Heidi Cruz: 'Strong' marriage and faith will help in 2016 campaign

Heidi Cruz proclaimed herself ready for the intense scrutiny of a presidential campaign.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and his wife sat down Tuesday for their first joint interview on NBC's Today show, a day after he became the first Republican to formally declare his 2016 candidacy.

"Anytime you embark on something that is so much bigger than yourself and your own family, I don't know if you ever feel fully prepared," Heidi Cruz told Matt Lauer. "We have a very strong marriage and incredibly strong family and are guided by our faith. We're ready to see change in this country and we're honored to be part of that."

Cruz is taking a leave of absence from her job as a managing director at Goldman Sachs. She rarely gives interviews and has not been outspoken about politics -- unlike her firebrand husband who is known for his unrelenting beliefs.

There's an axiom in politics that the politician's spouse takes criticism the hardest. Cindy McCain found it tough, as her husband, John, sought the presidency for a second time in 2008 and became the GOP presidential nominee. The 2000 GOP presidential primary was hard enough for her, but then came the rise of political blogs and the scrutiny was even harsher.

McCain's advice to political spouses at the outset of the 2012 campaign: Take time for yourself, get off the trail and recharge.

As for Heidi Cruz, she was ready when Lauer asked her about how she feels about the negative things said about her husband.

"Ted Cruz is someone who tells the truth. He knows what he believes," she said. "It was one of the things that drew me to him."