It’s worth considering that Ted is playing the long game. The 2016 nomination and subsequent loss of a GOP establishment type like Jeb Bush strengthens an ongoing Cruz argument (the mushy center loses) and gives him more advantage for 2020 and 2024. Reagan wasn’t immediately successful either.
We need Ted now. 2016 may even be too late, IMO. The Maoist monster still has 732 days of carnage left.
Yes, I agree, he may be looking past 2016. Nixon, Reagan, Bush1, Dole, and Romney all won on their second attempts. I believe Goldwater, Bush2 and McCain won on their first try.