Ted Cruz is in! He made the announcement just a little while ago at Liberty University.
I will give my assessment of each candidate as they become official, because that's when you know they are serious and not just floating a trial balloon. An official announcement means they have committed some personal resources, hired some staff, and in Ted's case probably developed a presidential campaign strategy.
He's also made sure he's in good physical shape, because running for president is like trying to drink water from a fire hydrant! You could lose your lips trying to get a sip! But you go for it anyway!
When I first heard Ted was making it official, three perceptions came to mind about him. He fights Democrats. He defies Republicans. He tells the truth.
Wow! According to Democrats and the liberal media he can't possibly win with that perception. But he can!
First, because running for a high-level political office in today's media-overload society is 50 percent perception and 50 percent substance. Ted has plenty of substance, but establishing a desired perception and holding on to it as the media tries to destroy it is a tough job.
Second, voters in both parties are sick of establishment politics and establishment candidates. That's right! If he gets the Republican nomination he might attract a lot of Democrat voters, and that includes black voters.
Third, liberal Democrat political attack dogs like California Gov. Jerry Brown have already declared he's unfit to run or serve as president. Ted should take that as a compliment.
Fourth, the political pundits and pollsters are already playing the label game. Can he attract the moderate conservatives? Will he alienate the Republican establishment? (He already has!) Will his Tea Party image work against him? That's all hogwash in their attempt to manipulate the voters.
And fifth, the first line of his 30-secondd intro ad is pretty compelling. Namely, "It's a time for truth."
If he can convince enough voters that he's the truth leader, he has a shot.
