Watching people bog down a thread arguing over political minutia is like watching two old women blocking a church aisle while they fight over who's bisquit recipe is better. Entertaining for a bit, but eventually you wish they'd shut up and move on so the rest of us can do something useful.
Brad
At this point, it is too early. We are over-analyzing Cruz based on fears of what will happen later. Wait and see who else enters and how they handle themselves. I heard an interview with Scott Walker this week. I like him, but I think he will fumble on the national stage. He would make a good executive, but I am not sure he could survive the campaigns (primary or main election).
In a perfect world, I would prefer Cruz do a term or two as Governor or a few more terms as Senator, but that isn't what I have. IMO, Rand Paul has the same issues if he decides to run.