Ted Cruz infuriated Senate Republicans this week with his Tea Party lunacy over the debt ceiling, but Byron York reminds them that Cruz represents a whole lot of right wingers who are living in a fantasy world: Angry at Ted Cruz, Republicans Should Remember What He Represents.

After some testy exchanges at the lunch, and a lot of negotiating in the afternoon, McConnell and other leaders decided to vote for the debt limit increase. Then several other Republicans, mostly those in unthreatened seats, agreed to vote along with them to provide cover. The bill passed with 12 Republicans joining all 55 Democrats.

Cruz, of course, voted no and accused lawmakers who voted yes of “not listening to the American people.” He even suggested those who are up for re-election — a group that very prominently includes McConnell himself — might soon pay a heavy price. “Sometimes, come November, the people remember,” Cruz said.

In the end, the gambit accomplished nothing for Senate Republicans. Some GOP lawmakers who already disliked Cruz now dislike him even more. But the episode did remind the Republican leadership, as if it needs any reminding, that there are conservatives around the country who are deeply frustrated by the GOP and want it to show some fight.

To them, Cruz represents that fight. Maybe they’ve been misled. Maybe they’re living in a fantasy land. But that’s what they believe. Republican leaders have to keep them in mind as November approaches.

The section I’ve outlined in bold is one of the most pathetic summations of the current state of the GOP I’ve seen yet, and it’s coming from a right wing journalist.

The Tea Party continues to wreak havoc on the US political system.