Ted Cruz, as a senior in high school, gave a video taped interview in which he facetiously claimed he wanted to take over the world. Some, after viewing the footage, are now wondering to what degree the controversial senator was dismissive in his young adult remarks.
Cruz's name and personality have become best identified with a word that is nonexistent in the English language. According to Cruz's freshman roommate at Princeton University in New Jersey, this word is "Backpfeifengeshicht." To quote the man himself (Craig Marzin), "When I met Ted in 1988, I had no word to describe him, but only because I didn't speak German. Thank you, Germans, for 'Backpfeifengesicht.'"
This term, according to Vice News, loosely translates into English as "face that should be slapped." His despised Senate colleagues despite the candidate, and Cruz has earned the revulsion of many Republican National Committee members.
Yet, Cruz has surged in the polls as of late due to his hardline, right-wing conservatism and evangelical Christianity, appealing to early primary voters in important states like Iowa.
One high school peer, Laura Caraway described Cruz as "...not well liked. [There was] this weird personal disconnect. I hear that hasn't changed." Caraway was a member of the same debate team as Cruz during their senior year.
Everything aside, do any of these testimonies, reputations, or anecdotes mean the man is truly bent on taking over the world? Yes, some have known him as a callous, even ruthless politician. And he certainly has alienated many, many members of his party, even calling the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell a liar on the Senate Floor. However, Cruz cannot be indicted for a facetious speech he gave as a high school-er, no matter how prescient those aspirations may have proven. Cruz has been demonized in every possible way in the press, Congress, and Republican primary battle, and deserves at least a modicum of responsible judgment when hauling considering criticisms toward the rising candidate.
