CLEVELAND - Texas Sen. Ted Cruz isn't scheduled to appear publicly at the Republican National Convention until Wednesday evening. His presence has permeated the convention's opening days anyway.

A raucous confrontation over rules that could have kept hope of an unlikely Cruz nomination alive ended in defeat. The outcome prompted many in his state's delegation to chant angrily from the convention floor.

Cruz's supporters as well as critics say undercurrents in Cleveland are emboldening the senator's band of believers and stoking his 2020 prospects, should Trump lose in November.

So what Cruz says Wednesday during his prime-time convention speech will be closely watched for clues about his presidential ambitions.