How smart is Ted Cruz?

Washington Post ^ | August 26, 2013 | By Jennifer Rubin

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Smarts don’t always equate to common sense. In the case of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), there is an inverse relationship between the two. I’m told by smart lawyers that he has a sharp legal mind, can think on his feet and has remarkable recall for facts, cases and even page numbers of the briefs. But his political judgment has become distorted by ambition.

Interestingly, he no longer is touting the line that Republicans unwilling to join the suicide squad ”own” Obamacare. Perhaps someone told him that among the obnoxious and untrue things he has said, this ranks at the top and will put him crosswise with a majority of those GOP senatorial candidates running in 2014.

A Cruz presidential run into 2016 would be interesting, if not downright amusing. An early rebuke in his young career might be a beneficial dose of cold water — or devastating to a pol who, even among senators, is excessively convinced of his own exceptionalism.

Cruz is not the guy to build the party or a governing majority (which requires moderate Republicans). But he is just the person to build up Ted Cruz. In fact, he is masterful.

[Arthur McGowan]

I will be concerned about Cruz’s eligibility according to the strict-standard meaning of NBC when Soetoro is in prison for forgery, fraudulently cashing government checks, and usurpation.

[Conspiracy Guy]

Jennifer Rubin needs to get a job as a RINO consultant for Mitch M or John B.

[JSDude1]

Got Scared?

[VideoDoctor]

Ted Cruz has speaking/debating skills that far exceed Newt Gingrich and he's the closest I've seen to a "Real Conservative" among politicians in quite some time.

They are attacking, and will intensify the attacks, because he scares hell out of the LEFT.

[kabumpo]

Agree.

[kabumpo]

Those children born to US citizens working abroad - which include my own siblings and a cousin - had fathers who were US citizens, not citizens of Cuba.

[Alex in chains]

The same old meme...

Up and coming Republicans are “dumb.”

If that does not stick, then they are “heartless.”

[mylife]

Agreed.

[CyberAnt]

EXACTLY ..!!!!

They will always tell you who they’re really afraid of .. just last week Bob Beckel said Cruz was a “fruitcake”.

The only fruitcake I know .. IS BOB!!

[VideoDoctor]

Well, it's GOOD to see that he already has you rattled or you wouldn't be trolling the site in an attempt to disparage him.

Is that you Chris Matthews?

[JRandomFreeper]

And his mother was born in the US. Your point?

/johnny

[mylife]

Yes, he seems more concerned with stopping Cruz than removing Obama from office.

[JRandomFreeper]

There's a few on FR that want to slime Cruz. Some have old sign-up dates.

/johnny

[pluvmantelo]

I was hoping, not predicting. All the reasons you cite suggest my hopes will be dashed.

[Impy]

Oh yay the birfers have found the thread.

You better get used to keeping your fringe opinions to yourself because they won’t be tolerated when Cruz is the only conservative running in sea of RINO losers.

[Thorliveshere]

Here we go, they’re going to try and “Palin-ize” him.

Gosh darn, missy, he’s just so gosh-durned stoopid. Ges I’s won’t vote fer him then if he gets canderdacy. Durrr...

[KevinB]

FUJR

[KevinB]

FUJR

[mylife]

I know it.

[gov_bean_ counter]

Paulites hoping that a Rand Paul presidency puts his nut job old man in a West Wing office.