Brody File Exclusive: Ted Cruz Summons Biblical Scripture Against Attacks On His Integrity
In an exclusive interview with The Brody File down in South Carolina, GOP presidential candidate Ted Cruz says attacks against his integrity and character are unfortunate and vows to use the Bible as his guide to respond to them. “Scripture tells us that when you repay unkindness with kindness it’s like piling hot coals on their head. So if others want to impugn my character they can do that I will sing their praises but I do think people are seeing the way we are running our campaign with integrity.” Cruz has been attacked for what his critics believe are deceitful campaign tactics used in Iowa to get out the Christian vote.
Our interview took place Thursday afternoon in Spartanburg South Carolina. Cruz was in town to meet privately with pastors at an event sponsored by the American Renewal Project. Our CBN cameras were on hand for that meeting and you can check out The Brody File for clips from the meeting.
By the way, before the media takes the, “hot coals on their head” verse out of context, look it up and understand it’s deeper meaning. Some additional perspective below from “Barnes Commentary:”
Thou shalt heap ... - Coals of fire are doubtless emblematical of "pain." But the idea here is not that in so doing we shall call down divine vengeance on the man; but the apostle is speaking of the natural effect or result of showing him kindness. Burning coals heaped on a man's head would be expressive of intense agony. So the apostle says that the "effect" of doing good to an enemy would be to produce pain. But the pain will result from shame, remorse of conscience, a conviction of the evil of his conduct, and an apprehension of divine displeasure that may lead to repentance. To do this, is not only perfectly right, but it is desirable. If a man can be brought to reflection and true repentance, it should be done.”
Look folks, evangelicals have an important decision to make. Ted Cruz is speaking their language and has a record that matches his rhetoric. You would think that would be a perfect match for evangelicals and so far, at least in Iowa, they have shown strong support. Can evangelicals in South Carolina duplicate that effort? We’re going to find out. Cruz’s team will need to work overtime because with Donald Trump being such a factor in this presidential race, he’ll need EVEN MORE evangelicals to show up. It becomes a numbers game. You can easily make the argument that without significant turnout by evangelicals in Iowa, Cruz would have lost the Hawkeye state. Looking forward to the South Carolina exit polls a week from Saturday.
MANDATORY COURTESY: CBN NEWS/THE BRODY FILE
Ted Cruz: “It is the nature of politics that unfortunately politics becomes often mudslinging and personal attacks and the better you do, the nastier the attacks go. They try to impugn your character. My response is I don’t respond in kind. Scripture tells us that when you repay unkindness with kindness it’s like piling hot coals on their head. So if others want to impugn my character they can do that I will sing their praises but I do think people are seeing the way we are running our campaign with integrity, with character focusing on issues, focusing on substance not going into the gutter.”
Ted Cruz: “If I were to stray the first person to hold me accountable would be my dad. We resolved on day one, I told Heidi, I told my girls that listen, I can’t guarantee we’re going to win. I hope we will. I believe we will but I can guarantee we’re going to run a campaign with integrity, with character with that everyone involved with this campaign at the end of the day is going to look in the mirror and be proud of this because we’ve taken the high road…”