Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Ted Cruz will win in places like Alabama
AL.Com ^ | 8/17/15 | J.Pepper Bryars

Posted on 08/17/2015 6:32:28 PM PDT by VinL

When the junior senator from Texas announced that he was running for president last March, I used these pages to write that, "Ted Cruz could win in places like Alabama."

That opinion was based upon Cruz's unapologetic advocacy and defense of the conservative principles of limited government, individual liberty, and free markets, and his sincere desire to see those principles form the foundation for a massive shift in American governance.

Five months into his campaign, however, I feel that my earlier statement must be revised: Ted Cruz "will" win in places like Alabama, and perhaps in even less conservative states.

That prediction is based upon his impressive performance in the crowded primary thus far.

First, Cruz raised more hard money in the last reporting cycle than any of his competitors – even more than Jeb Bush who is backed by the establishment's money machine. This is a crucial indicator because, as we have learned, in this age money is indeed speech, and donating to a candidate is essentially "early voting" it is most truthful and practical form.

Moreover, Cruz's cash was raised in small amounts from many individual donors, a clear sign of deep and wide support cross the nation.

Usually, when a candidate claims that they've raised more individual donations and in small amounts, it's meant to highlight their grassroots support and downplay the fact that they're not raising large sums of money. Cruz is turning that typical formula on its head.

He's getting more individual contributions, in smaller amounts, and still raising the most money all at once. That's unheard of.

Second, Cruz is polling remarkably well in a crowded field of several All-Star candidates who, in normal cycles, would be leading contenders for the nomination. It's not like Cruz is the only conservative in the race; it's just that he may be the most courageous and trustworthy.

That's making a difference.

After the first debate, Cruz rocketed to second place in an early survey of support, behind Donald Trump and ahead of Ben Carson. Notice anything similar about those three? They're all outsiders, either removed from the party's establishment by their careers (Trump and Carson) or by their actions (Cruz). When those other two leave for whatever reason (Trump isn't a consistent and trustworthy conservative, and Carson isn't ready to battle the Democrats or the bureaucracy), the natural recipient of their fed-up-with-the-establishment supporters is Cruz. When the field shrinks in the coming months, expect Cruz's numbers to steadily increase.

Third, Cruz's anti-establishment message is resonating with voters, and it's something that movement conservatives have been waiting to hear since 1988. His attack on the "Washington Cartel," as he calls it, takes on both parties. Last month he took to the Senate floor and, in an unprecedented act of political courage, called the party's lackluster and backroom-dealing majority leader, Mitch McConnell, a "liar" for secretly negotiating with Democrats to pass President Barrack Obama's trade deal and rescue a crony capitalist bank from disestablishment. I've rarely seen a sitting politician take-on his leadership like that, and it was refreshing and inspiring.

So when Cruz came to Huntsville last Sunday evening to speak with supporters, I took my two oldest children in hopes that they'd see the man who might end up rescuing their generation from inheriting a weakened, and less free, America. I've been to a number of these early primary events, and I only expected 200-300 attendees at most. But organizers said they received more than 1,400 RSVPs, and by my count there were easily 2,000 people standing in the main hall and foyer of the Jackson Center conference facility.

Cruz's speech was wonderful, and it reminded me of what Rush Limbaugh said when he announced last spring.

"We finally now have, on display, someone who can cheerfully, confidently, happily articulate conservatism in a charismatic, positive way," Limbaugh said on his radio program last March.

"Somebody who's not afraid of it. Somebody who's not ashamed of it.

Somebody who doesn't see any need to qualify it or to make excuses for it."

Does that remind you of any other candidate in recent decades ... who was also hated by the establishment?

Let's hope Cruz – and America – enjoys similar results.


TOPICS: News/Current Events; US: Texas
KEYWORDS: 2016election; alabama; cruz; election2016; tedcruz; texas
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 61-8081-100101-120121-125 next last
To: dragnet2
We are electing a president and leader, not a member of some political club. Hopefully a genuine leader who understands what the hell is needed to fix this epic disaster. We've had the political club "business as usual" well connected politicians who are owned for decades. The results are obvious. We'd better get it right and we better do it soon

+1

81 posted on 08/18/2015 5:09:14 AM PDT by Jim Noble (You walk into the room like a camel and then you frown)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 63 | View Replies]

To: conservativegamer
1 in 8 Hispanics will vote for Cruz or Rubio just based on their name alone

BFD.

What's he got for working-class whites?

82 posted on 08/18/2015 5:10:33 AM PDT by Jim Noble (You walk into the room like a camel and then you frown)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 68 | View Replies]

To: Jim Noble

“And 4500 irreplaceable heroes dead, 20 000+ maimed, and $4 trillion wasted, for nothing.”

You’re not going to get an argument on that from me.
However the war with Iraq was pretty popular here of FR at the time.
I was still a lurker then and remember a lot of posts about “Bitch slapping France” and all that immature crap about Freedom Fries and Freedom Toast.

I will say that in the long run I think a lot of Freepers stopped seeing things in strict Republican versus Democrat terms.
JMHO but the letter behind their name doesn’t mean as much anymore and in reality it’s the elites against the rest of us.


83 posted on 08/18/2015 5:34:19 AM PDT by snarkybob
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 80 | View Replies]

To: VinL

The crowds that Ted Cruz is getting at his recent campaign stops among this crowed field is truely remarkable.


84 posted on 08/18/2015 6:39:19 AM PDT by American Constitutionalist (Truth is a priceless commodity worth more it's weight than Gold, GOP plays with fools gold)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: The Final Harvest

The “ not getting any traction “ meme is religated to Rand Paul, Scott Walker, Marco Rubio, Rick Perry, etc.


85 posted on 08/18/2015 6:46:18 AM PDT by American Constitutionalist (Truth is a priceless commodity worth more it's weight than Gold, GOP plays with fools gold)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 37 | View Replies]

To: snarkybob

It all depends on what you mean by not getting traction, and perspective.

If your talking about the likes like Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, Rick Perry, Carly, Scott Walker, Mike Huckabee , Chris Cristy ( a flight risk to bolt on over to the DNC ) then sure, no traction.

However ?

Ted Cruz is on the rise slowly, and has raised more money from small donors than anyone else in the field including Jeb Bush, that’s a good indicator of his all around support.

Putting your money where your mouth is speaks louder than just talk, people can say whatever, but actually supporting a canidate with your money says a totally different thing.

The amount of money Ted Cruz has raised so far guarantees that he makes it to the convention.

Since the debates his over all support and polls numbers has risen.

The losers ? Rand Paul, Rick Perry, Scott Walker, Chris Cristy, and soon Carly.


86 posted on 08/18/2015 6:58:56 AM PDT by American Constitutionalist (Truth is a priceless commodity worth more it's weight than Gold, GOP plays with fools gold)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 39 | View Replies]

To: snarkybob

He’s third place in the most recent poll from fox news. I don’t see how you can say that’s not trending. What do you think will happen once Christie, Paul and Perry drop out? Maybe some will go to Trump, but the lion’s share will go to Cruz.

As far as appealing to the other side, that’s what the man is known for, friend. You don’t become an all-star debater at Princeton, some would say best in the country, by not winning people over to your side of the argument. The man was able to get the liberals on the Supreme Court to agree with him as solicitor general on cases against Obama and the United Nations. That takes talent. This guy is more intelligent than anyone else up there except maybe Dr. Carson.


87 posted on 08/18/2015 7:01:26 AM PDT by conservativegamer
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 72 | View Replies]

To: conservativegamer

Well I love Ted Cruz but he’s not polling well. 8%-9% is not good. I think that whether you are happy about it or not Trump has the bullhorn and he’s gotten so far ahead on the hot button issues its going to be hard to catch up.

Cruz is playing it as smart as possible. He’s the only one who is drafting Trump. Staying right on his bumper and getting pulled along.


88 posted on 08/18/2015 7:03:02 AM PDT by Georgia Girl 2 (The only purpose o f a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should never have dropped.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 66 | View Replies]

To: snarkybob

Yes a good analogy. Trump is going to get the Indie and disaffected Dem vote. All good.


89 posted on 08/18/2015 7:04:46 AM PDT by Georgia Girl 2 (The only purpose o f a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should never have dropped.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies]

To: Jim Noble

How about repealing Obamacare? If McConnell wasn’t such a chump, Cruz would’ve single-handedly been able to get concessions from Obama. As president, he’ll throw the thing out. Trump will unfortunately either keep it or turn it fully into a single-payer, socialist system like the UK has. That’s just not something I can support.

Additionally, Cruz has talked about implementing a flat tax and abolishing the IRS as president. I don’t think any other candidate is saying that. For me, the federal tax system needs serious reform... start from scratch. Trump would likely keep things the way they are, possibly even “tax the rich” more as he’s proposed before. Doesn’t sound to good for working class whites...


90 posted on 08/18/2015 7:09:21 AM PDT by conservativegamer
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 82 | View Replies]

To: snarkybob

Bob ? That’s how McCain, Romney lost, not only by being the squshy middle moderate, but appealing to moderates, independents.

And that’s how Reagan won, sticking to his convictions and principles, and ? By him being persuasive and a great communicator drew in moderates, independents.

We have tried cycle after cycle of appealing to the squshy middle, it doesn’t work.

We don’t need anymore moderate campaign conservatives who are “ yes men “ on the campaign trail, only for the true nature of the beast to be seen once elected.


91 posted on 08/18/2015 7:11:17 AM PDT by American Constitutionalist (Truth is a priceless commodity worth more it's weight than Gold, GOP plays with fools gold)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 72 | View Replies]

To: Georgia Girl 2

I think you’re judging that way too early, darlin. We’ll see what happens. I just can’t believe that after Romney the GOP want another candidate that supports universal healthcare. I don’t want bureaucrats running the healthcare system and turning it into the post office. :(


92 posted on 08/18/2015 7:14:16 AM PDT by conservativegamer
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 88 | View Replies]

To: VinL
Frankly I have to challenge whether any of the so called Conservative Professional Politicians in the race have any idea of true understanding of Conservatism, Capitalism or anything else. They mouth the words they know we want to hear but do they have any understanding.

I looked at Ted Cruz's resume last night and I found that in his life he was only in a private law practice one year. The rest of his whole adult working life he has been in government. How can this guy have any understanding of the real issues this country faces if he is a professional politician with no real experience other than government.

That in a nutshell is what is fundamentally wrong with the political system today. People making laws and regulations with absolutely no idea of what they are doing and the consequences if their actions.

93 posted on 08/18/2015 7:21:27 AM PDT by Captain Peter Blood
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: conservativegamer

Well Sugar maybe you should listen to what Trump really thinks about Healthcare which is private policies in a totally open marketplace with a safety net for the ones who cannot afford insurance. Pretty much what we should have had all along.

As for Cruz only time will tell but he has just not gained traction and blind loyalty will only get you so far down the line. If Cruz is not pulling the numbers with his own base how do you expect him to win a general election? At this point I am very concerned he will not. Trump has a wide appeal. Hillary voters who are unhappy with her will vote Trump. Cruz not so much.


94 posted on 08/18/2015 7:37:50 AM PDT by Georgia Girl 2 (The only purpose o f a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should never have dropped.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 92 | View Replies]

To: amihow

Trump chased Sessions, not the reverse.

Use your head; Trump is a dufus, and needs approval of real people. Sessions wasn’t interested in Trump.


95 posted on 08/18/2015 9:05:12 AM PDT by editor-surveyor (Freepers: Not as smart as I'd hoped they'd be)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 60 | View Replies]

To: Greetings_Puny_Humans

They have constantly risen, not reversed.


96 posted on 08/18/2015 9:06:03 AM PDT by editor-surveyor (Freepers: Not as smart as I'd hoped they'd be)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 57 | View Replies]

To: editor-surveyor

Indeed Trump did chase Sessions. Yeah. Goes to the best for help. Has Cruz gone to Sessions or anyone of his stature?


97 posted on 08/18/2015 10:20:50 AM PDT by amihow
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 95 | View Replies]

To: amihow

Cruz is the man.

His record is the most exemplary of any candidate, past or present.

The fact that you had to ask indicates that you should be reading, not posting, until you’re up to speed.
.


98 posted on 08/18/2015 11:25:21 AM PDT by editor-surveyor (Freepers: Not as smart as I'd hoped they'd be)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 97 | View Replies]

To: amihow

Indeed Trump did chase Sessions. Yeah. Goes to the best for help. Has Cruz gone to Sessions or anyone of his stature?


Too bad Cruz didn’t go to Sessions for some advice before he jumped in the sack with Paul Amnesty Ryan to enable the passage of TPA.

Cruz’s decision to support lowering the bar to pass Obama’s secret “trade” deals is looking worse with each passing day as kenyan rams through his Iran deal (with a similar lower the bar to passage game plan).


99 posted on 08/18/2015 11:45:19 AM PDT by lodi90
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 97 | View Replies]

To: editor-surveyor
They have constantly risen, not reversed.

You are factually wrong

100 posted on 08/18/2015 12:06:17 PM PDT by Greetings_Puny_Humans (I mostly come out at night... mostly.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 96 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 61-8081-100101-120121-125 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson