For the first time in a long time, I feel inspired.
“Imagine a president that finally, finally, finally secures the borders. And imagine a legal immigration system that welcomes and celebrates those who come to achieve the American dream.”
Pronounced "Patter-EE-koh"
E-mail: Just use my moniker Patterico, followed by the @ symbol, followed by gmail.com
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Where was his TelePrompTer?
I thought it was a law that you had to use one of those.
Patterico (9c670f) — 3/23/2015 @ 6:41 pmI am not inspired that he and his organization could not figure out that they needed to have the site tedcruz.com in their portfolio.
I think I’ve come up with a litmus test:
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/20150322_FEMA_to_deny_funds_to_warming_deniers.html
I want to hear candidates responses to this. Vocal and action.
seeRpea (1925e7) — 3/23/2015 @ 6:49 pmMaybe you should write a song?
elissa (c7aafe) — 3/23/2015 @ 6:49 pmOh, now that’s mean.
🙂
Patterico (9c670f) — 3/23/2015 @ 6:51 pmHeidi Cruz is taking an unpaid leave of absence from her job as a managing partner at Goldman Sachs.
http://www.businessinsider.com/cruz-wife-takes-unpaid-leave-at-goldman-2015-3
elissa (c7aafe) — 3/23/2015 @ 7:14 pmImagine Ted Cruz as Senate Majority Leader. That could be the place where he’d have the most impact. New blood, energizing the place, inspiring ACTION. I think that would be a tremendous development and a change for the better.
Colonel Haiku (2601c0) — 3/23/2015 @ 7:15 pmImagine there’s no seepee
Colonel Haiku (2601c0) — 3/23/2015 @ 7:19 pmI wonder if you can
No need to grieve Pauline Kael
her famous quote still stands
The first time I heard Bill Clinton speak at length was in about 1978 or 1979, when I was a law student and he was on C-SPAN — in the early days of cable TV — moderating and participating in a panel discussion of the Democratic Governors’ Caucus or some such group. He was obviously about 10 times smarter and quicker on his feet and more glib than anyone else in the room. I said to my then-girlfriend, later to become my wife: “That guy is going to be a Democratic nominee for President someday, and he’s going to win, and I’m going to hate every minute he’s in office.”
I felt exactly the same way the first time I heard Ted Cruz speak at length, except that I’m going to love every minute he’s in office.
That’s why as soon as I heard he was running for the U.S. Senate seat from Texas being vacated by Kay Bailey Hutchison, against perfectly predictable and dull David Dewhurst, I immediately posted an endorsement for his campaign on my own blog. I was entirely unsurprised that he placed a respectable second in the GOP primary, close enough to force a run-off — and that he then won the run-off by a commanding margin. He’s the brightest star on the horizon of a new generation of Republican leaders who won’t just pretend to be conservatives, but who will actually govern as conservatives.
BUT: I’m not sure his time is 2016. He’s awfully young still. He’s got no thicker resume yet than the current POTUS had when he ran.
Nevertheless, I welcome his announcement. I am thrilled that he’ll be on-stage during the GOP primary debates, because he is genuine and irrepressible and articulate. Even if he doesn’t win the nomination, he’s going to educate voters and roil the waters in a positive way.
And I may be wrong. This cycle may be the one in which he catches the proverbial lightning in a bottle; maybe, despite his youth and short tenure in the national spotlight, this is meant to be his time.
He’s stronger’n train smoke. I wish him well, and I’m proud that he’s from Texas.
Beldar (fa637a) — 3/23/2015 @ 7:29 pmAll true. If it doesn’t happen this time, there’s always hope for the future. But man, wouldn’t it be something if it happened this time?
Patterico (9c670f) — 3/23/2015 @ 7:31 pmA smart, articulate guy who’s whip-saw smart on the economy who isn’t scared to make enemies or say what he thinks. It’s gonna be like having Ron Paul on stage without the worrisome and scary foreign policy.
Patterico (9c670f) — 3/23/2015 @ 7:33 pmIt was kind of the administration to provide Senator Cruz with this extensive list of problems that actually can be fixed with a few strokes of the pen following responsible Congressional action. What a concept. And Cruz was able to recite the list from memory. Better yet, he did it with conviction, and kept the story simple and understandable.
For those who question his background, I think he compares very well with Abe Lincoln. More executive experience certainly, an equivalent grasp of the law, and views that are grounded on principles that are eternal.
The present administration stirs the pot hoping to create one crisis after another. Their guiding principle is never let a crisis go to waste. And yet despite crisis after crisis, all we’ve got to show for six years of missteps, fumbles, lies and mismanagement is waste.
The real question is how much longer will Cruz’s list be in the Fall of 2016, and how many more countries will have collapsed before the tyrants who are coddled and enabled by this administration. Over the weekend Russia instructed their ambassador to Denmark to remind them that if they participate in NATO defensive activities, their ships will be sunk should the need arise. This is remarkably plain talk for a “diplomat”.
bobathome (ef0d3a) — 3/23/2015 @ 7:38 pmAbsent divine Intervention, I just do not see how he overcomes the willful ignorance promulgated by the progressives for generations.
The one thing he does have going for him is we have an historically horrible president as we did in 1980. Enough folks were beyond sick and tired to think for themselves and to risk “extreme” conservatism. Are there enough out there who are willing to take our medicine for the unreal debt we’ve accumulated? Instinctively, Americans know a day of reckoning is approaching. Will a majority freely choose to bring it on?
I can easily live with a Walker presidency and Cruz on the SCOTUS.
Ed from SFV (3400a5) — 3/23/2015 @ 7:42 pmgood idea elissa, don’t have the talent for that. too bad rowdyhousemusic is not current.
As for his kickoff – eh. not astute enough to know how the politics of the internet works, not much if anything on getting back to Federalism with strengthened state rights (see the story on FEMA), absurd pie-in-the-sky abolishing of IRS (flat tax? fine, push that then use IRS to enforce it), and more than enough Religious fervor to give pause to a lot of people about what he plans to do in the name of his Religion (as we have seen the present PotUS do).
Have not seen that he know how to play the body politic which is needed to get things done/undone.
Better then Jeb Bush? yepp. Better than r.paul? yepp
Aside from that, does not excite me.
If the people here (even those who spread false attributions) are fine and happy with him, actually that is good. It is good to see that the GOP will have some who are of the usual suspects type make a big push. Maybe some of the Tea Party’ers will feel more comfortable in his camp and bring some of their fire power along.
seeRpea (1925e7) — 3/23/2015 @ 8:33 pmTed Cruz is an inspiring speaker but even more important, he believes in and can articulate why conservative ideas are the way for America to succeed and for Americans to succeed. He believes in the Constitution and knows what it says and means. And he stands up for the people and ideas he believes in, whether or not they are popular. I support Ted Cruz.
DRJ (e80d46) — 3/23/2015 @ 9:52 pmToday is ObamaCare’s 5th birthday.
DRJ (e80d46) — 3/23/2015 @ 10:02 pmThe law says he has to use one. The law says nothing about him using it to knock Obama upside his head.
Bill H (f9e4cd) — 3/23/2015 @ 10:08 pmCruz has plenty of crossover potential. He’s the Tea Party at its best, but also sufficiently religious/ socially conservative that he will please the Huck crowd, and could easily sell himself to Hispanics, who are generally socially conservative. I also get the feeling that disenchanted moderate women and Millennials, and there are plenty of both, may also give Cruz a look (just look at the reaction to Rand Paul at Bowie State). For these formerly strongly liberal constituencies, Cruz’ Harvard Law degree provides the sort of validation reflexive liberals need (Walker may be an experienced state executive, but he is also a college dropout – how’s that going to play?). Most others in the Republican field, by contrast with Cruz, are simply one trick ponies.
ThOR (a52560) — 3/23/2015 @ 10:30 pmSeeRPea – in your litmus test, should he be able to see the future, and purchase a website 10 years prior to announcing his run for the presidency? Should he be able to take it away from a private citizen that purchased it over a decade ago?
JD (86a5eb) — 3/23/2015 @ 10:37 pmPissing and moaning about a website name? Seriously?
mg (31009b) — 3/23/2015 @ 11:07 pmI must be out of touch being inspired by Ted Cruz, but I am in the best of company.
Imagine Ted Cruz as Senate Majority Leader.
That is a particularly thankless job which requires good organizing skills and the willingness of the leader to let others have the spotlight. Not Cruz’s forte. But I’d like him to pick McConnell’s replacement, should that happy day ever come.
Kevin M (25bbee) — 3/24/2015 @ 1:01 amwho isn’t scared to make enemies or say what he thinks.
I would rather he was better at making friends.
Kevin M (25bbee) — 3/24/2015 @ 1:02 amWatched the speech via Roku. Exceptional speaker, something the media, Fox included, has done a good job of hiding. Everyone sounds the same in soundbite.
I want to see Cruz and Walker take it down to the wire. I hope that they can void attacking each other, rather than debating their differences. If I had one wish this campaign season it would be that the GOP candidates foreswear gotcha politics and concentrate on what they bring to the table. Won’t happen given some of the small men running. but it’s a wish.
This is clear though — I’d not mind a Cruz administration at all. Still, he’d be awesome replacing Ginsberg on the Court.
Kevin M (25bbee) — 3/24/2015 @ 1:08 amnonono Mr. Senator Cruz god’s blessing hasn’t been on failmerica for many many moons
you’re just saying that
but it’s not true
happyfeet (831175) — 3/24/2015 @ 3:03 amWatching this a second time, I realized I need to vote twice.
mg (31009b) — 3/24/2015 @ 3:18 amThe man respects me, something team r has not done since R.R.
Happyfeet- where you putting your vote when your Hillarity doesn’t run?
mg (31009b) — 3/24/2015 @ 3:20 amConsider the point:
http://www.breitbart.com/video/2015/03/23/levin-we-dont-need-a-governor-as-president/
DNF (8028c5) — 3/24/2015 @ 3:57 am“I will bless those who bless you, and those who curse you I will curse; All the world will be blessed through you.”
America’s welfare is dependent on another’s.
DNF (8028c5) — 3/24/2015 @ 4:07 am20, 22. Nice to agree with Mr. M for a change.
DNF (8028c5) — 3/24/2015 @ 4:11 am28 – indeed.
mg (31009b) — 3/24/2015 @ 4:29 amif hillary’s the only thing what can stop Jeb then yes yes yes i gotta pull that lever Mr. mg
he’s even more obscene than she is
happyfeet (831175) — 3/24/2015 @ 6:03 amIt also occurs to me that Cruz may be just as good looking as Lincoln. Both men can carry a crowd with their words. Brain over face. What a concept.
bobathome (ef0d3a) — 3/24/2015 @ 6:22 amAlthouse has praise… http://althouse.blogspot.com/2015/03/ted-cruz-goes-all-john-lennon.html
Colonel Haiku (2601c0) — 3/24/2015 @ 6:39 amI have nothing but good wishes for a man like this willing to step forward with such a clear and principled vision and passion to lead. Whether he’s more Goldwater or Reagan, more pugilist or persuader, more orchestra conductor or one man band we’ll soon see. Regardless, he’ll be tough to brush aside.
crazy (cde091) — 3/24/2015 @ 8:09 am30… feets? seek treatment!
Colonel Haiku (2601c0) — 3/24/2015 @ 8:20 amI agree with Cruz on most issues, but I also agree with Charles C. W. Cooke’s critique today in NRO that Cruz comes off as a lecturer, not “one of us.” Thoughts? Is this purely a subjective take?
Mitch (341ca0) — 3/24/2015 @ 10:26 amThank you for blogging about Cruz’ speech. I might not have watched it otherwise. For me, it was just as you described it, inspiring, yet without the bombast that seems to accompany so many speeches given by pols who try to inspire.
To parrot Althouse, it was a truly powerful and brilliant speech. He also pulled off warmth without smarminess, something Huck, Falwell, and their ilk rarely seem to master.
Finally, I loved the way he co-opted the Lennon lyric. That was unexpected and very nicely executed. Althouse’s take on this was pretty good, first mocking the use of Imagine and then apologizing for doing so. Thanks, Haiku, for the link.
ThOR (a52560) — 3/24/2015 @ 10:28 amMitch – Cruz is a highbrow nerd doing his best to be Reaganesque. It is by no means a perfect fit, but he comes closer to being an inspiring, visionary conservative leader than any competitor I can think of. What do you expect from the son of math majors anyway?
Watching the Liberty University speech, I was struck by how Cruz’s natural warmth showed through every time the young men and women at Liberty called out when Cruz mentioned geographic locations – presumably the home towns/ states/ countries of students in the auditorium. That sort of warmth is exactly the defining feature of Reagan and Cruz could use a bit more of it. I presume, with time, we’ll see just that.
ThOR (a52560) — 3/24/2015 @ 10:46 amMy one qualm about the speech: He had his back to the camera most of the time. Now, maybe that was good as his expression of serene satisfaction can distract from his words, but it kinda sucks from a showmanship point of view. I am willing to bet that Ronnie never had his back to the camera.
Kevin M (25bbee) — 3/24/2015 @ 11:03 amThOR–
I think it is possible that Walker could be another Reagan. It would help if he could pzazz it up a bit though. Reagan unified the party and, later, most of America. Walker could do that, too. His history in WI is that this is what he does. Cruz is somewhat the same way, but it’s kind of like that Star Trek where Kirk was split into meek and boisterous halves.
Kevin M (25bbee) — 3/24/2015 @ 11:07 amI felt exactly the same way the first time I heard Ted Cruz speak at length, except that I’m going to love every minute he’s in office.
Ronald Reagan came to speak at my high school in 1969. I was sold.
Kevin M (25bbee) — 3/24/2015 @ 11:10 amimagine having jeb bush being all like hey i’m president – that makes how many bushes? – by my count it makes three! – there was my grandaddy bush that was number one then there was my brother jorge that was number two and now it’s my turn and i get to be president even though i sold illegal drugs to college kids!
god i’d throw up all over mr. senator cruz’s shiny shiny roach-stompers and he’d be all like thanks a lot happy i just got those shined
happyfeet (831175) — 3/24/2015 @ 11:30 amKevin M – I love the Star Trek analogy.
I was distracted by Cruz’ turned back, at first, too. Then I realized Cruz was addressing a theater in the round and that rather than playing to the camera, he was, instead, trying to connect with the live audience. We live in a culture that constantly plays to the cameras and to see someone behave otherwise – and especially a politician – was striking. By the end of the speech I was liking it because the turned back seem to be a cultural commentary that I completely approve of.
Ted Cruz is a smart guy and I presume he is surrounded by smart guys. His handlers must have known that Cruz would have his back turned to the camera for much of the speech. To use just one camera, I am sure, must have been an intentional choice. Hitchcock used a similar effect in his film Rope. Whose choice was it to use just one? So many of the recent movies and television I watch cut from one camera to another so frequently I sometimes feel motion-sick. This was the opposite. I liked the effect, but was that really the effect the Cruz people had in mind?
Another aspect of the production that I came to like was that there seemed to be a complete absence of crowd response images. I hate those shots whether they are at televised political events or on Sunday football games. I just hate them.
In a way, I guess, what I liked is that Cruz’ speech at Liberty had production values that simply were not of a kind with other such televised speeches. Of course, that’s not to say that I don’t think two cameras would have been a better choice than one.
ThOR (a52560) — 3/24/2015 @ 1:17 pm40- In 1966, when RWR was running for Governor, he made a campaign appearance in my town, speaking to a gathering of the faithful at a Slot-Car Emporium, introduced by Senator George Murphy.
askeptic (efcf22) — 3/24/2015 @ 2:13 pmOver a hundred people crowded in among the race-tracks, treasuring every moment.
He shook every hand that was presented to him, both before and after speaking.