Actually the “badge of honor” here is Cruz’s. That the Marxists at Salon hate him is resume enhancement for Cruz
Something about Cruz has always kind of rubbed me the wrong way, tbh; however, as we near the primaries, I find myself more and more coming around to him. Up to this point there are three candidates (with a legitimate shot at the nomination, that is) that I would enthusiastically support - he’s edged his way into that group to make it four.