For a while there, Ted Cruz was the Great Republican Hope. That moment has passed. Cruz's decision to push the government into a shutdown ruined him for pretty much everyone but hardcore Teabaggers. Now, Cruz is reduced to arguing with Bob Schieffer about whether he actually shut the government down or not. When Schieffer refuses to swallow Cruz's line, and after he actually laughs at Cruz for being such a dimwit, Cruz accuses Schieffer of being a shill for President Obama.

This is what an ineffectual politician looks like:

(Via Crooks and Liars.)