Ted Cruz, Invoking Reagan, Angers GOP Colleagues but Wins Fans Elsewhere [Snark Alert!]

Online WSJ ^ | April 18, 2014 10:36 p.m. ET | Monica Langley

[SoConPubbie]

WASHINGTON—Rushing to an afternoon vote last month, Sen. Ted Cruz hopped the underground tram to the U.S. Capitol from his office across the street.

The Texan planted his black ostrich cowboy boots in the middle of the small subway car without getting so much as a nod from the other senators—Republican or Democrat—amiably chatting or huddled in their seats.

Mr. Cruz finds himself standing alone a lot these days. His response to the cold shoulders: "The establishment despised Ronald Reagan" before he became president, "but the people loved him."

For the 43-year-old Republican, the Reagan name illuminates his political life's fundamental dichotomy: Many senators from his own party mistrust and dislike him, but many conservatives elsewhere worship him.

Acquiring his Cuban-immigrant father's love of Ronald Reagan, the Texan geared his life toward emulating the president.

He lives that contrast daily. Moving into the vast congressional hallway that afternoon, he attracted a burst of adulation from tourists. "Ted Cruz, I love you!" shouted a Massachusetts father, William Harvey, there with his young daughter. "President Cruz in 2016!"

Mr. Cruz's quest to position himself as a latter-day Reagan has led him to defy his party's elders on handling issues such as debt and health care, and to become the national face of last fall's government shutdown. His methods have led political rivals to brand him as an extremist and made him the target of talk-show lampoonings.

His quest also has put him in the center of national political debate, a status validated when Vice President singled him out as a threat in a recent fundraising appeal.

"No one has vaulted onto the national political stage faster and caused more of a sensation than Ted Cruz," says Vin Weber,a former congressional leader with strong ties to today's GOP heads. "

[SoConPubbie]

	"If we must have an enemy at the head of Government, let it be one whom we can oppose, and for whom we are not responsible, who will not involve our party in the disgrace of his foolish and bad measures." - Alexander Hamilton "We don't intend to turn the Republican Party over to the traitors in the battle just ended. We will have no more of those candidates who are pledged to the same goals as our opposition and who seek our support. Turning the Party over to the so-called moderates wouldn’t make any sense at all." -- President Ronald Reagan "A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice." - Thomas Paine 1792 "It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men." - Samuel Adams "If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen." - Samuel Adams

[SoConPubbie]

Ted Cruz Ping!

If you want on/off this ping list, please let me know.

Please beware, this is a high-volume ping list!

[exnavy]

Ted is a strong conservative voice, showing an understanding for what our nation needs.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Ted Cruz did not ‘invoke’ Reagan. He ‘evoked’ Reagan.

[harpu]

IF we can’t win with Cruz in 2016...there will never be a Conservative Republican in the White House again.

[DoodleDawg]

The Texan planted his black ostrich cowboy boots in the middle of the small subway car without getting so much as a nod from the other senators—Republican or Democrat—amiably chatting or huddled in their seats.

Wasn't it Truman who said if you want a friend in Washington get a dog? Considering the dirtbags in the Senate then if I were Cruz I'm not sure I'd want to be sociable with them.

[SoConPubbie]

Ted Cruz did not ‘invoke’ Reagan. He ‘evoked’ Reagan.

Exactly!

The author of this article sounds like a snotty-nosed little 3rd grader.

[St_Thomas_Aquinas]

Mr. Cruz finds himself standing alone a lot these days.

So the WSJ doesn't like Ted? The Fed's monetary policy has been very good to them and their audience. Call me cynical.

It's not surprising that the appropriately named Mr. Cruz is standing alone.

[Sirius Lee]

Mr. Cruz's quest to position himself as a latter-day Reagan has led him to defy his party's elders on handling issues such as debt and health care, and to become the national face of last fall's government shutdown. His methods have led political rivals to brand him as an extremist and made him the target of talk-show lampoonings.

Being a Senator is more about getting along with others. Being a leader means stepping on toes sometimes. Cruz is more suited to the job as Executive, and with God's help he will be the the next Chief Executive of the United States in 2016.

[usconservative]

I can see myself voting for Ted Cruz for President.

He leads the 'pack' of about two people I could vote for.

If my #1 and #2 pick's aren't on the ticket in 2016 I'll be staying home. I just cannot stomach holding my nose another time and voting for the lesser of two evils. IMO that's what got this country to where it is today.

We need a good Conservative President who stands on principle.

[Hojczyk]

And the first Bush tossed it all away.....the country will be lost ....Obama will have three years to destroy it.....Only a massive win by the tea pary in 2014... 60 vote Senate....And a tea party president in 2016. Might slow it down.......we need people who will dismantle the government like after WWII

[St_Thomas_Aquinas]

Only a massive win by the tea pary in 2014... 60 vote Senate....And a tea party president in 2016. Might slow it down....

That's correct. It's our last chance. Otherwise, it's simply a matter of waiting for the inevitable.

I'm afraid that the inevitable would be a decades-long depression, rather than a quick reset.

[Irenic]

He’s not pals with all the crooks up there? Good! That makes me like him even more! It’s a good sign that he isn’t rolling over and playing their dirty games. I usually become disappointed with politicians but Cruz hasn’t disappointed me yet. He’s my choice for POTUS. Go Cruz!

[Hojczyk]

Not Like Rubio...I still like Scott Walker...he lead a real fight...and could turn it red..Cruz has another year to prove himself.....It was the Southern Blue dog democrats that help Reagan get his tax reform...I think Bob Dole was against it...RINOS all.......remember Reagan trying to get missiles in Europe.....the press hate him and he just smiled and talked directly to the people....48 state landslide said it all...I hate the first BUSH...

[DIRTYSECRET]

Cruz would be the 16’ version of Goldwater vs. Hillary. This time we’d win. If not a BIG statement would be made for the long term just like 64’. B.J. was a sacrificial lamb in 92’ and look what happened?

[lonestar]

Cruz said he didn’t run for the Senate because he wanted 99 new friends in D.C.

[freedomfiter2]

The Wall Street taking class doesn’t like actual producers. The only difference between the banksters and the welfare mommas is their arrogance.

[USS Alaska]

Ted is a strong conservative voice, showing an understanding for what our nation needs.

When/if Ted Cruz runs for President, I will donate every spare dime that I have, including my beer money...errr...wait...maybe I've had a few too many to think straight, I'll get back to Ted on that later.

[itssme]

Give generously of your time and whatever financial support to a candidate who needs our support...it’s time to put away our electronic toys and other distractions...our lives ARE on the line. Support Ted Cruz and other promising Conservative candidates who will need our help. Ted needs us and We the People need him.

[exnavy]

I don’t drink beer, but, I understand. I’ll give up some coffee time and money.