I doubt they are scared of Ted. I don’t think he can get the nomination and is unelectable as POTUS. (liking one’s politics doesn’t make them electable) And they don’t care what “we” see. We aren’t going to vote for a Dim.
It’s just a standard low info voter trick. Pick a “bad guy” and blame him for everything. Makes an easier target. Everyone does it. i.e. ODimwit is responsible for [fill in the blank].
The low information voter is only interested in bumperstickers.
Who is your candidate for 2016?
“I doubt they are scared of Ted. I don’t think he can get the nomination and is unelectable as POTUS. “
I disagree.
To be fair, it appears you left a government-paid career in DC/VA and chose to retire to CA? I doubt that you are fully informed and/or experienced enough with the general Conservative electorate to speak with authority on the nation-wide electability of a Republican candidate.
Though you are correct on your individual knowledge: Cruz would not win the DC, nor the CA vote.
They weren't scared of Reagan. They didn't seem to like him very much, big surprise, but they weren't scared of him.
In fact, little of Reagan's legislative record remains standing, thanks to the dedicated efforts of both parties. Just a speed bump for them, not even a detour.
Now, if Cruz is made Senate Majority Leader and, unlike Reid, applies the Constitution to everything that lands on his desk, then they'll fear him. And with good reason.