When Ted Cruz was confronted by a group of pro-Trump protesters at a rally in Indiana yesterday, he did the courageous and enlightened thing: he crossed the street to talk to them.

In an ideal world, he would be rewarded, but instead, political television programs have endlessly repeated snippets of him being ridiculed by an antagonist who was rude, crude, and possessed of exquisite comedic timing – and would never be persuaded no matter how articulately Ted made his points.

Part of the problem is that Ted Cruz’s rhetorical style, filled with dramatic pauses, leaves him widely open to wiseacres.

I have heard from Cruz supporters who have increased their admiration for Cruz.  For example:

In my view, this video serves 2 purposes:  (1) Cruz is presidential based on knowledge and demeanor and (2) Trump supporters are inarticulate, disrespectful morons.

I seriously doubt if this is the overall impact.  I might be wrong, but I think the old  country saying applies:

Never wrestle with a pig. You’ll get dirty and the pig will enjoy it.