The knives have been out for Cruz since he walked into the Senate Chamber. This is especially true since the filibuster. In that way, he’s battle tested. He simply does not care. That’s one of his big advantages over, say, Newt.
Too many candidates do care what "the media" puts out, and are suckered into heeling for them.
My one and only concern, not really a complaint, is that I think he needs to me more assertive in the masculine sense during his speeches. He seems to me to be pleading, as in court(I know, he is a lawyer). The American voter has had sissy boys for far too long, especially the Republican side.