Cruz's debate performance recalled early successes

Though he outlasted almost all of his Republican primary opponents in 2016, Sen. Ted Cruz’s reputation suffered more than most by the time all was said and done.

Between viral memes suggesting he was the infamous Zodiac Killer and incessant headlines like “Why do so many people hate Ted Cruz,” “Anyone but Ted Cruz,” and “Why Ted Cruz’s Facial Expression Makes Me Uneasy,” Sen. Cruz emerged from the cycle bloodied by the Beltway consensus that he is not, to put it politely, sufficiently likable.