Ted Cruz is a big "Star Trek" fan
— and he thinks Capt. James T. Kirk, who commanded the Starship Enterprise in the original series, ("TOS" to Trekkers) is
— or will be in the future
— a Republican like himself.
When asked by The New York Times Magazine whether he prefers Kirk or Capt. Jean-Luc Picard from "Star Trek: The Next Generation," ("TNG") Cruz was quick to say, "Absolutely James Tiberius Kirk."
His reasoning, Cruz explained, is that "TNG" basically split Kirk into two people.
"Picard was Kirk’s rational side, and William Riker was his passionate side," the Texas senator and presidential candidate said. "I prefer a complete captain. To be effective, you need both heart and mind."
Kirk is a "passionate fighter for justice" while Picard is a "cerebral philosopher," Cruz said.
"The original 'Star Trek' pressed for racial equality, which was one of its best characteristics, but it did so without sermonizing."
As to the two captains' politics: "I think it is quite likely that Kirk is a Republican and Picard is a Democrat," he said.
When told he has personality traits in common with Kirk, Cruz was flattered, but said that there are some differences.
"I can affirmatively say that I have made out with far fewer space aliens," he said.
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