Cruz Calls Democratic Midterm Sweep a 'Watergate-Level Repudiation' of Republicans, Cites Prices
Photo: NBC NewsSen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said on Wednesday that the Democratic sweep in the midterm elections was a "Watergate-level repudiation" of Republicans, calling it a "blue tsunami" and an "ass-kicking." In a lengthy post on X and on his podcast, Cruz said the problem was not turnout, because Republican, Libertarian and independent voters showed up and chose Democrats. He said Republicans lost every statewide race in Texas, including Gov. Greg Abbott, who was seeking a fourth term, and Senate hopeful Ken Paxton, leaving Cruz as the state's last statewide GOP lawmaker. Cruz blamed high costs and said Republicans did not do enough to address voters' pain. He said tariffs had raised prices and the Iran war had dragged on too long, adding that it should have been brief and needs to end. He warned that Texans will be hurt by the Democratic wins, which flipped a Texas Senate seat and the governor's office. Cruz said he called Democratic Sen.-elect James Talarico to congratulate him and would work with Democrats when they are reasonable. Cruz is not up for re-election until 2030.
Left-leaning NBC News leads with the quote and builds the story around the cost-of-living message, quoting Cruz on food, gas, diesel and insurance prices and adding its own exit-poll finding that more than 80% of voters worried about the prices of necessities. It also highlights his congratulatory call to Talarico and willingness to work with Democrats. The right-leaning New York Post uses the same "Watergate-level" quote but its headline adds Cruz's warning that Americans will be hurt by "radical Dems." It stresses the scale of Republican losses in Texas, naming Abbott and Paxton, notes Cruz has floated another White House run, and points out that his criticism of tariffs and the Iran war breaks with President Trump. Both agree on the quotes and the economic diagnosis. They differ in that NBC adds polling and bipartisan tone, while the Post adds the Trump split and partisan warning. The Hill, listed as alternative, centers on Cruz's warning that Texans will be hurt.
How the sides differ Left sources stress Cruz's cost-of-living diagnosis and exit-poll data; right sources stress Texas losses, his break with Trump and his warning about Democrats; alternative sources stress his warning.
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NBC News leads with Cruz's "Watergate-level" quote and his cost-of-living diagnosis, adding exit-poll data on price worries and his congratulatory call to Democratic Sen.-elect James Talarico.
The Hill focuses on Cruz's statement warning that "Texans will be hurt," noting Democrats flipped a Texas Senate seat and the governor's mansion.
The New York Post pairs the "Watergate-level" quote with Cruz's warning about "radical Dems," detailing Texas losses by Abbott and Paxton, his possible presidential interest and his break with Trump.