Day Three: A Profile in Courage

From Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons

How does the opportunistic, Machiavellian, obtuse runner-up junior Senator from Texas turn up in the spotlight at his party's presidential nominating convention only to pointedly refuse to endorse the nominee, exhibiting traits of fortitude and honor most thought absent? How did he turn expectations on their head and use his primetime speaking spot to usurp headlines from the man whose coronation at which he was only a distinguished guest? How did he use his trademark style of obnoxious sermonizing to deliver a measured homily on "voting your conscience" to a hostile crowd of delegates? How did Ted Cruz continue to remain faithful to his beliefs when so many party elders have fallen in line behind a man they once denounced as a demagogue?

It was surreal to witness Ted Cruz's speech in the Quicken Loans Arena last evening. He seemed strategically placed by the party behind Gov. Scott Walker and Sen. Marco Rubio, both of whom endorsed Trump's candidacy, to be the third major former candidate to candidly support the businessman. However, while Cruz did not delve into the vicious attacks which marked the primary campaign, he made a point to implore voters to vote only for candidates they believed would protect the constitution, and did not explicitly name Donald Trump as one of those people. It was a deliberate, implicit, stinging snub of Trump at the event that was intended to create party unity.

It was an astonishing example of a politician placing country above party, and Ted Cruz was ultimately a surprising messenger. Often considered annoying and difficult, yet a talented politician who has used the Tea Party movement as a springboard for his aspirations, Cruz placed his future in the Republican Party on the line last evening. It was both a deft political maneuver and a courageous stand. His beliefs lined up with his aspirations perfectly. If Trump is soundly defeated and the party suffers, Cruz will benefit mightily as one who stood up to Trump when so many other Republicans fell in line. As he was booed off the stage, he smiled, hoping he would end up having the last laugh.