesterday after the Pope’s address. It was saccharine gooey. It’s possible not to go too far with criticism while at the same time moderating the praise.
I think you’re right. I don’t think the Pope is as powerful as people make him out to be. He can complain about guns but America is not going to give up on guns. Same with immigration. And you can’t pick a fight with everyone. Cruz is a smart cookie.