· Republican
Ted Cruz
A sharp constitutionalist and border hawk, but a free-trader and foreign policy hawk.
Preliminary grade, based on the public record to date.
OverallB-GPA 2.66
The grades
- SovereigntyDid they put American interests first and keep decisions in American hands?B
- HemisphereDid they guard the Americas against rival powers and threats?B+
- RestraintDid they keep the country out of wars of choice that weakened it?C
- StatecraftDid they use diplomacy, force and alliances skillfully, on American terms?B
- Industry and tradeDid they protect and build American industry?C
- Working AmericansDid ordinary working families do better because of them?C+
- BuildingDid they build things that lasted and push the frontier forward?C+
- NationDid they strengthen a shared American identity and the Union?B
- CompetenceWere they capable, honest and effective in office?B
On the axes
MarketEconomyPopulist
Free tradeTradeProtectionist
RestraintForeign policyInterventionist
CosmopolitanNationNational
Dark dot: Ted Cruz. Red mark: the Monroe Society. Ideological closeness to the Society: 54%.