——he is the enemy to some and utterly useless to others——
I would argue your point is considerably overstated.
Cruz is recognized as a conservative’s conservative. He led the fight in the Senate but was not able to prevail in all of his efforts. That willingness is appreciated. But, his efforts are considered extreme. That was stated as “no body likes Him.”
America has experienced one ideologue as President and is loath to replace him with what some perceive as his polar opposite.
If he loses he will still be a strong, perhaps even stronger, voice in the Senate. His influence when there is a possibility of actually passing something in the senate with no presidential veto, will be able to strengthen the conservative legislative influence.
supporting, even praising his senate work does not translate one on one into the Presidential race
Not at all. I have been perusing many threads and have witnessed this phenomenon as have others. Your perspective regarding Ted Cruz may exclude you, and perhaps many others, from my original point. However, there are "some" and "others" where the shoe fits, as it were.
"But, his efforts are considered extreme."
To whom? The Obama regime? The Democrats and the Republican establishment? The totality of the Washington D.C. ruling class? The Media? I disagree. These are extreme times we are living in. I admire and give Ted Cruz a lot of credit for what he did regardless of his success or failures. All this despite my disagreements with some of his positions and actions.
America has experienced one ideologue as President and is loath to replace him with what some perceive as his polar opposite.
It's strange to me how someone advocating the return of this Republic to its constitutional moorings is considered just another "ideologue."