When this debate was announced, many people in conservative circles questioned the wisdom of having a known liberal like John Harwood moderate for the GOP.

Apparently, it was all a giant setup to allow Ted Cruz to deliver a smackdown of epic proportions.

“The questions that have been asked so far in this debate illustrate why the American people don’t trust the media,” Cruz said. “This is not a cage match.” From there, he listed the questions candidate were asked and said, “How about talking about the substantive issues people care about?”

The crowd erupted in applause.

“The contrast with the Democrat debate,” Cruz continued, “where every fawning question from the media was which of you is more handsome and wise…”

“Let me be clear, the men and women on this stage have more ideas, more experience, more common sense than every participant in the Democratic debate,” Cruz said. “That debate was between the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks.”

“And nobody watching at home believes that any of the moderators have any intention of voting in a Republican primary,” Cruz concluded.

*wipes away tear* THAT was beautiful.

And Cruz is getting plenty of accolades on Twitter.

Biggest loser of this debate isn't JEB. It's MSM.

We've earned this bashing

— Ron Fournier (@ron_fournier) October 29, 2015

Cruz getting his Gingrich on, attacking the media/moderators. Smart and timely.

— Jonah Goldberg (@JonahNRO) October 29, 2015

That was a smackdown for the ages, and it will leave a mark.