This week, Politico released on article suggesting that Ted Cruz has lost the trust of his peers, save for libertarian-leaning Mike Lee, who chimed in to his defense. The comments on the article, mostly from liberals who will never agree with a conservative philosophy anyway, resorted to ad hominin attacks. Criticism from the left is to be expected; however, the concerning part of this story is that conservatives and libertarians are voicing their opposition to Cruz fighting the status quo.

The irony? Both camps claim to share the belief that Washington is dysfunctional, and many public opinion polls show that Congress has a single digit favorability rating.

With all this mistrust and disgust, why should we suddenly agree with the “enlightened” opinions of the Republicans and Democrats who support unconstitutional conflicts, government expansion and intrusion in our lives, and the egregious practices of the TSA and NSA? Have we forgotten who the real enemy is?

Cruz wasn’t out of line with his comments on Mitch McConnell and he shouldn’t take heat for being one of the sane voices left in the Senate. Cruz revealed the truth about being lied to by McConnell, and simply held him accountable for his actions. Why is the outrage directed toward Cruz and not McConnell for his dishonesty?

I believe that the Cruz backlash has to do with the following factors culminating over the last few years: 1) Republicans recite the arguments and talking points of the left, 2) they refuse to engage in winning over public opinion even when all the facts are on our side, so, 3) they surrender before the fight even begins, and 4) have lost the ability to identify what true leadership looks like.

The manipulation of the narrative on Capitol Hill and its effect on the public is astounding. We are led into discussions of tactics rather than an investigation into the unethical practices. If Republican leadership isn’t faced with an uproar from conservatives and libertarians who purport to be skeptical of a powerful government, this begs the question: who is watching the overlords?

Regarding the Cruz versus McConnell disagreement, consider that the mainstream media didn’t report on how McConnell deceived fellow Senate members, and why this is problematic. Instead, the headlines reflected the cliché “lone extremist questions the authority figure” approach. The stories were “Ted Cruz Calls McConnell a Liar” when they could have read “McConnell Intentionally Misleads Senate on Transportation Vote.”

Unfortunately, Republicans in Washington have put their tail between their legs and acquiesced to the establishment for years, demonstrating a cowardice that demands an explanation. They have confused outright defeat with compromise, and it’s about time that someone like Cruz has the guts to call it like it is.

People wonder just how ridiculous the political theater is in Congress, and the truth is that you truly have to see it to believe it. When I worked on Capitol Hill in 2011, my perspective on political compromise forever changed. Instead of becoming more tolerant of the process, I became what too many folks are now calling extreme: a genuine fiscal conservative and a civil libertarian.

To offer an example, Michigan Republican Justin Amash routinely questioned his peers on nonsensical amendments and Republican leadership on the deals that always seemed to cater to the terms and conditions of Democrats. He consistently voted against legislation that ran contrary to his beliefs as a fiscal and constitutional conservative, unlike many Republicans who claimed they would do the same, but did the exact the opposite.

Much like Cruz, Amash has been mischaracterized as “fringe” for exposing hypocrisy. The few members of Congress who are upholding their oath to the Constitution are under the greatest assault from liberals, yet it seems some alleged conservatives are joining with the left in calling them “radical.”

Before you think that Republicans are doing what they can to advance conservative principles, remember that we’ve lost on Obamacare, the debt ceiling, defunding Planned Parenthood, and the list goes on and on. How great is our strategy if we lose most battles? Is Ted Cruz the radical, or are Republicans losing their backbone and foolishly taking advice from opponents about how to win?

If we can’t identify want real leadership looks like, we can’t win. We should reward conservatives like Cruz who stick their neck out for our causes at risk of being shamed by an establishment lapdog media. Leaders have to make tough decisions and sacrifices others aren’t willing to make. Most importantly, they hold themselves and others accountable, even if it creates waves.

There’s certain respect that should be given to leaders who are willing to fight unpopular battles against the establishment. Dennis Kucinich went up against his own party when he took a stand against intervention in Libya, reminding Democrats of the beliefs they conveniently forgot. His dissent wasn’t appreciated though, and inevitably he lost his seat in Ohio through redistricting.

It isn’t surprising that Democrats sought to rid the party of someone who stuck to their principles, as it has become a party of worshipping authority. However, if the Republican Party continues down the same path, what will be left? Just as the Democratic Party is no longer a defender of restrained foreign policy, the Republican Party will be devoid of any constitutional principles without its conservative conscience.

Make no mistake. We’re gearing up for an ideological war with Democrats, who will tell people fairy tales about free healthcare and free college while our country lies in financial ruin. What then will be our conservative alternative? Someone who has the courage and the conviction to be honest about what needs to happen for our country to prosper again? Or someone who wants to win a popularity contest through deceit and false promises?

For those who think Cruz is extreme, perhaps you’re forgetting that the party needs a bold conservative — not another McCain or Romney whose nominations were pleasing to progressives. My challenge to conservatives and libertarians is to not be persuaded by the narrative of the left, to keep fighting for our core beliefs, and to understand that a true leader has the fortitude to hold others accountable, no matter how unpopular the outcome.