RAFAEL CRUZ SPEAKS TO FREE THE PEOPLE

FreedomWorks hosted another grassroots training and networking opportunity last weekend for over 16,000 people. Free The People 2013 was held at the USANA Amphitheater in Salt Lake City, Utah.  One of the speakers was Rafael Cruz, the father of Texas Senator Ted Cruz.

As you can see from watching the video, the elder Cruz is a compelling speaker with an inspiring message derived from what has obviously been a very interesting life.  Now you know where Ted gets much of his own love of liberty and Conservative - that is to say American - ideals.

I dubbed Cruz "Senator Honey Badger" back in May.  Since then I've come across a couple more useful insights about the man.  It's not news to his supporters in Texas, of course, but he's a really good campaigner.  There is a nuts-and-bolts aspect of campaigning that cannot be overestimated.  Apparently Cruz has mad campaigning skilz!

Almost a year ago, on July 31, 2012, Cruz — formerly the nearly anonymous Texas solicitor general — pulled off an improbable victory against the Governor Perry–endorsed Dewhurst and jump-started a high-profile career in the U.S. Senate. And as Cruz's profile has risen, Dewhurst's fortunes have flagged.

The situation started looking grim at the state Republican convention, which came shortly after Dewhurst and Cruz took the top two spots in the primary, advancing to a runoff. At the convention, which more than 10,000 people attended, Dewhurst had a relatively small presence, with only one booth set up. Cruz, on the other hand, had numerous booths, with tons of volunteers passing out so many thousands of stickers that they had to order more during the convention, according to one Texas GOP source. Cruz shook hands for hours. Dewhurst's retail politicking wasn't as aggressive — the source describes him as personable but not charismatic. And Cruz gave his speech before Dewhurst did, rousing the already enthusiastic crowd. There were Cruz placards on every seat and hundreds in the air during his speech. Dewhurst passed out placards, too, but during his speech there were about as many signs waving for his opponent as for him, according to eyewitness accounts.

I've also learned the reason for much of the hostility John McCain and Lindsey Graham have exhibited toward Cruz.  It goes back to the 2000 presidential election.

Anything involving junior Texas Senator Ted Cruz is likely to invoke some level of toxic response from Senator John McCain of Arizona and his secondary outlet of public communication, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

That Senator McCain harbors a grudge against "the Bushies" for the South Carolina primary defeat that ended his presidential run in 2000 is the worst kept secret in Washington. Having "his" candidate lose in his home state was also a blow to Graham. Known for his long memory, some Senate staffers joke the "R" behind McCain's name is for "revenge." Other quip Lindsey Graham is "the senator from McCain."

You'd think they'd be over it, but never has their ax grinding against former George W. Bush allies been more obvious and counter-productive than over the last few months.

Ted Cruz was a key Bush campaign staffer in 2000. Primarily a legal advisor, he also provided domestic policy advice and served as a contact for movement conservatives. A brilliant legal mind, Cruz was a critical asset to Bush's Florida recount team. Ted was well-liked and respected among campaign staff, and like Karl Rove, known to perform congressional district voter math in his head.

Including, no doubt, for the 2000 South Carolina presidential primary.

Fortunately, the future of the GOP lies with patriotic Conservatives like Ted Cruz and not with elitist, back-stabbing RINO losers like John McCain.