“Nay” votes count for nothing in this case. Passage required 51 “yay” votes. A non-vote was as worthless as a “nay” vote.
Ted did what was important, exposing the fact that the deal was sealed at the cloture vote.
Every Congress member today got the message Cruz doesn't have the courage of his convictions and will Boehner/McConnell out at the drop of a hat. And all the Democrats now think Cruz just makes speeches for the base and doesn't believe them. It's incredibly damaging to him.
Freepers made fun of Obama for voting "present." Freepers don't do a good job when they bvetray their core beliefs.