Others say

But can he lead?

Even before his first day in the Senate, it was evident that Ted Cruz had his eyes on a bigger stage. This week, that stage came into full view when Texas' junior senator announced he would seek the GOP nomination for president in 2016.

Most of the country knows Cruz as the freshman senator who waged a 21-hour quasi-filibuster in 2013 to blast the Affordable Care Act, including a recitation of the Dr. Seuss classic Green Eggs and Ham. That stunt led to an ill-advised government shutdown and drew the ire of fellow Republicans who said Cruz relished dishing out criticism without offering viable solutions.

While not a surprise, Cruz's candidacy looks to be pivotal for the GOP. He represents the Tea Party wing of a Republican Party that needs to attract more moderates and uncommitted voters to win national elections. By his own admission and actions, Cruz has no time for either--not a positive sign from someone who wishes to occupy the Oval Office. His bombastic style is wearing thin.

During this campaign, Cruz must do more than pander to the farthest-right reaches of the Republican Party on hot-button issues such as immigration, health care and federal spending. The nation has too many critical issues on the table, and as a presidential candidate, he has a responsibility to propose concrete solutions even if it means reaching across the political aisle. Continuing obstructionist paths might excite primary voters, but it won't benefit the nation or the conservative cause.

Beyond the issues are the optics: There is a certain irony in the timing of his pursuit, which roughly parallels that of the current occupant of the White House. Cruz has been in the Senate the same amount of time that Barack Obama served before running for president, is about the same age Obama was when he first sought the presidency and has a limited résumé.

Still, Cruz is not someone to be underestimated. In spring 2012, he was just a former state solicitor general, another name in a crowded field of Republicans seeking to succeed U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. Cruz did just well enough to force a runoff against party favorite David Dewhurst--then trounced him in Round 2.

Cruz's candidacy in the 2016 race will define a boundary for the GOP's right flank. He has argued that the GOP has lost elections because it hasn't been bold and aggressive enough. This run certainly will test that theory.

Most of all, though, Cruz needs to acknowledge that angry opposition is a poor substitute for prudent leadership.

Editorial on 03/26/2015

Upcoming Events