MSNBC's Chris Matthews: Ted Cruz 'a problem for our Republic'

Ted Cruz, the Republican Senator from Texas, who, as of this writing, is leading a filibuster that has surpassed 16 hours, has gotten under the skin of a number of people, including MSNBC's Chris Matthews, who declared that Cruz is "a problem for our Republic," The Blaze reported Tuesday.

“He is a problem for our Republic,” Matthews declared, claiming that despite being a United States Senator, Cruz is not a legislator, nor is he allegedly a member of any political party.

“He has contempt for the American political system. He is not a member of any political party that I can tell,” he said. “His behavior has been totally and utterly destructive."

In other words, Cruz has taken a principled stand against Obama, and that upsets Matthews.

It upset Matthews so much he compared Cruz to the pilot in "Dr. Strangelove" who rode a nuclear bomb at the end of the movie. He also compared Cruz to Joe McCarthy and a terrorist bomber all while implying the senator is unpatriotic.

Speaking to his guests, Matthews claimed that Cruz "has contempt" for American institutions like "deadlines."

Rep. Jim Moran, D-Va., agreed, calling Cruz a demagogue and a phony.

John Feehery, a Republican strategist, seemed to agree, calling Cruz "Don Quixote," and telling Matthews the Texan is cleverly trying to "disrupt the political system."

One thing is certain: Cruz has struck a nerve with the establishment and those who support Obama. At the same time, he is becoming a hero to those who support the defunding and repeal of Obamacare.

On Tuesday, Cruz said he would speak on defunding Obamacare until he could no longer stand up.

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