That's a point well taken and programs such as SNL are not good venues. As vile and despicable as Colbert was and is, the segment was for the most part serious. It's not like he played a saxaphone! :)
Although the hissing hostility of lil' Steffy was clear, it wasn't a comedy skit and Senator Cruz didn't countenance Colbert's over-talking. Because Ted Cruz came off so well, I think he made a strong impression on millions who otherwise don't follow news-oriented programs. In short, this was like a class in school and Senator Cruz educated the rabble.
I watched the videos and I thought Cruz was great. Colbert is annoying but he wasn’t too bad in the first segment.
He was pathetic in the second segment trying to attack Reagan and Cruz for liking him. Fortunately, Cruz actually knows something about economics and the Reagan accomplishments.
Also, Cruz knows something about the constitution and states rights. He was powerful about the Supreme Court. Why should we let 5 unelected lawyers make law for the whole country.
I think even the liberal audience agreed on that.