He showed the relevant “paperwork”: his birth certificate and his mother’s birth certificate. The first proved who is mother was, the second proved she was a citizen. Thus he was,automatically a citizen at birth by operation of law. The consular report is recommended by the law, but does not bring citizenship into existence. In the case of Sen. Cruz, birth did.
Slight correction, I don't think you will object. In the case of Sen. Cruz, birth and operation of an act of congress did.