Ted Cruz and The “Life” of a Political Coward

Cowards die many times before their deaths. The valiant never taste of death but once.–Julius Caesar, Act 2, Scene 2

Before there were memes, in many golden age programs, a variation on this was a meme. “A brave man dies only once, a coward dies a thousand times.” I watch a lot of old TV shows and movies but never thought about what it meant.

Senator Ted Cruz really illustrates the point because it doesn’t apply just to life, but also to politics. Ted Cruz is someone who is a survivor. He finds some way to look after himself and keep his career alive. There will never be any confusion between him, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming), or Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill).

Case in point? Cruz rightfully called those who assaulted our nation’s Capitol “Violent Terrorists.” Tucker Carlson objected and Cruz went on Carlson’s program to grovel and beg forgiveness for “a dumb choice of words.” Cruz spoke the truth for once, but has retreated to save his own political skin.

And thus the difference. Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo) will likely lose her primary, Kinzinger’s statewide political hopes are toast as long as he remains a Republican. But those will be short quick political “deaths.” And in terms of the impact to them as people, it’s going to be light. Losing an office (which is really a temporary trust anyway) does not diminish a person, and the way they’ve handled themselves means that if they leave with nothing else, they’ll have their souls, and the respect of people who matter. Kinzinger, who was in Illinois awaiting the birth of his son , was emotionally moved when talking about what his stance has cost him, but he said his son will be able to proud of him.

But that’s not what Ted Cruz and so many Republicans in Congress. Life is a constant compromise. Every day, they kill integrity, decency, and things that are important in a desperate bid to save their own political necks. No one respects Ted Cruz tonight. Everyone knows he lacks courage and integrity, including the very MAGA people he seeks to placate and will continue to placate. He has signed up for humiliations and compromises for the rest of his life to maintain political office. It began when he embraced with a fanatical fervor, a man who mocked his wife and defamed his father and continues to this day.

He’ll hold office for as long as he can, but to do so, he’s selling his soul one piece at a time. I wouldn’t trade places with him for any price.