Cruz is a Senator, and while I share your concern that he is a greenhorn, So was Barack Obama.
He could do just like Barry and use his blank slate as an advantage rather than a detriment.
It is hard to paint a man for his past record if he has no past record.
Cruz is very strong in the Present and has no ghosts in the past.
Senators (and Representatives) typically do not make good presidential candidates or presidents. They think speechifying is the same as making executive decisions.
Ryan — not much different than Rubio. Both pushed amnesty and see their numbers drop. Yet, they are still clueless — except that Ryan probably envies the $3 million Rubio got from major donors after he helped the gang of 8 pass amnesty in the Senate.
The trouble is, none of the governors on that list are that inspiring either.
Kasich was one of the first GOP governors to rush to get his Obamacare handout.
Christie — hugging Obama did him more damage in fly-over country than he realizes.
JBush — the Bush name is still toxic.
Jindal — about as exciting as drying paint.
Then, we will see several retreads from 2012 retrying.
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Paul may be perceived as his Daddy was — that guy who runs and runs and runs and never gets more than a few percentage points.
Cruz — talks the talk, but his executive experience is weak.
Don't forget Cruz was Solicitor General for the state of TX before running for the Senate. He has a wealth of experience and Constitutional know-how that those Senators running for Prez do not have and will never have.