There were, how many, eighty world leaders at this funeral? Whatever our opinion of Mandela may be, that is not what his reputation is. I doubt that will change, any more than Lincoln’s will, whatever the truth may be.
There are several issues at work here.
Mandela was a famous world leader, so it’s not surprising his funeral would be a big deal. Not at all surprising Obama and former presidents would attend.
As for Cruz, I just think he laid it on a Little thick on Mandela then making a big show by walking out on Raul Castro. It was good theater all right.