Earlier this week, after much thought, prayer and a week of relaxation with my wife in the Caribbean, I endorsed Ted Cruz for president.

Some of you are probably asking, "What took you so long?"

Others are wondering why on earth I am not jumping on the Donald Trump Express.

First of all, I don't know that it makes all that much difference whom I endorse for president.

Secondly, I frankly don't like to make endorsements, because there are always those who think my own personal preference will impact WND's coverage of the campaign. Let me assure you, it will not.

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Thirdly, this has become such a bitter campaign of accusations and personal attacks, I was reluctant to climb into the mud pit.

But it's important who the next president will be – very important.

As a matter of fact, it may be a matter of national survival.

Barack Obama has been like a plague on this country for the last eight years, and I'm not sure the word "like" is even necessary. I think he's been a judgment on America – one we deserve. It's going to take a lot of work – and skill – to pull us out of the mess he has intentionally created for this nation he despises and reviles.

On the Democratic side, there are two people vying to replace him who would be as bad or worse. A victory by either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders would seal America's fate as a formerly great nation doomed to cultural and economic suicide.

The two main questions are: Who is best prepared to beat the eventual Democratic nominee, and who is best prepared to roll back the damage inflicted by Obama?

There's no question in my mind it's Ted Cruz. It's my great hope that he will win the nomination and rally the support of Donald Trump and all those who favor him.

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You will not hear me criticize Trump. I agree with him on much of what he says. He's brutally honest. His presence in this race has been healthy for the country. If he should win the nomination, I would enthusiastically support him.

But Ted Cruz has a clearer vision for America. He is dependable based on his life experience and his consistent rhetoric.

He is the antithesis of Obama, Hillary and Sanders. And that's what America needs.

Many have asked me, "What about the question of constitutional eligibility?"

My answer is direct: Obama and the establishment media have made a mockery of the Constitution in many ways, but none more than their attacks on the "natural born citizen" requirement. So much damage was done to that simple clause in the last eight years, I don't believe there's any going back.

You can't even have a serious conversation about the eligibility issue any longer. So be it.

What I do know is that Ted Cruz loves America.

I could never say that about Obama.

The eligibility requirement of the Constitution was intended to protect the nation from foreign corruption, entanglements, intrigue, suspicion and conflicts of interest.

I don't believe anyone in their right mind thinks Ted Cruz has any allegiance to either Canada or Cuba. This guy loves America with all of his heart, mind and soul.

And he's demonstrated that fact with virtually everything he has said and done throughout his life.

When Ted Cruz tells you what he will do as president, you can take that promise to the bank. Why? Because he's consistent. He's committed. He's passionate about America. He always has been. And he always will be.

That's why he is my first choice for president.

Did you like Ronald Reagan? Ted Cruz is the closest we've come to finding his equal in a serious candidate for president since Reagan left office some 27 years ago.

We could do no better in 2016.

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