Donald Trump Isn’t the Biggest Narcissist in the GOP Field. Ted Cruz Is.
I know a televangelist candidate when I see one. By CURT ANDERSON December 23, 2015 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter To hear the pundits and experts in Washington tell it, the problem with Ted Cruz is that he doesn’t play well with others in the Senate, he’s too hardheaded and he doesn’t compromise. In other words, he’s exactly what the Republican primary voters want. On this score, I side with the Republican primary voters. If Cruz’s problem is that he is a conservative who has no regard for senatorial decorum and fights too hard for the right things, I’m all in. Story Continued Below But there is a far bigger problem with Cruz: Donald Trump is not the most self-absorbed Republican running for president—Cruz is. Whether you like Trump or not (and I don’t), at least Trump makes no effort to hide his narcissism. In that sense, Trump is oddly genuine. Cruz, on the other hand, takes great pains to be whatever he thinks you want him to be. And the troubling thing is he’s really good at it. Occasionally, he offers a glimpse of his vanity and his need to be loved—such as the hilariously painful 15 hours of B-roll footage his campaign put on the Web for use by his super PACs. My favorite part of that footage is the multiple times he and his family practiced the prayer scene before a meal … once more, with feeling. There is nothing quite as genuine and humble as a rehearsed, made-for-TV prayer. The other revealing scene is when Cruz is sitting on the couch with his mom and he says, “Not a day goes by that my mom is not lifting me up in prayer.” Then mom agrees saying, “It’s true.” But then, Cruz can’t help himself and he adds, “for hours at a time,” after which mom can’t take it anymore and very tellingly gives us a roll of the eyes that says it all. My dad was a preacher for 40 years—a great one I might add. He gave me some sage advice: “Never trust a preacher who wears makeup.” There it is. Cruz is the televangelist candidate. (To be clear, not all televangelists are phony, just most of ’em.) There is no denying that Cruz is a smart and gifted orator. But if you listen closely you will find that he sells everything with the exact same level of zeal. Whether he is condemning the Islamic State or ordering a ham sandwich, the invective is identical. When a speaker oversells everything, it calls everything he says into question, and it begs questions regarding authenticity and genuineness. And when it comes down to it, Cruz does not stand by all that he so dramatically defends. For example, he proclaims he’s always faithful to the most conservative positions. Yet he found himself in 2013, when the political winds on immigration seemed to be blowing toward a softer approach, including legalization, earnestly advocating for a pathway to legal status for illegal immigrants already in the country. Similarly, just this week a recording from a private fundraiser in Manhattan reveals Cruz assuring gay rights supporters that he won’t really be a pest on gay marriage. But Cruz will never tell you he made a mistake or changed his mind. We never see an authentic Cruz because we never see a vulnerable Cruz. He’s perfect—just ask him. He’s pure—just ask him. Cruz’s view of himself was on full display in the CNBC debate in Colorado in October. All candidates were asked to show some vulnerability by sharing a few thoughts on their biggest weakness. Cruz answered first with a joke by saying, “I’m too agreeable, easygoing.” The crowd chuckled. So far, so good. But then Cruz got down to business, telling the watching nation about his biggest weakness—“You know, I think my biggest weakness is exactly the opposite. I’m a fighter. I am passionate about what I believe. I’ve been passionate my whole life about the Constitution.” There you have it. His biggest weakness is that he is wonderful. Oh, and in that 30-word riff, he managed to use the “I” word five times and “my” twice. In fact, Cruz has failed in every cause he has championed—and it is never his fault. Failure to defund Planned Parenthood, failure to repeal Obamacare, failure to stop the Iran deal—and the list goes on. That is his Senate career. Of course, all conservatives want these battles to be fought, even if we lose. But it’s not really the issue or the cause that Cruz is championing. No, he just wants to be the one leading the cause—and wants you to see him doing it. Cruz is a perpetual martyr. To be clear, I have many friends across the country who are conservatives, many of whom are evangelical Christians, as am I. Many of them are either supporting or considering supporting Cruz. Will they and other conservative Republicans fall for the Cruz shtick and propel him to the nomination? I hope not, but they might. Here’s the problem—our country is in real trouble, this is no time for contrivance and theater, we need authenticity and results. We do not need a leader who loves to play the martyr, because the thing about martyrs is that they always die.
I thought you were going to change that avatar. You know your just desensitizing me. Before long, I'm gonna wind up with a bumper sticker with that guy's face on it on my truck.
Originally Posted by 16penny
If you put Taco Bell sauce in your ramen noodles it tastes just like poverty
I thought you were going to change that avatar. You know your just desensitizing me. Before long, I'm gonna wind up with a bumper sticker with that guy's face on it on my truck.
So much for Ricky and his premature over the abyss fail.
Crazy likes company. Pretending to be anti-establishment and then quoting a R establishment consultant. If you stand for nothing (Trump), You'll fall for anything (GOP establishment lies).
Carry on, girls.
We may know the time Ben Carson lied, but does anyone know the time Hillary Clinton told the truth?
Immersing oneself in progressive lieberalism is no different than bathing in the sewage of Hell.
So much for Ricky and his premature over the abyss fail.
I just find it hilarious that his main supporter here, a cop and an otherwise decent guy should have better instincts supports this phoney bible thumping, sleaze bag who is out solely for himself.
I love how all the Trump guys just are loving the liberal web sites.
This is from Politico.
Guess that explains why they don't like Cruz. RINO's usually don't.
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
Cruz took a tough question, calmed the guy down, and without bullchitting him explained why his approach was better.
Lots of politicians would have dodged the question - if their handlers would even let the question be asked. And none of them, including Trump, would have given the guy a thoughtful 7 minute answer. Showed genuine respect for the citizen, IMO.
You have to have a thick skin to be a politician. Cruz no doubt has a healthy ego and ambition, but I think he's pursuing the office out of a genuine sense of duty, not because he craves power.
So much for Ricky and his premature over the abyss fail.
I just find it hilarious that his main supporter here, a cop and an otherwise decent guy should have better instincts supports this phoney bible thumping, sleaze bag who is out solely for himself.
SMH
Better instincts? Really. lol Coming from a guy who chooses to believe a fat cat lieberal buddy of the Clintons, Obama, and every lieberal cause he can throw money at, who a few months ago says "Hey, I'm running for POTUS as a Republican and I'll build a wall and make Mexico pay for it". And you say, "Daddy!".
Something stinks for sure but it's got nothing to do with instincts.
The only thing it can all really mean, is the world is coming to an end. I'm good with that. Just sucks for my kids.
We may know the time Ben Carson lied, but does anyone know the time Hillary Clinton told the truth?
Immersing oneself in progressive lieberalism is no different than bathing in the sewage of Hell.
Written by a Republican. Oh BTW Cruz is unelectable
Written by a Republican but no respectable conservative or neutral web site would publish it?
Yeppers... keep trolling those liberal web sites for old Republicans who hate Cruz and are terrified of having to run against him.
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
Written by a Republican. Oh BTW Cruz is unelectable
RCP Average: Clinton: 47.0 / Trump: 42.3 == Clinton +4.7 RCP Average: Clinton 46.0 / Cruz 45.8 == Cruz +0.2
Pure, unadulterated self-inflicted blindness is what it is..
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
How many 69 year old men born, raised and lived their entire life in Queens/Manhattan New York as a liberal Democrat, would you venture all of a sudden after SIXTY SEVEN YEARS changes to a Republican?
Trump IS a Democrat, pulling the wool over peoples eyes. Why you ask? We don't know yet, and hope we never find out. But rest assured there is a reason.
How many 69 year old men born, raised and lived their entire life in Queens/Manhattan New York as a liberal Democrat, would you venture all of a sudden after SIXTY SEVEN YEARS changes to a Republican?
Trump IS a Democrat, pulling the wool over peoples eyes. Why you ask? We don't know yet, and hope we never find out. But rest assured there is a reason.
If that's true, then your boy Cruzzy is gettin his ass kicked by a demonrat runnin as a Repub.
What's that say about the Cruzzy?
Maybe he should start wearin glasses, like Rick Perry.
How many 69 year old men born, raised and lived their entire life in Queens/Manhattan New York as a liberal Democrat, would you venture all of a sudden after SIXTY SEVEN YEARS changes to a Republican?
Trump IS a Democrat, pulling the wool over peoples eyes. Why you ask? We don't know yet, and hope we never find out. But rest assured there is a reason.
If that's true, then your boy Cruzzy is gettin his ass kicked by a demonrat runnin as a Repub.
What's that say about the Cruzzy?
What does that say about you? You and your ilk will be doing the country in with this nonsense. You appear to be ignorant enough not to care one wit.
We may know the time Ben Carson lied, but does anyone know the time Hillary Clinton told the truth?
Immersing oneself in progressive lieberalism is no different than bathing in the sewage of Hell.
Attack the true Conservatives first, later on they can take on anybody who's not a Democrat or Establishment Republican.
Note there is NO discussion of issues any more, just denigrating the Conservatives?
Quote
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump 20m20 minutes ago
Millions of $'s of false ads, paid for by lobbyists-special interests of cheater @SenTedCruz and sleepy @JebBush, are now running in S.C.
Quote
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump 33m33 minutes ago
"@copyover2001: @realDonaldTrump Do Americans really want a Canadian-born president? First non native born in history?"
Quote
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump 38m38 minutes ago
"@by @tedcruz good I want to see the court decide what I was always told "natural born" means - born on American soil"
Quote
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump 10h10 hours ago
How can Ted Cruz be an Evangelical Christian when he lies so much and is so dishonest?
You know what you DON'T see on Trump's twitter page? Anything about Obama, Clinton, or Sanders.
What do you see if you go to Ted Cruz's twitter page? 95% of posts are about Clinton.
What do you see if you go to Ben Carson's twitter page? Tweets about how we have to fix America.
What do you see if you go to Rubio's twitter page? Attacks on Hillary if anybody is mentioned.
So... apparently all of the candidates involved know the real problem America is facing. And one is attacking Republicans and Conservatives.
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
Moron, it's not *my* job to make people like the Cruzzy, it's *his*.
And he obviously ain't very good at it.
People see him for the establishment, career, conniving, back-stabbing, two-faced politician he is, in an election where people don't want and establishment, career politician.
That's cause the Cruzzy is too big a puzzy to attack anyone himself, which might be contrary to the evangelical preacher image he's tryin to cultivate.
So, he has others do it for him.
Ruins Carson's one chance in Iowa, then blames it on a a video.
Then after his Cruz is caught, says what difference, at this point, does it make.
That's cause the Cruzzy is too big a puzzy to attack anyone himself, which might be contrary to the evangelical preacher image he's tryin to cultivate.
So, he has others do it for him.
Ruins Carson's one chance in Iowa, then blames it on a a video.
Then after his Cruz is caught, says what difference, at this point, does it make.
Yep.. seriously delusional followers.
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
Moron, it's not *my* job to make people like the Cruzzy, it's *his*.
And he obviously ain't very good at it.
People Idiots like me see him for the establishment, career, conniving, back-stabbing, two-faced politician he is, in an election where people don't want and establishment, career politician.
You do disgusting well. But that's all.
We may know the time Ben Carson lied, but does anyone know the time Hillary Clinton told the truth?
Immersing oneself in progressive lieberalism is no different than bathing in the sewage of Hell.
Moron, it's not *my* job to make people like the Cruzzy, it's *his*.
And he obviously ain't very good at it.
People see him for the establishment, career, conniving, back-stabbing, two-faced politician he is, in an election where people don't want and establishment, career politician.
Cruz is the ultimate outside insider and the establishment rinos hate him. Be interesting to see what you say about the trumpet 6 months after, should he be elected to potus.
Trump does say what so many are thinking and it's all good until someone ask him the simple question: "How?" That's when his face turns red, uses 4 letter words and waves his arms all about. And the dolts love him, just like Bernie's followers do ole Bernie. There are zero differences between the followers of bernie and those of the trumpet. None. Same mentality. Period.
The degree of my privacy is no business of yours.
What we've learned from history is that we haven't learned from it.
So much for Ricky and his premature over the abyss fail.
Crazy likes company. Pretending to be anti-establishment and then quoting a R establishment consultant. If you stand for nothing (Trump), You'll fall for anything (GOP establishment lies).
Honestly, I really don't understand Cruz's appeal and never did. He's so patently fake. Behind the facade, I'm betting there's a metrosexual pretty boy desperately hoping sass and placation are enough to keep the world from seeing him. He reminds me of a terrified actress who hides from the world in plain sight. You know the type who believes as long as she's on stage she's in control and as long as she's in control she's safe.
Originally Posted by 16penny
If you put Taco Bell sauce in your ramen noodles it tastes just like poverty
How many 69 year old men born, raised and lived their entire life in Queens/Manhattan New York as a liberal Democrat, would you venture all of a sudden after SIXTY SEVEN YEARS changes to a Republican?
Trump IS a Democrat, pulling the wool over peoples eyes. Why you ask? We don't know yet, and hope we never find out. But rest assured there is a reason.
Of course he is Cruz said so LOL. We don't need anymore stinking constitutional lawyers as POTUS.
Honestly, I really don't understand Cruz's appeal and never did. He's so patently fake. Behind the facade, I'm betting there's a metrosexual pretty boy desperately hoping sass and placation are enough to keep the world from seeing him. He reminds me of a terrified actress who hides from the world in plain sight. You know the type who believes as long as she's on stage she's in control and as long as she's in control she's safe.
Really? Hmm.. He's got a history of actually working to defend our rights and lots of video to back it up. Never looked terrified to me.
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
Ted the Baptist will win. Prayer saved his wife from the depths of depression, so I'm sure it will get him into the White House.
Remember, the God of Ted the Baptist is the same God of Gene the Dog. If God can rescue him from alcohol and bushel of ex-wives, He sure as hell can put Ted the Baptist into office.
Ted the Baptist will win. Prayer saved his wife from the depths of depression, so I'm sure it will get him into the White House.
Remember, the God of Ted the Baptist is the same God of Gene the Dog. If God can rescue him from alcohol and bushel of ex-wives, He sure as hell can put Ted the Baptist into office.
Praise Jesus!
You are absolutely correct , he used the body of god to win Iowa and is now using the face of god to win SC.
Ted the Baptist will win. Prayer saved his wife from the depths of depression, so I'm sure it will get him into the White House.
Remember, the God of Ted the Baptist is the same God of Gene the Dog. If God can rescue him from alcohol and bushel of ex-wives, He sure as hell can put Ted the Baptist into office.
Praise Jesus!
You are absolutely correct , he used the body of god to win Iowa and is now using the face of god to win SC.
Good.
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Honestly, I really don't understand Cruz's appeal and never did. He's so patently fake. Behind the facade, I'm betting there's a metrosexual pretty boy desperately hoping sass and placation are enough to keep the world from seeing him. He reminds me of a terrified actress who hides from the world in plain sight. You know the type who believes as long as she's on stage she's in control and as long as she's in control she's safe.
Really? Hmm.. He's got a history of actually working to defend our rights and lots of video to back it up. Never looked terrified to me.
Yes he is a great speaker(remind you of anyone?) is an attention whore and has no friends on either side of the aisle. Unlike you I will hold my nose and vote for him , you and your ilk sat home last time and allowed Obongo into the WH.
Yes he is a great speaker(remind you of anyone?) is an attention whore and has no friends on either side of the aisle. Unlike you I will hold my nose and vote for him , you and your ilk sat home last time and allowed Obongo into the WH.
No, he doesn't remind me of Trump or Obama at all - both of whom love to attend talk shows, sitcoms, headline SNL, etc, etc.
And thank you for telling me how I voted last time. It was very disappointing when Nebraska put it's electoral college votes to Obama.
Oh. Wait. Yeah, you don't have a clue about anything you bring up, do you?
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
Yes he is a great speaker(remind you of anyone?) is an attention whore and has no friends on either side of the aisle. Unlike you I will hold my nose and vote for him , you and your ilk sat home last time and allowed Obongo into the WH.
No, he doesn't remind me of Trump or Obama at all - both of whom love to attend talk shows, sitcoms, headline SNL, etc, etc.
And thank you for telling me how I voted last time. It was very disappointing when Nebraska put it's electoral college votes to Obama.
Oh. Wait. Yeah, you don't have a clue about anything you bring up, do you?
I am not here all day long dredging up anti Cruz posts like Powell,RickyD, Yourself,RobJordan and Bowtwanger do to other candidates.
Taste of your own medicine.
You're batting zero.. here's a list of anti-candidate threads recently.
Cruz the Narcissist--OMG the horror Latest S.C. GOP poll TRUMP +16% TRUMP 36% Rubio 15% cruz 20% GO TRUMP Trump...I've Figured it Out. Another Cruz Campaign Ooops. Thanks For The Trump Vote, Ted Former Female Trump Exec- He's a Womanizer Trump: ‘I’m Capable of Changing To Anything I Want' Trump blames Conservatives for our problems No Limit To Trump's GOP Support Rather Listen To Trump Swear, Than Heidi Cruz Preach Donald Trump the Political Chameleon
Anti-Trump threads match the anti-Cruz threads.
I think isaac is the most prolific poster.
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
So much for Ricky and his premature over the abyss fail.
I just find it hilarious that his main supporter here, a cop and an otherwise decent guy should have better instincts supports this phoney bible thumping, sleaze bag who is out solely for himself.
SMH
You are right. Trump started thumping his brand new bible in Iowa.
Leo of the Land of Dyr
NRA FOR LIFE
I MISS SARAH
“In Trump We Trust.” Right????
SOMEBODY please tell TRH that Netanyahu NEVER said "Once we squeeze all we can out of the United States, it can dry up and blow away."
GOP front-runner Donald Trump issued a warning today to rival Sen. Ted Cruz: Keep attacking and a lawsuit is coming.
It all started just after Trump's win earlier this week in New Hampshire, where the Cruz campaign began running multiple ads attacking the billionaire businessman for his support of eminent domain -- that is, the government's power to force the sale of private property for public use.
The Cruz ad features a woman that Trump had a legal dispute with decades ago as he sought to build a parking lot on the property occupied by her home -- in order to expand a casino he once owned in Atlantic City. Trump on the campaign trail has consistently called eminent domain a helpful tool in order to expand both public and private businesses.
The Cruz campaign has now done a large ad buy -- with plans to run a one-minute ad Saturday night during SNL. The news sent Trump into attack mode, digging up an old argument on Cruz's citizenship.
In an interview with the Washington Post in January, Trump was asked if Cruz was eligible to run for the presidency, citing the fact he was born in Canada.
In September, Trump had told ABC News’ Jonathan Karl that he felt Cruz was in good standing. But Trump recently said he fears a lawsuit over the fact that Cruz was born in Canada will prevent Cruz from running.
ABC News Chief Anchor George Stephanopoulos told Trump during a recent interview that some legal scholars have suggested Trump himself would have standing to sue Cruz.
“Oh, that’s an interesting case. Wow, that sounds like a very good case. I’d do the public a big favor,” Trump responded, but would not say whether he’d pull the trigger until issuing this threat today via Twitter: "If @TedCruz doesn’t clean up his act, stop cheating, & doing negative ads, I have standing to sue him for not being a natural born citizen."
Trump has also questioned Cruz's "Christian values" with this latest string of attacks from the Texas senator. Trump is scheduled to campaign later today in Tampa, Florida.
3 of them are mine so, once again, you simply talk out your ass.
Cripes...
Most Prolific : Meaning the one who did more than the others. Not the one who did the majority of them.
It's gotten down to middle school level, I'm off to do real stuff now.
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
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