I'm baffled by everyone around these parts underestimating Cruz in the primary. He's got an immaculate conservative record and Palin's flair, but unlike her, he's extremely intelligent and apparently a monster debater. I don't know that he'd get past the last establishment-approved choice standing but it's not that unlikely; he seems a much stronger candidate than any conservative McCain or Romney had to contend with. I'd call him the single likeliest Republican to be one of the last 2 standing in the primaries.
I totally agree. Ted Cruz is one of those politicians who has a real dynamism and talent. I can't think of a conservative Presidential candidate who could have said that about in the past. He may have problems in New Hampshire because he's too conservative, but he ought to win Iowa and South Carolina.
Some people are put off by him because he's obnoxious, sure. But, being obnoxious is a huge plus in terms of a Republican primary. Think about 2012, what separated Gingrich and Santorum from Pawlenty? Santorum and Gingrich were obnoxious. Ted Cruz has that edge where he's mean and obnoxious, and he has a sales pitch that could work in 2016.
Looking at 2016, only Rand Paul and Ted Cruz have a sales pitch. They can give you a good explanation for why they are the unique, right candidate in one sentence. The candidate who can do that usually wins. Just look at 2008, Obama was the change candidate, Clinton was the vote for me candidate. Looking ahead to 2016, only Cruz and Paul have demonstrated that they have that potential message and style that will actually connect.