On Tuesday, Senator Ted Cruz took the floor of the Senate to launch an all-night fake filibuster. His 21-hour marathon speech was arranged in advance, and there was no way it would stop the Senate from voting on a continuing resolution to fund the government. Senator Cruz stayed on the floor all night, without so much as a bathroom break, just to keep himself in the public eye, and to fund-raise for the Republican Party.

Even if Senator Cruz had the support of 60 of his fellow Senators, President Obama would veto the legislation, and it would have no effect on the Medicaid expansion or federal subsidies that will soon help people buy insurance. And, the Texas Republican only has a few allies who support his political ploy. Only a few of his Republican colleagues took to the Senate floor to ask a question, which is a procedural tactic that gave Senator Cruz a short break from speaking.

Most of his party refused to take part in the political theater, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would vote to cut off debate. Even Tea Party-Darling, Senator Rand Paul reminded Senator Cruz that Republicans “don't control all the government.” Waging a 21-hour speech, regardless of the potential outcome, can be an great way to bring attention to an important issue. But, many Americans believe that this all-night political ploy was about nothing more than bringing attention to Senator Ted Cruz.