During a speech at the Federalist society today, Senator-Elect Ted Cruz R-Texas explained that it was important for conservatives to campaign on big ideas.

Cruz cited Mitt Romney’s first debate against President Obama as an example, calling it “the one time we actually contested ideas.”

Cruz criticized the “mandarins” in politics who didn’t want Republicans to “rock the boat” or “show any contrast.”

“So by the third debate, I’m pretty certain that Mitt Romney french-kissed Obama,” Cruz said as the crowd laughed and applauded.

Cruz suggested that Republicans erred by trying to have a “personality contest” with President Obama to appease “focus groups in Ohio.”

“Our ideas work,” Cruz said flatly. “Their ideas don’t.”