Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Insiders who complain to politico: please report to the white house office of shut the fuck up.

Yeah, with this crowd one never knows.

Is it negotiation when the other party actually wants to shoot the hostage?

A snarling mass of vitriolic jackals

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Whoever he was, that guy was nuts.

T R E 4 5 O N

If you are still in the GOP, you are an extremist.

If you tweet it in all caps, that makes it true!

Historically it was a little unusual for the president to be an incoherent babbling moron.

Wow, I can’t imagine what it was like to comment in morse code.

Sadly, there is no cure for stupid.

Battle won, war still ongoing.

In my day, never was longer.

JFC, are there no editors left at that goddamn rag?

A lot of Dems talk about what the media tells them to talk about. Not helpful.

But frankly mr. cole, I’ll be happier when you get back to telling us to go fuck ourselves.

I didn’t have alien invasion on my 2023 BINGO card.

The GOP couldn’t organize an orgy in a whorehouse with a fist full of 50s.

Not all heroes wear capes.

This fight is for everything.

A democracy can’t function when people can’t distinguish facts from lies.

The republican caucus is already covering themselves with something, and it’s not glory.

Too often we hand the biggest microphones to the cynics and the critics who delight in declaring failure.

You are here: Home / Politics / Politicans / Cruz-ifiction / Long Read: “A Most Hated Man”

Long Read: “A Most Hated Man”

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He gets a little too lit’ry in spots, but professor of philosophy Clancy Martin has an excellent TNR essay on “the virtues of being Ted Cruz”:

… Cruz and Trump are in fact appealing to different segments of the Republican Party, and they know it. Trump is the candidate of the disoriented, the confused, the needy; Cruz is the candidate of the dogmatist, the moralist, the convicted. Trump gets the voters who fear and adore; Cruz gets the voters who hate and resent. Trump is all show; Cruz means what he says. Trump wants to be everybody’s boss; Cruz wants to be everybody’s master. Ted Cruz is much, much more dangerous than Donald Trump.

But I only realized this after following Ted Cruz for a month or two. I began with an uninformed repugnance for his views, with which I had only a vague familiarity; then I got to know him, a little bit, as an unlikely presidential candidate, a probable third or fourth place finisher; I watched the dark horse win in Iowa; and somewhere along there I came to understand that, in my opinion, no one currently running for president would be worse for the country than Ted Cruz. Not necessarily because there’s something wrong with his policies, though I consider them to be completely misguided. But because there is something frightening about this person, and there is something frightening about the way he can make people feel…

At 4:30 p.m. on the eve of the caucus in Marion, Iowa, a side door opened to the assembly room of Grace Baptist Church, and Ted Cruz entered along with a chunky bodyguard and his thirty or so of his team members in their signature dark navy blue jeans. Cruz stood quietly as the pastor introduced him. He wore a blue zippered sweater over a button-down shirt, brown leather work boots, and new-looking Levi’s jeans. A few people in the first pew, near the door where Cruz stood, rose to shake his hand. Some handed him campaign posters to autograph. One parishioner passed up a leather-bound Bible and Cruz took time to write something long in the front pages. A second Bible was handed to Cruz, who again paused to write something thoughtful. More posters and more Bibles were passed up, and Cruz didn’t have time to write a message in each Bible, so he started simply signing them on the page that was held open for him: on the fly page, where a book’s author would sign…

Cruz took the stage. In the friendly, intimate atmosphere of the small church, he was comfortable. I’d been to many Ted Cruz events in the past couple of months, and it was the only time I’d seen him genuinely at ease. He seemed happy and not at all exhausted from the grueling schedule of his 99-county Iowa tour. Though rested, his face had an unfortunate lizard quality to it—adult Ted Cruz can never overcome the Komodo dragon quality of his skin and chin—but he wasn’t repellent. He spoke with the almost squeaky register he adopts in a religious setting, waving his arms evangelically when appealing to Christian scripture and stabbing his finger down in his debater’s manner when making a political promise. He didn’t have the chip-on-my-shoulder-but-quick-on-my-toes expression that he wears during televised debates, and he was neither obsequious nor smarmy, two typical Cruz styles I’d come to expect since following him.

“When I’m president you can bet there’s going to be some changes in Washington! On day one in the Oval Office we’re going to prosecute every member of Planned Parenthood who has committed criminal acts!”

“Yes!” the husband of the woman in the tall leather boots shouted, pumping his fist in the air and rising to his feet…

“If we get a president who appoints a left-wing judge…” Cruz said.

“Stone him!” came a voice from the crowd.

“I’m a true conservative!” Cruz shouted. Suddenly I understood something about Ted Cruz and his followers that I hadn’t clicked into before: The proof of Cruz’s merit, as a candidate, was that he he ought to be at the bottom. The proof of being “a true conservative” is that everyone is against him. Being hated is a mark of entitlement.

Friedrich Nietzsche made the argument about the triumph of “ascetic morality” and the Christian reevaluation of values 140 years ago in On the Genealogy of Morals. Imagine you feel oppressed by a culture and a political system that has consistently ignored you and the things you care about. (For today’s conservative, these values might include the definition of marriage as being “between a man and a woman,” the idea of an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work, or that life begins at conception.) Now imagine someone promised to overturn all of the prevalent values of the day in favor of your own, opposing values. For Nietzsche, this meant the value of being wealthy would be reversed into the virtue of being poor; the value of being proud would be upended by the virtue of humility; the celebration of the body would be transvalued into the virtue of sexual restraint. Having power, on this account, would mark the powerful as morally blameworthy; being powerless, by contrast, was a guarantee of righteousness…. It was Paul and his astonishing insight into the psychological needs of the powerless of his time that accomplished this transvaluation of values, the very same psychological needs that Cruz hopes to tap into now. Of course Ted Cruz was despised by the ruling elite: so was Jesus.

It was only natural, indeed desirable that the media and the entire Republican Party had consistently fought against Ted Cruz, and he against them: He represents morality, which is the opposite of everyone at work in Washington today, everything we see in our degenerate age. But you, the voter, know what the truth is and so does God. That’s why Ted is winning against all odds. You feel resentment about the way this country is headed? So you should! Because the values represented by our leaders—even the values represented by the Republican Party—are the opposite of your values. You feel excluded, you feel ignored? You feel bullied, even hated? So do I!…

***********

At the Iowa fairgrounds, there was a run-up of speakers that felt cobbled together: Cruz’s Iowa campaign manager, the nephew of a member of Duck Dynasty, anti-immigration Congressman Steve King, and Heidi Cruz, enjoining us with a wife’s earnest but obviously furtive, unconvinced, and unconvincing optimism to “fall in love with Ted, like I did.”

Then Glenn Beck appeared—the crowd had been whispering he might be coming—and there was a widespread shift of disorientation in the room. Everyone went wild…

Nietzsche argued in Beyond Good and Evil and The Antichrist that the greatest creative moment in Christianity—perhaps even the greatest creative moment in the history of human thought—was when the priest class realized that their power could come from celebrating the powerlessness of the mob. Misery loves company. Aesop’s fox and the sour grapes. Thanks to the internet and its overnight millionaires and twentysomething billionaires, the cresting of American luxury, the likes of which has never been seen before in human history, there are a lot of very sweet looking grapes being dangled in front of the electorate that are just out of reach.

There’s an unsurprising and familiar symmetry between love and hate, and Beck exploited it effortlessly. When we love or hate, we establish ourselves as equals. We neither revere nor despise, we neither worship nor condescend. For people like us, for the good honest folk in Iowa, for Christians who care about the way this country has gone so far astray, Beck explained, Cruz was one of them. And importantly, like them, he was being ignored. Suddenly all of us were part of the same group, the Americans who no one else cares about, the Americans who know what’s right and wrong, but no one listens to them. This is the dialectic of Ted Cruz: either you are bullied, or you are the bully. The bully tells you what’s what; the bullied are morally superior…

Reader Interactions

81Comments

  1. 1.

    gf120581

    It’s a hallmark of modern conservatism to act like the poor, persecuted soul who everyone is out to get, but Cruz really does take it to an art form. He’s the most hated man in the Senate? Cool, he’ll embrace it and sell it to his followers that he’s “shaking up the establishment” and “getting stuff done.”

    Oh, and I do love him being compared to a Komodo dragon. Although now Komodo dragons have grounds to sue for defamation.

  3. 3.

    Mnemosyne

    OT, but unfortunately I don’t have good news about my boobie ultrasound from this morning. Something unusual, less than 2 cm, but they want to do a needle biopsy the first week of April. Dr. Google tells me that less than 2 cm (they actually said it’s 1 cm) is probably not too bad. There are a few unusual and nasty things it *could* be that would show this little of a sign, but most likely not. We’ll have to wait and see.

  8. 8.

    bluehill

    This current version of the repub party has to be done if Trump and Cruz are the frontrunners for the nomination. It will be a long time before a new incarnation rises from the ashes.

    The latest outrage over the picture of Obama and Che is another example of why the party can’t change course as it drives over the cliff. The repub establishment laments the rise of Trump and vows to stop it but then jumps all over this picture to rile up their base which is a big reason Trump is where he is. Morans.

  9. 9.

    Gin & Tonic

    @Mnemosyne: Thinking good thoughts for you. I was a bit alarmed about 6-8 weeks ago when the term “severely atypical” was used about a lesion I had, but everything turned out clean. Hope you get the same result.

  10. 10.

    CaseyL

    @Mnemosyne: @Omnes Omnibus: What Omnes said.

    I had a needle biopsy about, gosh, 30 years ago. Turned out I was developing “masses” – not lumps, but areas of thickened tissue – from too much caffeine. I didn’t drink coffee for a few weeks and they went away.

  11. 11.

    Mnemosyne

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    I remember the wise words of Mel Brooks: “Hope for the best, expect the worst.”

    I’m debating when and what to tell my family. We’re all still pretty traumatized from last year, so I don’t want to freak my mom and brothers out prematurely if it turns out to be nothing or easily treated.

  13. 13.

    Amir Khalid

    That description of Ted Cruz makes me think of an old song:

    No one knows what it’s like to be the bad man
    To be the sad man
    Behind blue eyes
    No one knows what it’s like to be hated
    To be fated
    To telling only lies

    But my dreams, they aren’t as empty
    As my conscience seems to be
    I have hours, only lonely
    My love is vengeance that’s never free

  14. 14.

    gf120581

    @mdblanche: He wouldn’t be the only Republican who comes off like one.

    A favorite Scott Walker joke of mine is that those dead eyes of his don’t scream “presidential,” they scream, “I have a body dump in my basement and the cast of Criminal Minds is raiding it as we speak.”

  15. 15.

    Mnemosyne

    @Gin & Tonic:
    @CaseyL:

    Dr. Google is reassuring so far, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed. I tend towards weird cysts, so we’re hoping it will be something like that.

  18. 18.

    MomSense

    @Mnemosyne:

    I’ve had several needle biopsies now and I admit I was pretty spooked by the whole thing. I’m sending my best healthy thoughts to you.

  22. 22.

    PhoenixRising

    @Mnemosyne: My policy is to tell my mom and little sister what a lab has confirmed. Older sister knows what the lab might say, because I don’t go for diagnostics until she’s told me that my symptoms might reflect a serious condition (it’s her field so she’s my PCP)

    Also, 1cm and needle biopsy–after ultrasound–is most likely nothing at our age (you too are 44, right?). If it’s not nothing, plenty of time to terrify everyone while you schedule surgery.

  24. 24.

    wenchacha

    @Mnemosyne: Dammit. Sorry it has gone beyond routine.

    I went as far as a lumpectomy for what was diagnosed “atypia”. IOW, I could have instead done the “watch and wait.” I was of a mind to do something QUICK. Not terrible idea, but I would have benefitted from a 2nd opinion.

    Here’s hoping this all turns out to be nothing serious. Definitely sounds like it was found early, so that has to be good. Good luck with this.

  26. 26.

    Mr Stagger(picked Mich State) Lee

    I think Yeats said it best about Trump or Ctuz maybe both.

    And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
    Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?

  28. 28.

    kindness

    Not to quible but I’ve seen a lot of hate comin’ from Trump supporters too ya know. I’ll agree that Dominionists are the most dangerous though.

  29. 29.

    Technocrat

    I watched the dark horse win in Iowa; and somewhere along there I came to understand that, in my opinion, no one currently running for president would be worse for the country than Ted Cruz. Not necessarily because there’s something wrong with his policies, though I consider them to be completely misguided. But because there is something frightening about this person, and there is something frightening about the way he can make people feel…

    CNTRL-F “The Stand”, was disappoint.

    I don’t know about this piece. It seems a long-winded way of saying “Ted Cruz is unbelievably creepy”. Which is true, of course. He’s certainly got a backpfeifengesicht .

    But I’m not sure my primary reason for keeping someone out of office should be their creepyness.

  30. 30.

    agorabum

    I listened to a recent Ted Cruz speech. It was chilling. It started out as follows “Hello. This is the Zodiac speaking. The death machine is already made…” I couldn’t listen anymore and turned it off.

  36. 36.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @Mnemosyne:

    It is probably Nothing, and if it is Something, they’ll get it all. But worrying, I know. Thinking of you, Mnem, with the very best of thoughts.

  38. 38.

    Mnemosyne

    Thank you, everyone, for the good wishes. This place really is the best. I was talking about it here last night, so I didn’t want to leave everyone hanging even though it wasn’t good news.

    As far as relatives go, I’ll probably tell my brother who’s local the weekend before so he doesn’t have too much time to freak out. My mom and other brother can wait for results, because they just don’t need any more worries about other peoples’ health until there’s something definite.

  40. 40.

    GxB

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    Walker definitely has a murder room somewhere.

    I dunno – Scoot always struck me as a guy with a 55 gallon drum of paste (two-thirds consumed) and a well worn wooden spoon locked away in a secret room.

    As for Cruz – the guy is just a creep – what are the odds he’s stocking up on Fla-vor-aide come November? Pretty low I’ll assume, but it would fit his complex rather well.

  42. 42.

    MomSense

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    Botsplainer posted a link to photos of Cruz from his high school days. Dear Dog there is normal teenage awkwardness and then there is Cruz as a biblical mime with the face whited out so the psycho eyes stand out even more.

  43. 43.

    Linda Featheringill

    @Mnemosyne:

    It could be a lot of things that aren’t bad at all but you have to be sure. Have it biopsied and then you’ll know.

    Good luck.

  45. 45.

    Karen

    @Mnemosyne:

    I just saw your comment and want to tell you that I’ve been there. It’s the scariest time so be with your family and friends. Hopefully it turns out to be nothing or benign. I’ll pray for you sweetie.

  46. 46.

    Anya

    It is astonishing to me how deep I remain cocooned in a liberal/activist bubble. I never knew Che Guevara was hated or mattered to American citizens beyond his image becoming global symbol of rebellion. Apparently, he’s the equivalent to Stalin to American wingnuts. Who knew?

  49. 49.

    Linda Featheringill

    @Anya:

    Probably Che is hated because he was a magnetic person, and still is even after his death.

  55. 55.

    Mary G

    @Mnemosyne: I had a lump that had to be removed and inspected surgically because for some reason they couldn’t do the needle biopsy. I worked myself into a frenzy while waiting for the surgery and felt pretty sheepish when it turned out to be benign. It’s hard not to worry, but you have a great attitude. Hope you get the same result I did.

  58. 58.

    MomSense

    @mdblanche:

    Right after the videos you linked is a 4 1/2 minute video of raw footage of Cruz and family. Wow that may be the creepiest Cruz yet.

  63. 63.

    Chris

    @Anya:

    I’m not sure if they hate him for what he did, or if they simply hate him because they see his face on the T-shirts of people they want to see shot Kent-state-style.

  66. 66.

    Mike in NC

    Expect Cruz to show up at some campaign event speaking in tongues and holding snakes in each hand. What a freak.

  68. 68.

    J R in WV

    @Mnemosyne:

    Mrs J had something show up in her mammogram several years ago. She had a lumpectomy not long after, and it was benign ( so-called! ). I too have had mammograms a couple of times, and a needle-biopsy once that was negative. There was suction involved as well, and local anesthetic. Not pleasant, but glad it was negative!

    So mostly these things are not dangerous. Best of luck!

  73. 73.

    Gretchen

    @Mnemosyne: I hope it turns out ok. I’d wait to tell the fam until I have more information, but that’s just me. I just hope it turns out to be not a problem. Good thoughts.

  74. 74.

    Central Planning

    @Mnemosyne: It’s scary. My wife has gotten the extra inspection because of oddities in her mammogram. More likely than not you’ll be fine. Peaceful thoughts to you!

    @J R in WV:

    I too have had mammograms a couple of times, and a needle-biopsy once that was negative.

    I hope you’re a guy for the purpose of this comment: men should be doing breast self-exams as well. It’s not very common, but men can get breast cancer too. Our first pediatrician was a man who had breast cancer. Early detection is extremely important!

    And fuck cancer.

  75. 75.

    Cermet

    Mnemosyne – wish the best. Remember, extra Vitamine D reduces the odds of any breast cancer as per medical studies. Raise your Vit D levels to 50 – 70 ng/dl if not already there. Again, hang in there!

  76. 76.

    Aleta

    @Mnemosyne: I had a needle biopsy. It was done so fast and so smoothly it was like being told to get up again after you’ve just gotten the chance to sit down. I picture them as a good thing either way of the outcome. We either get total relief from the worry, or we get the early diagnosis aand treatment that makes all the difference . Since that one biopsied cyst, I’ve never had another questionable exam, so they are not even a predictor of future abnormal exams. Take care. ” keep calm and scan on” — is a saying from another field, but might work for us as we wait for answers …

  77. 77.

    Emma

    @Mnemosyne: welcome to the club. I just had one. First thing is, the biopsy itself is no big deal; the area is numbed completely and the only discomfort is the sting of the anesthetic. Secondly, and I don’t know how to say this well, the worst news can be horrible but the odds are massively in your favor these days. Hang in there.

  78. 78.

    Betty

    @Mnemosyne: This very late, but I just want to say that you should be OK. Caught early if it is something”bad” so it can be dealt with.

  79. 79.

    The Very Reverend Crimson Fire of Compassion

    @Mnemosyne: Big prayers going out for you. I know what it’s like to be terrified, waiting for the test results. May your fears prove as groundless as mine did.

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