Ted Cruz, first off the starting blocks, created a wave on Monday as his presidential campaign set sail in Lynchburg, Virginia when he spoke at Liberty University. By jumping into the race early, Cruz, has set the bench mark for conservatives.

However, to accede to the presidency some flexibility is warranted. Very rarely will an unwavering message be enough to attract fence sitters. Back in 1964 Barry Goldwater brought forth the conservative principles that swept Ronald Reagan into the White House, but even then the Gipper had help from Democrats.

So for Cruz to mount a successful campaign some moderation is necessary in order to pull more apples from the Democratic tree. The next year will be crucial for Cruz, casting aside one challenger after another as his ship cruises into port while it anchors safely in the harbor just outside of Washington D.C. on November 2016.