Senator Ted Cruz Downplays Rift With Senator Rand Paul

It was the story of the morning  that made national headlines. Senator Ted Cruz on Sunday said that he disagreed with Senator Rand Paul on the issue of foreign policy. On Monday, Paul seemed to have fired back at Cruz in an op-ed on Breitbart. Monday night, the Washington Post had a statement from Cruz saying that while they may disagree from time to time, he still stands with Rand.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) on Monday night sought to put to bed an emerging rift with his tea party compatriot Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), issuing a statement saying he will "stand with Rand."

Cruz on Sunday differentiated himself from Paul on foreign policy and likened himself more to Ronald Reagan. Paul appeared to take exception to that Monday and, in an op-ed in Time magazine, attacked those who misappropriate and misunderstand Reagan's legacy.

Cruz's office declined to comment earlier Monday, but in a just-released statement, Cruz praises Paul effusively while also emphasizing they do have differences.

"Although some would like to play up divisions among Republicans, I have no desire to play their game," Cruz said. "Rand Paul is a courageous voice for liberty, and I’m honored to call him my friend. We do not agree on everything, especially regarding foreign policy, but we have agreed on the vast majority of issues, and I am sure we will continue to do so. Substantive policy disagreements are a positive aspect of the political discourse, but in the fight for liberty, I am proud to stand with Rand."

Both are considered potential GOP presidential candidates, with the two of them finishing first and second at this weekend's CPAC straw poll.

A good statement from Cruz and one that needed to be made. The last thing the GOP needs in 2014 is a battle between two of the biggest names. Instead focus on jobs and Obamacare.

There will be plenty of time to debate what role the U.S. Military has overseas later.