Yes, it helps if you Believe in your Heart the Truth of what you are debating. . Ted does, and does it so very well. . National Debate Champ!
Interesting article about Ted in Mother Jones, no less, but interesting backgrounder: Meet Ted Cruz, "The Republican Barack Obama" from November 2012 issue.
From the article: "While at Princeton, he forged a bond with classmate (and later roommate) David Panton. As a debate team they were unstoppable, setting a university record for the number of awards they won together. A 1992 Princeton Weekly Bulletin article featured the undergrads in oversized sweaters, posing in front of a trophy case filled entirely with their spoils."