Cruz has injected a level of vileness to this campaign that, frankly, should never be part of any campaign. Aren’t the candidates supposed to be using their campaigns to convince the voters that they are the best for the job, rather than viciously attacking their opponents?
The one thing that amazes me especially during each presidential cycle is how adept many on the so-called 'right' are in using the Alinsky rules. That includes many posters on this and similar forums.
Of course, other presidential elections have had similar 'vile'. The Jefferson - Adams election is one that had plenty of name-calling and nastiness.
http://history1800s.about.com/od/leaders/a/electionof1828.htm
“By the time the votes were cast, both men (Jackson, JQAdams) would have wild stories circulated about their pasts, with lurid charges of murder, adultery, and procuring of women being plastered across the pages of partisan newspapers.”
1912—Taft, Wilson and another Ted was another scat-fest.