He could do everything you posted @ 13 and he is still done politically and I supported him. However, I always had a nagging doubt he could win nationally because of what you wrote in 13 - he just never seemed to have charisma and that is a major handicap in national politics. I also had some caution over the dislike of Cruz by most of his peers. There have been plenty of strong conservatives who were liked by their peers who did not agree with them.
Watching Cruz with his family was sad and enlightening. I have a genuine affection with my children. My friends have a genuine affection with their children. Cruz does not appear to have that. There is something wrong with his family dynamic. His actions during the latter half of the campaign when he left his scripted adult routine and veered off into the twilight zone also confirmed this.
I don’t think Cruz will keep his Senate seat. Might be the best thing that could happen for him. He put himself before the greater good - that tells me all I need to know. Texans have probably picked up on all of this better than most.
Watching Cruz with his family was sad and enlightening. I have a genuine affection with my children. My friends have a genuine affection with their children. Cruz does not appear to have that. There is something wrong with his family dynamic.
I believe he lived apart from his “wife” for 8 years. Something real odd going on in that family, IMO.