Would you vote for Ted Cruz? The case for/against Ted Cruz for President.

2016-01-28T11:18:06-05:00

I want to foster a discussion over the merits/ demerits of this Presidential candidate. Please stay on the subject of only Sen Cruz.
His supporters believe in him for support of a strict interpretation of the Constitution. He is known to be a maverick who bucks the GOP establishment on several issues.
His detractors point out his flip flops on immigration and ethanol.
I love his flat tax proposal.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 28 at 2016 11:31 AM

2016-01-28T11:31:46-05:00

I am attracted first and foremost to his love of country and patriotism. It appears that his father schooled him in well in the horrors of the collectivism that so many Americans seem drawn to like moths to a flame. We need someone like that to pull us back from the edge of the abyss of Leftism. I'm also attracted to his intelligence, but somewhat leery in that intelligence is not always an attractive trait in a President. Carter and Nixon were demonstrably the most intelligent and yet most flawed Presidents in my lifetime. I am never turned off by an individual's evolving positions on issues. Only the truly ignorant or committed ideologue remain rooted to a point of view in the face of evolving situations. While he is the most knowledgeable candidate on issue of the law and Constitution, he possesses very marginal credentials as a leader or administrator. I wish I knew more about the kind of people he would attract to serve in his cabinet, but I have the same reservations about all of the candidates. Only Hillary has a track record in that regard and she attracts the worst kind of fawning sycophant.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 28 at 2016 11:36 AM

2016-01-28T11:36:20-05:00

I heard him talk on the Adam Carolla podcast a few weeks ago. He is well spoken on fiscal matters. I disagree with him on social matters however.

As you said his "flat tax" (it's not quite that but close) is actually decent. It's clean for sure, and it is mathematically feasible.

My take on him is about the same as almost every politician. Lots of great ideas, lots of bloody stupid ones as well. The major issue I have with him as of right now is that he is attempting to pander to too wide of base and I can't get a clear view of who he is.

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Jan 28 at 2016 11:38 AM

2016-01-28T11:38:20-05:00

I have liked him from the beginning. I lean heavily towards the Tea party and the Constitutionalists; for the longest time, I couldn't understand why I kept getting drawn towards his thinking until I found out that the Tea party is where most of his sentiments lie. He does have a reputation of flipping on a few things, but then every single one of them do, and have done. I like the fact that he thumbs the GOP on some things. The GOP left reality, and me, quite a few years back, they are better, marginally, than the alternative. He also seems to listen what his constituents want him to do, or represent, which is a far cry from what our turncoat, in WV, has done.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Jan 28 at 2016 11:42 AM

2016-01-28T11:42:12-05:00

I like his flat tax proposal and LOVE the fact that he LOVES America. He does flip flop on some things (but don't they all). I think his biggest problem is that he is not as vocal or 'exciting' to listen as others running for POTUS (people seem to love 'vocal' or 'exciting' candidates). To be blatantly honest, I am just know starting to really do my research regarding the candidates.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jan 28 at 2016 11:43 AM

2016-01-28T11:43:32-05:00

1SG, He's not a candidate for me (none of them are), but in his case, the birthers are going to be on him like white on rice. They've already filed a lawsuit in federal courts challenging his "legality" for office. I'm going to wait and see if SCOTUS takes this one (and I hope sooner than later). I think they need to and settle it once (again) and for all. There was a MSG who brought up some solid points in another thread about just this. He has no "friends" in his own party. When you look at his endorsements, it's like looking at the sky and hearing crickets. He's also a constitutional lawyer....JUST like the man he claims is destroying the constitution. Double standard much Ted? Me personally I don't like the idea of bringing in religion into the government. It will successfully divide the country along religious lines, and no matter what anyone says, the Constitution does say there is no official religion even though they were religious men in most cases. Just because you put "God" on a piece of paper doesn't mean it's the Christian version of God. It could be very well argued that "God" could be the God of any religion that has a single deity at the top of the food chain. The US is not a Christian country. It's not a Buddhist or Islamic country. I also don't like his hawkish ways. Every time you mention something in the ME, it's send in more troops; I'll destroy them all, I'll (insert whatever you want here) to ISIS, but when those same troops cannot get effective care while IN the military, and it only gets worse when they get out, shouldn't we shore up our problems here before committing to something that will take more lives, destroy more lives that are living, and I didn't even mention the monetary cost involved. He should know the cost of war being he's in congress now, and has seen first hand how expensive monetarily it is, and how devastating it is on the country. The ME's problems won't be solved by throwing men, money, and arms at it. So deploying more won't do nothing. Flip flopping? Is there any candidate that isn't? If that was a litmus test, ALL of them would be jobless.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jan 28 at 2016 11:46 AM

2016-01-28T11:46:35-05:00

1SG Private RallyPoint Member I wouldn't because I find most of his views come nowhere near anything I'd expect or desire from a President.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 12:22 PM

2016-01-28T12:22:12-05:00

... but ... I also would vote someone else too .... like Robio

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jan 28 at 2016 12:34 PM

2016-01-28T12:34:49-05:00

He's a wedge politician with no friends who gladly ran with the birther stuff when it was to his advantage. I haven't written him off completely, but I don't see him moving us forward. I just see another guy that can't lead and no one will want to follow.

Also, not a fan of flat taxes usually, but he seems to be more in favor of a VAT, which might not be a bad idea if they didn't completely murder it with special interest exemptions. Well that and the loss of nearly a trillion dollars in revenue over 10 years...good luck touching anyone's sacred cows to make up the difference.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jan 28 at 2016 1:06 PM

2016-01-28T13:06:44-05:00

I just want to see him debate Hillary. And I would like to see it now.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 1:07 PM

2016-01-28T13:07:56-05:00

Politics and Religion make for bad conversations in social medial.....to much of our language is non-verbal or based on inflection.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jan 28 at 2016 1:14 PM

2016-01-28T13:14:26-05:00

Cruz is so far down on my list that he is off the paper. As I read the Constitution, and as my research has confirmed, he is not eligible to hold the office. After realizing he cannot Constitutionally hold the office, and his claiming to be a constitutional conservative, I have looked at him under a different light...he is corrupt as Hillary, slick as Bill and I fear what is really under his sheep suit.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 1:45 PM

2016-01-28T13:45:44-05:00

Heck yes!

First Hispanic in office? (Just an ongoing joke because of who we have in there now.)

But I really like his views on everything as well. I sure would take him more seriously than Trump. But, I think he and Trump as vice would be a great combo for our country, its safety, and the economy.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jan 28 at 2016 1:57 PM

2016-01-28T13:57:11-05:00

No because he reminds me of the 8th Defining Characteristic of Fascism. "8. Religion and Government are Intertwined - Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed
to the government's policies or actions". and 3 other quotes "We are a Christian Nation" "Ours is a Christian Movement" "We will accept none among our ranks who is not a Christian" Adolf Hitler. He Yields his Christianity as a Weapon of War, quite contrary to the Teachings of the Gospels.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 2:03 PM

2016-01-28T14:03:23-05:00

“I didn’t threaten to shut down the government” ~Ted Cruz
He's not honest and he takes Americans for idiots.
“It is the job of a chaplain to be insensitive to atheists” ~Ted Cruz
He doesn't seem to believe that someone on the government payroll should treat people that aren't Christians as he would want to be treated.
“‘Net neutrality’ is Obamacare for the Internet”
He's not concerned with the rights of ordinary Americans.
“I am a very, very proud wacko bird” ~Ted Cruz
He's wacko alright.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 2:06 PM

2016-01-28T14:06:16-05:00

I'd vote for Bernie Sanders... The only candidate with a proven track record of supporting veterans.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jan 28 at 2016 2:25 PM

2016-01-28T14:25:07-05:00

He's too hateful, and if I were a republican I wouldn't like him because he is very disruptive to the party, he's very polarizing to people outside his party and to alot of people inside of it. This is my opinion, not saying I'm right.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Jan 28 at 2016 3:23 PM

2016-01-28T15:23:52-05:00

If he's the Republican running against the Democrat, then yes, I would vote for him cause I sure the hell won't vote for Hilary or Sanders.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 4:27 PM

2016-01-28T16:27:34-05:00

I would prefer Rubio, but Cruz would be acceptable to me.

I understand someone has filed a lawsuit claiming that Cruz is not eligible. I think that lawsuit should be put on the fast track. If Cruz is ineligible, then Obama is too, and the sooner that is determined, the better.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 4:30 PM

2016-01-28T16:30:33-05:00

If he is presented as the lesser of the evils I will consider him.

Response by SrA Marlin Taylor made Jan 28 at 2016 7:03 PM

2016-01-28T19:03:34-05:00

No. Until it is decided if he's even an American. If he is yes if Hil-liar-y is the other option.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 28 at 2016 10:58 PM

2016-01-28T22:58:59-05:00

While he is not my first choice, he is slowly working his way up my list of preferred candidates. As you stated, I like his interpretation of the Constitution and his willingness to work with members of opposing parties, often against the wishes of his own party.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 28 at 2016 11:32 PM

2016-01-28T23:32:15-05:00

Yes, if he is the candidate

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 30 at 2016 11:50 PM

2016-01-30T23:50:48-05:00

I will vote for whoever is left standing opposite the democrats.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2016 6:12 PM

2016-02-03T18:12:41-05:00

I think he's the best candidate currently in the race for either party

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Feb 4 at 2016 1:49 PM

2016-02-04T13:49:42-05:00

His carpet bombing comments have not sat well with me thus far. I know where he's going with the intent to destroy ISIS, but it's just not how we conduct operations today.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Feb 6 at 2016 10:12 AM

2016-02-06T10:12:26-05:00

I thought the dumb position taken by the extremist far left wing Birchers was wrong. I didn't realize it was contagious and had affected the far left wing. Sadly once infected, there is no cure.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made Feb 11 at 2016 12:34 PM

2016-02-11T12:34:19-05:00

Still not decided on whom, but i rather pick cruz then trump.

Response by MAJ Philip Crabtree made Feb 23 at 2016 10:13 PM

2016-02-23T22:13:56-05:00

Senator Cruz is the only candidate I will vote for. He's the only one I can trust to support and defend the same Constitution I swore my allegiance to. I don't need to mull over anything else. God and Country!

Response by SPC Elaine Brown made Feb 24 at 2016 2:40 PM

2016-02-24T14:40:18-05:00

I believe that when our country was first formed the men who got together to set this county on it's path thought through what they felt this country should be both in their time and the future. They knew the histories of the countries their fathers came from and western history; they knew what didn't work and wanted something better. People don't change, times do but people don't. We all want to be heard, have the chance to be successful, worship as we wish (or don't wish), protect ourselves and our family, and so on. The Constitution gives us these rights, but the federal government is eroding these rights with more and more regulations. I also believe in States rights. I was not born in the state that I live in, but chose to live here because of the values here. I'm glad that all the states are different so that we can choose how we live and raise our family the way that we feel is best. I don't always agree with others life styles, but as an American, I believe they have that right as long as it doesn't cause harm to others. I am not perfect and neither is Cruz, but I believe in the Constitution and so does he.

Response by LTC Thomas Tennant made Feb 25 at 2016 8:40 AM

2016-02-25T08:40:45-05:00

I would vote for anyone other than Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders. Having said that, I hope I can vote for Cruz in the general election. I think we need to get a strict Constitutionalist in the Oval Office. This election is too important for the whole Bill of Rights and how we govern America. We need someone who can clearly articulate and defend the founding documents of this great nation. America is exceptional and it is because it is truly a nation "Of the People, By the People, and For the People" as Lincoln so eloquently put it.

It is the principles and ideals that encompassed in our founding documents coupled with true capitalism which is the foundation of that greatness and exceptionalism. Right now we are a divided county because we have liberal progressives who do not see America as great or exceptional. Right now they are trying to remake America into some sort of Socialistic/Communistic Utopia. At some point my compatriots on Rally Point....you will have to make a stand. Vote for Cruz.

Given the last seven years, I am not happy in what is happening to the America I serve for almost 40 years and continue to serve as a DAC supporting our Active and Reserve Soldiers.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2016 9:55 AM

2016-02-27T09:55:52-05:00

I was living in Texas, now back in Oklahoma, when Cruz ran for the Senate. I was not an early adopter--I can make no claim to be being an original Cruz Crew member. There are reasons for that. First, I was not thrilled by any of the candidates for Senate. Dewhurst was a known quantity, establishment type. The other guy, had been a college athlete and sports commentator and claimed to be unaware of things at the college he was playing football for that got them the NCAA "death penalty", so no credibility with me. And there was this Cruz guy--completely unknown to me.

He was an initial turn off. He was a lawyer, so he'd have to overcome that. He spoke like an evangelical preacher--call it what you will, but that has always engendered an immediate distrust in me--he'd have to prove to me that he was honest. As the campaign progressed, I noticed that he never went negative. He was also gaining support with other people that I trust. I still wasn't onboard until the run off. Dewhurst went negative in a big way and Cruz didn't reply in kind.

Fast forward. This guy, who's integrity I had initially doubted, has done everything he said he'd do, even when it was not the correct political move. I believe him when he says he will not cut deals or compromise founding principles and that is what is most important to me.

Response by SGT David Starr made Feb 27 at 2016 9:34 PM

2016-02-27T21:34:22-05:00

I'd vote for him in a heart beat

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Apr 24 at 2016 5:41 PM

2016-04-24T17:41:08-04:00

Anybody but a democrat.