This is classic National Enquirer bait. Just enough in the story to make a denial both required and possible. In a week, the story will have something a little more difficult to deny and more important to deny. Then, in the next news cycle:
BOOM!
Undeniable facts proving the denials were lies and the original story true. It is amazing that they keep doing it and the sinners keep falling for it. But, it is almost over for Cruz. Tick, tick, tick.
Boy isn’t this fun destroying Cruz’s family. Having fun are you? Must be proud of yourself.........
Thank you! I can't believe everyone didn't see this coming.
First, the story is "sources say" and "alleged" and blurry pictures.
Then the guy has to forcefully deny.
Then there will photographic evidence, probably of he and the woman leaving that restaurant together on 4 or 5 different days.
Which will require a bit of two-step in response by the guy. And more eyebrows will be raised in scepticism
Then, still shots of the sex tape.
The guy is therefore ruined, "not because of sex, but because he lied and can't be trusted."
The National Enquirer drags out two weeks or more in through-the-roof sales on this story, and the guy is twisting in the wind... waiting for the next high heeled shoe to drop.
Once it is all over, the Capitol Hill staffers and non-scooping reporters talk about how they knew it all along.