He was storing it up, as he had just voted to keep TPA/TPP moving through the Senate to POTUS.
I don’t think he was “storing up” his courage, Mariner. This is a man of uncommon principle and conviction. He has no political fear, really. He just does what he thinks is right-
Now, take your situation, for instance. Sen. Cruz undoubtedly knows he’s losing votes from that constituency who vehemently oppose this trade deal. But, he’s not going to change his position to fraudulently procure those votes.
It would be so easy to go the other way- pander- do the politic thing. Vote against it, get your vote- and then when he gets in office, do the “switcheroo.” That’s what all the others would do.
But, not Ted Cruz. He’s telling you straight on, -”sorry Mariner, I’m not going to lie to you- I can’t come with you on this one.”
That’s integrity— and that’s fearless.