Cruz’s Presidential Viability: Tuesday’s Show (January 5, 2016)

It's common during a presidential campaign, in the weeks leading up to primaries and caucuses, for voters to, in essence, audition certain candidates. Those mired near the bottom of public opinion polls can bubble up to the surface while others can slide into the background.

In recent weeks, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has seen his profile rise in some polling, with some characterizing him as a potentially serious challenger to Donald Trump in the GOP presidential race. In fact, Wall Street Journal analysis of recent Journal/NBC News polling data suggests two-thirds of Trump’s most ardent supporters could see themselves supporting Cruz for the nomination should Trump drop out.

But how much does America know about Ted Cruz, and when Republicans nationwide get to know him better, will he continue to bubble up...or slide down?

On this edition of Houston Matters, we ask University of Houston political scientists Brandon Rottinghaus and Christine LeVeaux-Haley to discuss Cruz’s viability as the GOP nominee.

Also this hour: We learn about the state’s new education commissioner, Mike Morath. He’s been a trustee for the Dallas Independent School District for the last five years. Morath succeeds Michael Williams, who stepped down last week. Texas Tribune reporter Kiah Collier tells us about Morath and his new role.

Then: The International Consumer Electronics Show starts tomorrow (Jan. 6, 2016) in Las Vegas. The annual electronics and technology trade show offers a preview of what technology is on the horizon – and what could soon make its way into your life. We discuss the newest tech gadgets we'll see in 2016, and developing trends in technology with Houston Chronicle technology blogger Dwight Silverman.