Ted Cruz Rafael (Ted) Edward CruzLoeffler calls for hearing in wake of Netflix's 'Cuties' Health care in the crosshairs with new Trump Supreme Court list 'Parks and Rec' cast members hosting special reunion to raise money for Wisconsin Democrats MORE said late Thursday that rival Marco Rubio Marco Antonio RubioFlorida senators pushing to keep Daylight Savings Time during pandemic Hillicon Valley: DOJ indicts Chinese, Malaysian hackers accused of targeting over 100 organizations | GOP senators raise concerns over Oracle-TikTok deal | QAnon awareness jumps in new poll Intelligence chief says Congress will get some in-person election security briefings MORE would make a better president than Republican front-runner Donald Trump Donald John TrumpHR McMaster says president's policy to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is 'unwise' Cast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response MORE.

"Marco is not my enemy, Marco and I are friends. Marco and I would both make a much better candidate and a much better president than would Donald," Cruz told CNN's Jake Tapper after Thursday's Republican debate.

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"I like Donald personally. He's a charming guy, although he can turn on you in an instant," Cruz continued. "I think it depends on what side of bed he woke up on."

During Thursday night's debate from Houston, both Cruz and Rubio directed their attacks toward Trump, who is riding high after three consecutive wins, in New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada. The debate comes ahead of Super Tuesday next week, where a dozen states will vote.

Cruz is hoping to fend of Trump in his home state of Texas, which votes on Tuesday.

During the debate the senator hit Trump for past liberal positions, questioning his conservative credentials.

Cruz, though, also jabbed at Rubio on Thursday, suggesting the Florida senator should have gone after Trump sooner this week.

"The only candidate who has ever beaten Trump or who is in a position to do so on Super Tuesday is us," Cruz said.