I also respect direct answers. “I’m not playing gotcha with you” or “Why don’t you quit being an idiot and ask something relevant” (both are reasonable understanding of Cruz’s words) *is* a direct answer.
Just because a media twit, as you so aptly phrased it, is in a position to demonstrate their twit-ness (because a campaign that avoids all contact with media is not a campaign) does not mean that the candidate has to respond to the question according to the twit’s desires.
In this case, the media wants to tarnish the R candidates in conservatives’ eyes for any positive response. Secondarily, the media wants to outrage the homo agenda community for any negative response.
So, “stop being a twit” (diplomatically) is a valid and direct answer to the media’s attempt to tarnish the candidate.
That is, at least, my opinion. LOL