Senator Cruz certainly shows that he has the qualities conservatives are looking for in the Republican Party. Could this be the start of new Republican leadership? We - the voters, supporters, campaign workers, door knockers, etc. - will have to decide if we want it to happen. If we have a leadership we can support than we have to step up an be counted.
It most certainly is. That rumble you hear in the background is the indignant harrumphing of the old guard who see their end approaching.
They don't like it one bit, and will continue bellowing until their offices are cleaned out.