MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — Amid a deluge of criticism from Obama administration allies for stepping forward and speaking against the international agreement with Iran regarding nuclear development, New York Sen. Charles E. Schumer is winning praise from unlikely quarters.  

On Friday, Republican presidential hopeful and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz joined the list, applauding the No. 3 Democratic leader for his “bravery.”    

“I think it is fantastic news that Sen. Schumer has come out against the Iranian deal and has done so publicly and early. For several weeks now, I have been saying that I hope we see the re-emergence of Joe Lieberman Democrats, the re-emergence of Scoop Jackson Democrats, the re-emergence of John F. Kennedy Democrats,” Cruz told reporters.  

“They have been an endangered species in the United States Congress, and it is my hope that with Sen. Schumer coming out that he will take a significant role leading and encouraging his fellow Democrats to stand together.”  

Cruz spoke to the press outside a restaurant and bar where he was kicking off a bus tour through the South. During his presentation, Cruz got sustained applause and cheers for committing to terminate the Iran agreement on the first day as president in 2017.  

“For every Democrat, it is a choice whether they will value the national security of the United States, the security of the nation of Israel and the lives of millions of Americans over partisan loyalty to the Obama White House, and I commend Sen. Schumer for making the right choice to stand with his constituents,” Cruz said during the media availability. “I hope he has a lot of company of other Democrats demonstrating similar bravery.”

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