Ted Cruz: 'Democrats are the party of Lisa Simpson'

William Cummings | USA TODAY

Ay caramba!

During a discussion about gun rights at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference Thursday, Sen. Ted Cruz said, "The Democrats are the party of Lisa Simpson and Republicans are happily the party of Homer, Bart, Maggie and Marge."

Ben Domenech, the publisher of The Federalist, said he knows the Texas Republican is a "big fan" of The Simpsons and he brought up a debate between Homer Simpson and his oldest daughter Lisa from the show's "Cartridge Family" episode.

"Dad, the Second Amendment is just a remnant from revolutionary days," Lisa tells Homer after he says he has a constitutional right to own a gun.

"You couldn't be more wrong, Lisa," Homer replies. "If I didn't have this gun, the king of England could just walk in here anytime he wants and start shoving you around."

Domenech incorrectly said Homer also told Lisa guns were for protecting your family and hunting delicious animals, but those lines were actually from Krusty the Clown, who was chastising Homer for his irresponsible use of his handgun. (Krusty also mentioned guns were for "keeping the king of England out of your face.")

Although Homer clearly would side with Cruz and Domenech on the gun control debate — and several other Republican issues — it is equally clear that Cruz was dead wrong about Marge, who is against buying the gun, refers to the NRA as "gun nuts," and ends up leaving Homer because he lies to her about getting rid of the gun.

One of the show's creators took issue with Cruz's statement.

"Ted Cruz says Maggie Simpson would vote for him," Al Jean said. "I think Ted's the one who could use a pacifier in his mouth."

.@TheSimpsons Ted Cruz says Maggie Simpson would vote for him.

I think Ted's the one who could use a pacifier in his mouth. — Al Jean (@AlJean) February 22, 2018

Jean also said the "way things are going even Mr. Burns is thinking of becoming a Democrat."

.@TheSimpsons The way things are going even Mr. Burns is thinking of becoming a Democrat. — Al Jean (@AlJean) February 22, 2018

.@TheSimpsons Ted they're not saying "boo" they're saying "Cruz". Oh, wait, they are saying "boo". — Al Jean (@AlJean) February 22, 2018

Cruz's argument is not helped by the fact Homer is a horribly irresponsible gun owner. In the episode he:

Threatens to shoot the gun store owner when informed there is a 5-day waiting period.

Points the gun at Marge's head.

Points the gun at his own head.

Shoots a basketball to get it off the roof.

Considers using it to rob a convenience store.

Hides the gun in the refrigerator where Bart finds it and begins to play with it.

Uses the gun to open a can of beer.

Uses the gun to turn on the TV.

Pulls his gun on a robber, only to have the assailant take it from him.

It is also notable that the left-leaning Lisa becomes president in a March 2000 episode, in which she succeeds President Trump, who left the country with "quite a budget crunch."