“The only shame is to have none.” –Blaise Pascal

While the 17th century French mathematician may not have had Ted Cruz in mind when he penned the aforementioned aphorism, few words are more fitting for the Texas senator and his supporters. Having egged the radical right into a frenzy so fanatical that they shut down the government and drove America to the brink of financial catastrophe, Cruz is now slated to deliver the keynote address at the Iowa Republican Party’s annual fall fundraiser Friday night.