This is perhaps the best argument to address your point.
" I did understand, however, that my oath to preserve the constitution to the best of my ability, imposed upon me the duty of preserving, by every indispensable means, that government, that nation, of which that constitution was the organic law. Was it possible to lose the nation, and yet, preserve the constitution? By general law life and limb must be protected; yet often a limb must be amputated to save a life; but a life is never wisely given to save a limb. I felt that measures, otherwise unconstitutional, might become lawful by becoming indispensable to the preservation of the constitution through the preservation of the nation. Right or wrong, I assumed this ground, and now avow it."
-Abraham Lincoln-(1864)
Interesting reply.
Do you think electing Cruz rises to this level of importance?