Cruz’s shrillness is just more obvious when the other candidates tone it down, IMO. Doesn’t come off as likable at all. Not that I’m unbiased, LOL.
It was said he was so incredibly smart, and lots of people never understood why others didn't like him enough to put him over the top.
I'm guessing there may be some similarities.
Ted IS a good debater, if you score things from the Hahvahd viewpoint, or debate judges. I just don't think most people want an egghead debate champion as president. They watch these things to get a full measure of the person's leadership style or capacity.