Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz faced a tough interview Monday with “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert, who challenged the Texas senator on his professed similarities to President Ronald Reagan and his opposition to same-sex marriage.
Asked how he would convince less conservative voters to support him, Cruz said he hoped to follow in the footsteps of the 40th president.
“If you think about the last 50 years, there is one Republican who has a group of Democrats named after him: Reagan Democrats,” said Cruz. “Those Democrats didn’t come over because he was the squishiest, middle of the road candidate; they came over because he represented principles that were appealing.”
Colbert pushed back, however, noting that Reagan raised taxes and had an amnesty program for undocumented immigrants — two positions that would disqualify him from today’s Republican primary race. Reagan was also known for his ability to reach across party lines, having established a close and politically effective relationship with then-Democratic Speaker of the House Tip O’Neil.
“It’s a matter of compromising,” Colbert said. “Will you be willing to compromise with the other side?”
Cruz did not say yes (though he did concede that there was “nothing diabolical” about the other side.) Instead, he repeated his commitment to fighting for certain principles: “Live within our means, stop bankrupting our kids and grandkids, and follow the Constitution.”
“And no gay marriage,” Colbert shot back.









