While I think it’s great that you want to defend your dad and I agree with your basic point, I also think you’re being a bit naive. Your father didn’t have to attend a Ted Cruz event to understand what Ted Cruz is about. There’s plenty of information out there, including video of his campaign speeches. As you stated, your father won an Oscar in the 70s. He’s been famous for decades. It’s a little late to claim ignorance about how this whole media/celebrity thing works. To suggest that someone of his stature should be able to attend a high-profile political event with tons of media in attendance and not have that same media immediately read into his intentions for being there is just plain silly. Does that make it right? Absolutely not. Furthermore, it’s another example of the serious implications associated with the steady erosion of serious journalism in this country. It’s also a sad statement on the price paid for being a celebrity. Unfortunately, that’s the life your father chose. There are obvious benefits but there are clearly downsides too. The good news is that he also has an intelligent son who’s willing to speak up on behalf of his father. Good for you and even better for him.