‘Exceptionally Smarmy:' Cruz Fires Back After Franken Mocks Him in New Book

WASHINGTON -- Sens. Ted Cruz and Al Franken have never been best friends. Despite their shared affinity for impersonations, the Texas Republican and Minnesota Democrat have polar opposite views on public policy and have clashed repeatedly over the past few years.But now the simmering personal animosity between the two senators has bubbled to the surface.Franken divulges his disdain for Cruz in his forthcoming book, “Giant of the Senate,” devoting an entire chapter -- titled “Sophistry” -- to the Texas senator. According to excerpts of the book, set to be released May 30, Franken describes Cruz as “singularly dishonest” and “exceptionally smarmy.”"You have to understand that I like Ted Cruz probably more than my colleagues like Ted Cruz," Franken writes. "And I hate Ted Cruz."Franken goes on to reveal several combative interactions he has had with Cruz over the years, both in legislative disputes and personal conversations. He has recently repeated some of those criticisms of Cruz in interviews about the book leading up to its release.  Continue reading...