Here's How Ted Cruz Really Feels About Barack Obama

It's no secret that in the sphere of U.S. politics, Republicans and Democrats have a hard time agreeing on just about anything. This can certainly be applied to the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama, and Ted Cruz, a senator representing Texas, both of whom have had a significant political presence over the past decade. But, what does Cruz really think of former president Obama? 

When it comes to policy, it's no surprise to learn that Senator Cruz often disagreed with Obama on many issues, especially while the former president was in office. Towards the end of Obama's presidency, things became especially heated between the pair when Cruz stated that comments made by Obama in reference to Republican rhetoric on refugees were "utterly unbefitting of a president," (via NBC News). 

"If you want to insult me, you can do it overseas, you can do it in Turkey, you can do it in foreign countries, but I would encourage you, Mr. President, come back and insult me to my face," the Texas politician said in 2015. 

Speaking on August 8, 2021, Ted Cruz also had harsh words for Barack Obama's 60th birthday celebrations on Twitter, accusing the former president and his guests of ignoring coronavirus restrictions. "John Kerry flies private plane to Obama's birthday party. Their rules are only for the 'little people,'" he tweeted. 

However, throughout the years, Senator Cruz has had some kind words for the former Democratic president, and, during an interview with The Guardian back in 2015, Cruz revealed that he admired the political tactics of Obama.

Although strongly disagreeing with Obama's policies during his two terms, Cruz admitted that the 44th president was someone who "demonstrated real courage" in fighting for what they believe in, while also praising Obama's "masterful" presidential campaign. "It was a grassroots guerrilla campaign," he told the publication.

During the interview, Cruz also admitted that he was so impressed with Obama's election machine that he once purchased copies of the Democratic campaign manager David Plouffe's memoir and handed them out to his staff during his 2012 Senate race.