Demonstrators show support for Obama, Cruz

San Antonio Tea Party member Joe Bissett shows his support for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz as protesters, in back, gather in front of the senator's offices at Port San Antonio, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013. Cruz is seen at the heart of the government shutdown. A small group of pro and anti Cruz gather at the site late Tuesday morning. less San Antonio Tea Party member Joe Bissett shows his support for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz as protesters, in back, gather in front of the senator's offices at Port San Antonio, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013. Cruz is seen at ... more Photo: JERRY LARA, San Antonio Express-News Photo: JERRY LARA, San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Demonstrators show support for Obama, Cruz 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — Groups opposed to the partial shutdown of federal government operations put their frustrations on display Tuesday outside the San Antonio office of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.

What started as a demonstration of support for President Barack Obama became a two-sided affair when tea party activists arrived to speak out on Cruz's behalf.

With Cruz's Port San Antonio office closed, the political street theater played out in front of honking passers-by.

Cruz, R-Texas, remained in Washington, where negotiations are stalled.

“End the tea party shutdown,” said signs carried by several protesters at the gathering promoted by the pro-Obama groups Organizing for Texas and Texas Fair Share.

“I just want to support our president,” said Lydia Moreno, a San Antonio homemaker.

While not directly affected by the furloughs that began Oct. 1, Moreno said she's concerned about the dispute's impact on the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.

“We do spend a lot of money on insurance, and I'm really excited about this health care (plan) that Obama has put out,” she said. Cruz has attempted to defund Obamacare in the budget wrangling.

The dozen Obama supporters had organized their demonstration on social media, which caught the attention of Cruz supporters eager to provide an alternative viewpoint.

Tea party activist George Rodriguez, backed by eight sympathizers, said he's part of a “silent majority” that backs Cruz's stance.

“Ted Cruz is a public servant, and he is listening to us, and he's being demonized for doing what he's supposed to be doing,” Rodriguez said.

“Congress is supposed to keep someone from being a king or an emperor,” said Rodriguez, who toted a “No socialism” sign.

It was the second recent demonstration at Cruz's local office. Earlier this month, furloughed Defense Department workers picketed the same location, without Cruz supporters present.